Movie Review: “Up in the Air”

4 out of 5 Stars

Directors, actors, writers … They are all artists, asking questions about the human condition.  ”What does it mean to be a good person?  When is it acceptable to be a bad person?”  Despite what big-budget sludge like Transformers 2 and G.I. Joe would have you believe, movies are supposed to give us little glimpses into what it means to live a good life.  ”Up in the Air” is the latest film that, in my opinion, does just that.

Ryan Bingham (George Clooney) lives in airports and planes – not literally, but he might as well.  His job keeps him in the air for over 250 days per year as he criss-crosses America, being paid to fire people whose bosses couldn’t do it themselves.  When bright young woman Natalie Keener (Anna Kendrick) threatens his flighty lifestyle by suggesting his job be done via video conferencing instead of in-person, Ryan brings her out on the road with him – in an effort to prove his worth.  What follows is a painful, heartfelt and poignant story of an isolated man who is, as the film’s marketing says, “waiting to make a connection”.

I don’t know that I’ve been as emotionally impacted by a dramatic comedy since “Juno”, which is a testament to director Jason Reitman, who also helmed that production.  By giving Ryan Bingham a charming personality but also a very tangible psychological need, Reitman uses the silver screen as a mirror – causing us to wonder whether or not our own lives are as empty as Bingham’s.  Sure, some of the dialogue is stilted and heavy-handed – Reitman really wants to make sure we “get it” – and the film stumbles occasionally due to some inconsistent pacing, but these are but minor squabbles with a production that is otherwise expertly crafted.  The cinematography is bold, the editing is snappy and the music is sublimely perfect.  The ending will make your heart skip a beat.  I promise.

I think this is because I first saw him as Batman, but George Clooney’s appeal has always eluded me.  But now I get what all the fuss is about.  He carries “Up in the Air” on his very capable shoulders and punctuates it with that smile that the ladies love so much.  Anna Kendrick nails her supporting role as Natalie Kenner, especially when her character loosens up and allows the actress to have some fun.  Vera Farmiga isn’t in her usual perfect form here, but she’s very close.

Something I love about the way I watch movies is that I’m still surprised by twists. Most of my friends can see them coming a mile away, even the tricky ones.  Not me.  And I like it that way.  I hope you’re like me, because the twists really are a nice touch.  Another device that screenwriters Jason Reitmen and Sheldon Turner use with precision is the setting up and paying off of themes and dialogue.  There are few things as satisfying as when the third act of a movie rolls around and you see sprinkles of “PAID OFF!” methodically bursting from the screen as every new scene rolls around.  Well done.

Up in the Air isn’t getting the heck ton of fanfare it deserves because everybody’s going to see Avatar and Sherlock Holmes instead.  That’s fine – those flicks are fun for munching on popcorn, being astounded visually and enjoying peppy one-liners.  But if you’ve got another ten bucks kicking around, do whatever is in your power to see one more movie this week … Up in the Air will make your heart soar.

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francy