A powerful and rich film. One of the best of 2009

Rating: Null/10 (3 January 2010)

Up In The Air is a rich film. It is one of those rare films that manages to entertain, make you laugh, make you sad, and one that stays with you after it is over. I say it is that rare film, because although there might be a lot that try to be similar in a way, Up In The Air is the one-of-a- kind film of 2009, and probably the most satisfying experience you will have from 2009.
George Clooney plays Ryan Bingham, a man that goes all around the country firing people from different countries. He meets Alex (played by Vera Farmgia) and both believe they have the same desires for their relationship, and nothing mutual. Ryan is forced to teach Natalie (played by Anna Kendrick) the ropes of the company, after she endangers his chance of achieving a certain number of flier miles. All three of these characters go through circumstances that reveal their true nature and true life. I have never been a big fan of Clooney, I have always thought he plays the same types of characters in all of his films. But in this film, I finally recognize how great of an actor he is. He achieves everything that is required from him, and his subtle expressions and thoughts are perfectly portrayed. I fully appreciate his character transformations now, and how subtle and realistic they are. Vera Farmiga is a natural actress, and she reveals her character to be mysterious and not what we expect her to be. Anna Kendrick is a charmer, and I believe that all three actors deserve to be nominated for Academy Awards. I have only seen one other Jason Reitman film, and that is Juno. While that was a good film, a very good film at times, I found Up In The Air a lot better- more charming, more real. He has incredible writing skill and his direction was very well balanced, and he never over- directs anything or allows it to feel unauthentic.
At the end of the day, Up In The Air makes you think about your own life, and about everyone and everything involved with your experiences. It is one of the best films of 2009