If you have been laid off or Fired, I do not recommend seeing this film...

Rating: 8/10 (13 January 2010)

Well, Jason Reitman's timing couldn't have been better, considering that unemployment is 10% and underemployment is almost twice as much.
With the state of the economy, and the uncertainty of the future, due to the manipulation by the U.S. Government, and their overblown sense of importance, this film accurately depicts the life of Ryan Bingham(George Clooney), and his perception of life.
Ryan a middle-aged traveling "HITMAN", in the sense of a "Turk", a person hired to reduce extra or obsolete workers(that view being seen from the eyes of the Employer), and to terminate their employment, by glib matter of fact dismissing them, and their lives, with a little optimistic pep talk, and a folder (that has ALL of their answers.) Compensation and stuff. Nothing like a folder to sum up your life's value and dreams. Being on the road over 254 days a year, has added a few miles to Ryan, although he is in somewhat of a denial. Subplots include Alex Goran(Vera Farmiga), a casual relationship that reflects the emptiness in Ryan's life. Enter Natalie Keener(Anna Kendrick) starry eyed college grad top of her class, who has been hired by the same company Ryan works for, to reduce waste, by eliminating the travel of the "Hitman" and eliminating people from their employment by firing them thru the use of computer screens. Reducing costs and validity are a BIG part of this film. Actually the value and meaning of life are the main themes, and are understated in each of the characters. Questions like, are you your job, and what are the sum of your parts. Ryan is also a part-time motivational speaker, who gets top dollar by telling people that in order to experience life, you must rid themselves of all emotional and physical baggage. Wow, of course when the single but social Ryan reflects on his mortality, he decides to change course, with dramatic consequences. While there are ALLOT of laughs, the new Electronic but Sterile society reflects the diminishing value of loyalty. The greater the technological achievements the less connection between people, ironic, isn't it.
So, while the film doesn't deliver a deep and powerful emotional impact, it does make us stop and think about the people we are, and what makes us human. Clooney does another fine job, as well as the rest of the actors. He is sensitive, without being melodramatic.
I thought for what it's worth, the film delivers the message that people need to remain connected, even in an age of disconnection.
This film is number 9, in every film with a title of "Up In The Air." A worthy effort, but don't expect a huge emotional impact, but realize that you are important, and don't need a folder to validate your life.
I gave the film a rating of 8. Running time 149 minutes.