After getting Oscar attention for JUNO, director Jason Reitman (Son of legendary film maker Ivan Reitman) turns to this adaptation of Walter Kirn's comic novel. Academy Award-winner George Clooney stars as Ryan Bingham, a businessman on the verge of reaching ten million frequent flyer miles when his company decides to cut back on travel. But his goal isn't the only thing just out of reach: he now won't be able to see a fellow frequent traveler (THE DEPARTED's Vera Farmiga) who has caught his eye.
Starring: George Clooney, Vera Farmiga, Anna Kendrick, Melanie Lynskey
Director and Adapted writer: Jason Reitman
I am a tad late to catch on to the buzz, around this Christmas film release. With the Oscars two weeks off, I thought I might see some of the best of the rest.
As you might know, I am reluctant to review films based on telling the story line. Nothing frustrates me more than to read a review which is packed full of spoilers. I prefer to review elements of the film, and let you discover where the film takes you and how. To start with, I am going to buy this film when it becomes available. I do not make it a habit on buying films; I only own possibly ten titles. I guess you can presume what is going to follow to how I felt about the movie overall.
The cinematic delight really sets a fine base for frequent travelers, and how one might find it be best to travel, if you must or choose to do so often. The release of this movie in the economic times we are in, with the unemployment woes of so many, is perfectly suited to affect most everyone who might view it. If you wait till it goes on Netflix, I suggest you piggyback the viewing of “Falling Down” with Michael Douglas for the prefect twin billing.
Let me start by saying, these films do not take the same path or have the same feel.
Jason Reitman is perfectly suited to direct his written adaptation of the book of the same name written by Walter Kirn. Mr. Kirn is a writer of some note, which Wiki, can best explain if you are curious. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Kirn
Reitman’s direction of the cast, in witty, amusing, or serious interchanges has equally exceptional delivery. His ability to toggle back and forth or up and down through the story line is just seamlessly smooth. He gets the most of out all the central figures and is masterful in the pace and direction of the entire story line.
George Clooney is simply superior in playing this central role, much like his stunning performance in the film “Michael Clayton”.
All other actors and actresses are well done and adeptly carried out. No one seemed out of place, or to obstruct the storyline and its unfolding success.
I enjoyed the backpack story and ones view of how we might construct and carry out our lives. You cannot help but to examine your take on this segment of the film.
In my final analysis, “Up in the Air” is well constructed, played out, and then finally executed to its final destination, to date, my best film of the year.
