Up in the Air

Director:
Jason Reitman

Writers:
Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner

Cast:
George Clooney as Ryan Bingham
Vera Farmiga as Alex Goran
Anna Kendrick as Natalie Keener

Released: 2009
Studio: Paramount
Box Office: $83,517,859 (as of 3/16/10)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 90%
IMDB Score: 7.9

Format: DVD

This is a movie about the art of firing people, but it’s also about so much more than that. It’s about finding out what are the important things in your life. Ryan Bingham is a “termination facilitator”, which means he gets hired by a company to come in and do their downsizing for them. He doesn’t decide who gets let go, he just gives them the news and sends them on their way.

He spends most of his time on airplanes or in hotels. Specifically American Airlines planes and Hilton Hotels. He is a very loyal customer and a member of their most exclusive clubs. He is on a mission to join another very exclusive club. The American Airlines 10 million miles club. His whole life revolves around getting those miles. One might think that his life is very lonely. He doesn’t see it that way. He gives motivational speeches about “unpacking life’s backpack”. About removing all unnecessary ties to people and possessions that just tie you down.

Along his travels, he meets another person like him. Alex becomes his one connection, his one item in the backpack that he doesn’t want to get rid of.

His life becomes threaten when the new college graduate in his company tries to revolutionize his job. She introduces video conferencing. His life is suddenly grounded. Ryan convinces his boss to let him take Natalie on the road to learn the ropes.

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this film. It is very smartly written, perfectly cast, and superbly acted. I would highly recommend this to anyone.

Favorite Performance:
Anna Kendrick as Natalie Keener

Favorite Quote:
Ryan Bingham: Never get behind old people. Their bodies are littered with hidden metal and they never seem to appreciate how little time they have left. Bingo, Asians. They pack light, travel efficiently, and they have a thing for slip on shoes. Gotta love ’em.
Natalie Keener: That’s racist.
Ryan Bingham: I’m like my mother, I stereotype. It’s faster.

Grade:
A-