Up in the Air
I really enjoy Jason Reitman’s films, because they avoid Hollywood endings while maintaining the accessibility of a Hollywood film. It’s nice to see a challenge to the gift-wrap endings that the majority of audiences are used to.
George Clooney plays what else–an elder gentleman with charm and grace–and as tired as this has theoretically become, it works. Let me say that the highlight of the film is Danny McBride (East Bound and Down, Hot Rod, The Foot Fist Way, Pineapple Express, All the Real Girls…think I’m a fan?) who plays a relatively subdued character when compared to his typical, abrasive character.
Not to spoil things too much, but the film provides a not-so-happy ending, but like I said before–it’s refreshing. I saw the film with my family (grandmother aka “Nanny” included) and they all seemed to seem slightly perplexed by the film. They said, “It was sad,” and my dad did not seem to be that thrilled with it; however, this morning he brought up the film and we talked about it for a solid five minutes. I think this conversation is great, because it means the film was not merely a minor distraction but stuck with the audience (or at least my dad) once they walked out of the theater.
“Everywhere I look, I see comedy… often where it is inappropriate. For me that’s the best way to talk about things. If we can open up and laugh about things, then we can have a honest conversation.”
-Jason Reitman from /Film
I really recommend it. If you liked Juno or Thank You for Smoking, then you’re going to like this one. Jason Reitman is pretty damn consistent.
Trailer Here:
Tags: jason reitman, Movies, review, up in the air
i agree. the subject matter was apropos, especially during these “tough economic times.” the film worked on a level of pathos that sort of pissed me off at times, though. but then again the point of a good movie is to strike a heart chord and give you a good nape-tingling. definitely liked it overall.