Well worth a viewing

Rating: 9/10 (5 January 2010)

This is one of the most timely movies I've seen in my life (I write as my own company approaches more layoffs at the beginning of 2010) so I went thinking it should be required viewing before returning from my holiday vacation. It was entertaining, sometimes even painful to witness, but mostly I came away with something useful (my own script should I be downsized).
I've since talked with others who've seen the film and the reviews seem to divide into two categories: - if you've been fired or downsized, it can be uncomfortable emotionally to watch the film, it's as though you're re-traumatized because you're living other's version of what you've already been through (while that's the case with any film you watch there is something about job loss that really shakes people to their core) - if you are in fear you'll be downsized, it can be reassuring, you come away with a script you can use - and - you realize that this one single job isn't the only thing life has to offer
Most definitely worth your time and your movie dollar.
Spoiler: Minus one star, at least, for a deceptive plot twist that doesn't really fit the character of Alex (shame on Reitman, don't hoodwink audiences thinking we won't notice, we do).