One of the best movies of the year? It's up there

Rating: 8/10 (5 December 2009)

If you think "Up in the Air" is about laying people off, you're only half-right. It's really about learning how to connect with people and the even tougher goal of learning to care about people. It's a feel-good movie about dealing with feel-bad stuff, and not to mention a solid charmer with lots of laughs, heartbreaking poignancy, and terrific performances.
George Clooney plays Ryan Bingham, a hired gun for companies too spineless to fire their own employees. He enjoys his solitary life and considers planes and hotel rooms home, but a new business plan thought up by 20-something new-hire Natalie (Anna Kendrick) and meeting a fellow frequent flier, Alex (Vera Farmiga), both leave him putting his theories of life and love into question.
Director-writer Jason Reitman offers unique ideas and funny lines about everything from the internet age, new view of feminism, the modern-day version of love, and traveling (one terrific scene has Clooney and Farmiga showing off gold-club cards). Clooney gives a smooth talking, confident, and comforting performance. He's also a romantic lead in the mold of a Cary Grant-type. If he doesn't get the Oscar, he should at least get some thank you notes from HR departments around the country. Farmiga has a very sexy chemistry with him (and not to mention a perfect ass) but sadly doesn't get much to do besides being the love interest. Still, this is many steps above "Orphan." And Kendrick's youthful innocence and naiveté is well played, proving to be a voice of reason and someone in-over-her-head at different points. Jason Bateman also shows up (as Clooney's boss) sporting a really horrible beard. It looks like someone smeared Nutella all over his face. Minor quibbles aside though, this is Reitman's best movie yet. It finds humor, heart, and inspiration when dealing with times of uncertainty, while always keeping it real with some nice twists. It's the best romantic comedy this year by far. So suck-it every other romantic comedy this year!