Up in the Air

True, there were moments that seemed a bit forced, but overall, I found this movie quite enjoyable. It made me ponder a bit, yet at the same time, it's not a requirement as you can also just switch off your mind and relax. However, this film is far from mindless; if you pay attention, it has something to say. It avoids being cheaply pathetic, though there are moments that may lean in that direction, and it doesn't try to deceive the viewer with a contrived happy ending. Today, I genuinely enjoyed it, and the chemistry between George Clooney and Vera Farmiga significantly contributed to that. / Lesson learned: Sometimes it's genuinely challenging to keep both feet on the ground and not have your head in the clouds. (14/07/2022)

Despite my initial expectations, I was pleasantly surprised by this film. An original premise, a well-developed script, a nice soundtrack. The young Anna Kendrick was a great balance with the mature Vera Farmiga, and George Clooney, whom I don't like much, was quite good. Probably not the movie of the year, but it's nice to watch and a nice diversion. (21/02/2010)

The same old story. Reitman makes one movie after another, but he just can’t achieve the quality of his shorts. And here it is even worse because the entire time I couldn’t shake off the feeling that this is an Americanized variation (and I don’t mean that pejoratively, just it’s been adapted to the American way of life, the mood in society etc.) on last year’s Japanese Oscar winner. Unfortunately I get the feeling from this that it isn’t nearly as sincere as intentional, criminally dry and almost too “serious". (10/01/2010)

When odes to Juno were being sung, I hung silently at the back. But when praises for Up in the Air were sung, I had to be heard from the front rows. George Clooney showcases his most natural side a good couple of years, Jason Reitman's script elevates the concept of "life truth", and that treacherously realistic ending still doesn't let me sleep. The overall impression draws you in so comprehensively that neither side can boo: lovers of people with a pleasant everyday feeling of a warmed home will have their share, as will the chronic travelers who may become unsure whether it really makes sense to start returning somewhere. Calm, intelligently warm certainty. (28/02/2010)

A very charismatic movie about an even more charismatic guy who fires people from their jobs. He calls things by their real names, does exactly what he's supposed to do, and handles every (verbal) situation gallantly. I really like movies about people who have something in their heads... Plus I found the plot very original, no clichés. Really thought out. George Clooney, once again I applaud you! (31/10/2010)