After a weekend of fantasy and adventure (Avatar and Sherlock Holmes), we get a real taste of reality in “Up in the Air”. Almost too much reality…Starring George Clooney, Vera Famiga, Anna Kendrick. George Clooney plays, Ryan Bingham, a traveling “termination” consultant hired to fire. As he travels the U.S. with termination packets in hand, he prides himself in his miles, perks and no-roots relationships. Anna Kendrick is the newby hired by Jason Bateman to bring technology and efficiency to the process of elimination. She does a great job portraying the rookie with all the head knowledge but very little real life experience. So, in order to learn the ropes, she travels with Clooney to observe the firing process first-hand. Vera Famiga does a beautiful job as she plays another traveling professional who meets Ryan in the VIP lounge at the airport, and they start an “on the road” string of one-night-stands.
This film is engaging, funny and thought-provoking. If you’re like me, you will come away with new perspectives on your life, your job, and your priorities. I’m not sure it’s the “best film of 2009″ as it is being acclaimed, but it’s a good experience to be had. Grab some popcorn and chew on this one a while. Oh, and if you have a job, give thanks.
