Outstanding Performances for an Original Story

Rating: 8/10 (9 March 2010)

I was impressed with Anna Kendrick's display of emotions and sense of identification with the character of an ambitious, workaholic, young business counselor who is trying to demonstrate her new proposed methods to fire people in a specialized company of labor contract's terminations. And the professional and emotional confrontation with the experienced field man who doesn't agree with her ideas but who will have to teach her if he wants to remain in his position and not end on "the other side of the desk". The opposed perspectives to life and values from both characters enriches the story with delightful dialogs and situations.
George Clooney evolves from his ever-played role of successful- rich guy, providing this time a thoughtful performance that reminds me in a way, the sadness expressed by actor Will Smith in the 'Seven Pounds' drama from some time ago. You can feel the emptiness of his existence when he smiles to acknowledge his fortunate up-in-the-air life which has also caused the coldness from his closest family members. Also memorable are the scenes of disappointment after finding out the status of his new like-alike lover or the conversation he had with his soon to be brother in law.
As per Vera Farmiga's adaptation to a similar character of the one played by Clooney, we have to agree on the fact that the acting is the most valuable part of this film along with the originality and prevalence of the topic. Not only fixes well under the current economics' circumstances but delivers a positive message as well, where the attitude towards negative events can help us to find out ways to overcome and strengthen our weaknesses. There were some less interesting shoots and maybe the script concluded a little way too loose from the original point of start, but seeing the complete work, we must admit that was good movie material treated masterfully by its crew.