Up In The Air -- Review

Traveling during the holidays is always an activity that I dread. The long lines, the screaming children, the hungry children, the fighting couples, the obstinate teens. And then once you are on the plane, train and/or automobile you find yourself stuck next to the crying baby sitting in front of a child throwing a temper tantrum who finds it entertaining to repeatedly kick the back of your seat. Yes we have all had the luxury of traveling "in style", giving dirty looks to those with their rewards cards who get to jump the line, with their business or first class status. Yes, we give them the evil eye as they walk past us without a care in the world because they will be the ones riding comfortably to their destination. Well, we may start looking at those people a little
differently now.
Up in the Air is a film that rides a thin line between comedy and drama. It is an adaptation of the Walter Kirn novel of the same name, but tells the story of Ryan Bingham in a slightly different aspect. In the film George Clooney play his usual "swave guy" in the film, however he works for a company that fires people so there is a bit of a love hate relationship that is felt for his character. Watching him play "the lonely man" is also a slightly new thing. Now granted there is a love interest for him, but the twists and turns that he must go through in this discovery may actually shock you by the end of the film. Playing along side Clooney is the beautiful Vera Farmiga who's quick wit will have you laughing over the use of double entendres during her conversations regarding elite statuses with Clooney's character. Anna Kendrick, who most will know from the Twilight Saga, plays the young co-worker Natalie Keener. Many may not know that she comes from a background on Broadway, including even being one of the youngest nominated for a Tony Award, which I believe has given her a leg up in the acting world. She easily gave Clooney a run for his money when they were on screen together because I was never able to take my eyes off the young actress. Having only really seen her in the Twilight films, I wasn't sure how she was going to hold up, but damn was she impressive.
Up in the Air keeps you grounded in what is happening today. Updating the 2001 novel to fit in with the economic world we are currently facing and some times making the film feel rather depressing because only recently did we, being that you or someone you know, who recently was let go from their job. Amidst the lay-offs we get humor and "real life people". We get to watch them as they go through the normal ups and downs of life. We also see things that some of us are blind to noticing. But in the end the film has true spirit. It touches us in the same way that our friends and family do, reminding us that if times get tough we do have someone there that can help us make it through.

So if you want to brave the skies above check out the film. George Clooney and Anna Kendrick are fun to watch on screen, and the bit part played by comedic actor Jason Bateman will only add to the fun of this film. Also be on the look out for cameo appearances by Zach Galifianakis and Sam Elliott. So go redeem some of your sky miles and check out this film.