What new ground can I cover about Up in the Air?

Had I done some research, perhaps I could answer that question.

Instead, I’ll just provide my unbiased thoughts—unencumbered by popular opinion.

Frankly, I think Up in the Air is exceptional. The narrative doesn’t run too long, never bores, and consistently feels smart.

The footage looks competent. The editing works fine. Moreover, the film manages to combine a touch of humor with sharp dialogue and a level of honesty bordering on brutal.

Every few months or so, I stumble across another great movie starring George Clooney. And it’s always a knockout performance. I refuse to check his filmography, mostly because I enjoy the surprise of discovering great films starring G.C.

With the exception of one irksome piece of acting, this film fires on nearly all cylinders.

So naturally, if you like movies, I highly recommend Upin Thair. However, it doesn’t offer satisfaction across the board.

The rest of this review contains spoilers, so get out while you still can!

One reason I admire it is the risk it takes with the ending.

Is it depressing? Wildly.

Is our protagonist enviable? Probably not.

Is it realistic? Regrettably, yes.

Many motion pictures end with a sigh of relief. But every now and then, we need a boat to get lost in a storm.

The credit card scene? Spectacular.

And how about Vera Farmiga, huh? What an outstanding performance as Georgie’s wandering love interest.

In contrast, Anna Kendrick gives some equally unexceptional acting. The moment she cries? Easily the worst in the entire movie. Thankfully, a solid scene follows shortly after.

I also like how, ultimately, Kendrick’s character does something that strays outside the usual narrative blueprint. Cloondog avoids his feelings for a justifiable reason. Kendrick, the catalyst, causes him to change—but this transformation, in the end, isn’t a good thing.

Even so, do they ever address the implication? Is Clooney lying when Jason Bateman asks him about the woman who kills herself?

Personally, I don’t love the scene where Clooney reassures Danny McBride—the groom with cold feet.

My final criticism deals with the firing sequences. I don’t believe the job entails as much direct animosity toward the individual hired to carry it out. In the montage where the film shows several employees being let go, the scenes feel repetitive. The “How do you sleep at night?” line shows up too many times.

Nevertheless, man—I enjoy Up in the Air.

★★★ ★★★ ★★★

Briefer takes at IMDb & Letterboxd.

For more Clooney read The Descendants.