Very Good Dramedy

Rating: 8/10 (27 January 2010)

George Clooney is a man who likes to star in light-hearted films, such as From Dusk till Dawn, the Ocean Series, Burn After Reading and The Men Who Stare at Goats. With his latest film Up in the Air he has possibly made his best comic film and Jason Reitman is showing himself to be a director who outshine his father's success.
Up in the Air tells the story of Ryan Bingham (George Clooney), a man whom job is sack large numbers of people for companies who are too scared to do it. He enjoys his job, allowing him to flight all over America. He is such a regular user of American Airways and Hilton Hotels that he has rewards schemes that most people can't access. He aims to be the seventh ever person to gain 10 Million Airmiles. He also acts as a motivational speaker, and believes that most people don't need many belongings. On his travels he meets Alex (Vera Farmiga), a follow traveller and the two form a friendship and causal relationship. But Ryan's livelihood as he knows it is under threat when a recent graduate of Cornell University Natalie (Anna Kendrick). Natalie notes the high cost of sending people across the country to sack people, and suggests using video conferencing technology and do the firing from the head office. Ryan obviously doesn't want to loose the jet-setting live style, but he also believes that his job needs a personal touch, and needed people with tough characters and experience. Their boss (Jason Bateman) pair the two off. Both try and show that their way is better and Natalie soon see that Ryan's live is really quite lonely, but he is happy with it.
The film has a simple theme, that a jet-setting lifestyle can be very lonely. Ryan doesn't have an real friends, he is distance from his family and his home in Omaha is somewhere he hates. All he lives for is travelling and his job. He doesn't even see the sights. He only has causal relationships, but Alex could be his way out. The other is the film has a lot to say about the recession, with a lot of people loosing their jobs across America, and company either going out of business and downsizing. Cities live Detriot are really suffering because of the downturn in the manufacturing. As well, many people who are sack have been are often older and finding a new career path will be difficult.
What makes this film what is that it has a very witty script, with good natural lines and jokes, making this a more low key comedy. This is the type of comedy films Hollywood should be making more of. It appeals to a clever audience, who listen to the film and not watching for something visual. Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner write a fine script and I am sure their was some ad-libbing that helped. There is also real heart and emotion, allowing the characters to grow and see into each other's worlds. Ryan does grow into a more likable character. Reitman offer a very even handed approach of directing, mixing the humour and serious effectively. He has some stylist moments, but those are few and fair between. Despite the airborne nature of the film, Reitman direction is grounded.
The cast is great in this film. Clooney offers one of his best comedic performances, and brings real depth to his character. He has wonderful comedic timing and is also able to show the serious nature of his character. The talented Vera Farmiga was also very good, bringing in a down-to-earth humour to her character. Anna Kendrick, best known for her role in the Twilight films, shows that she is a woman to lookout for in the future: she too shows herself an fine comedic performer. There is also an excellent support cast, such as comedic veterans like Jason Bateman and Melanie Lynskey, even some big actors who have cameos.
An excellent, witty little film.