So this is the last in the three movies that I was looking forward to at the end of 2009 (the other two being Bad Lieutenant and Avatar). It's hard to say which movies I enjoyed more because they're all so different, but I can confidently say that I enjoyed all three. Also of the three, this movie is the most realistic when it's all said and done.Up In The Air tells a story about Ryan Bingham, who flies all over America firing people. Laying people off is such a tough thing to do that companies that need to do so hire people like Ryan. It becomes reflective as Ryan sees his own life of isolation at odds compared to the lives of those around him.
It's apt that he has such a hollow and thankless job which parallels his own life. Because he's on the road for 250+ days of the year, his own life is quite hollow; with no stable relationships, weakened family ties and no friendships in sight. In fact the first time we see his apartment, I was kind of shocked. Up until that moment, we see Ryan flying around all over the states, well dressed, well groomed and sharp with his tongue, and I guess I assumed he would have a luxurious home to back that up. But when we finally get to see his home, it hits us; he has a place to stay, but he doesn't really have a home.
I really loved this movie. It was not only contemplative for the character Ryan, but the whole time I was comparing the different philosophies and situations to my own life. It really made me think about my own career search and relationships with people. It wasn't that I could 100% relate to the characters, but they pose questions that are still relevant in my own life. Besides horror, these are the movies I like best; one's that will make me think.
This was another terrific performance by George Clooney. In some ways, his role as Ryan is similar to his own life, being a jet setting, bachelor playboy. Sometimes it's crazy to think that this was once the man from Return of the Killer Tomatoes, but it just attributes to his awesomeness (I can pretend Batman & Robin didn't exist... wait, who am I kidding, that movie sucked ass and he was part of the problem). *ahem* Up in the Air!
And though he was only in it for a small part (mostly in cardboard cut out form at that), it a pleasure to see Danny McBride, my cinematic hero, in a not so over the top role.
This is the third major feature film by Jason Reitman (the first two being Thank You For Smoking and Juno) and I'd say of the three, this was certainly the best. Not to say that the other two weren't great, but this one just seemed more solid because the characters were more grounded. In Juno, the characters were in some sort of pseudo-reality with everyone talking like they were straight out of a comic strip or something, while in Smoking, Aaron Eckhart's character was nothing short of a superhero for the tobacco industry. Up in the Air was filled with more grounded characters with real emotions which made it easier to relate to. The script was also full of sharp dialogue and smart humour, although I'd say of the three, this one keeps the funny moments less blatant.
Lastly, some sad news to report. My close friends are probably more familiar with my baggy friend pictured above. Yes, this very bag went through 6 refills unscathed by the employees at Cineplex. However, the 7th refill attempt would spell doom for my friend... doom in the mark of an X. Yes, my bag finally got the dreaded "mark of death" sealing its last refill. *sigh*. Perhaps it was all for the better. I mean, it was getting pretty dilapidated and gross inside. Well, we had a good run buddy. You saved me more than $40. And you were with me for Up in the Air and really, that's all I could of asked for.Such a somber note to end on. Later geeks.
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