Up in the Air

Up in the Air is a film with very little plot.  I would be tempted to label it mainstream mumblecore for the masses, but it is a bit too coherent for that.  Adapted from the 2001 novel by the same name, this heavily awarded film stars perpetually old George Clooney as Ryan, a man who spends most of his life flying from place to place firing people for a living.  I'm not positive if this type of job actually exists, but it seems like a stressful career.  Ryan seems to enjoy his lifestyle though, regaling in the fact that he doesn't need to actually have a home, hopping from one plane to another, city to city, hotel to hotel, living out of his suitcase and leaving all other baggage - physical and metaphorical - behind.  He meets Alex (Vera Farmiga) who seems to be a female version of himself and they kick off a lusty casual relationship determined by when their travel plans cross paths.  Life is great until he is partnered with Natalie Keener (relative newcomer, Anna Kendrick), a representative of a younger generation who is "keen" on revamping, updating, and altogether upsetting the system Ryan is so happy with.

Throughout the film, the themes of life, love, companionship, and family are all obviously explored as the three open up to each other and experience various experiences.  There are tears, laughter, and frustration aplenty with some insight thrown in for good measure.  One of the more touching parts of the movie is Ryan's sister's (Melanie Lynskey) wedding where Rose Julie and her fiance seem to teach him some valuable lessons that later apparently were worthless.

I'm not sure why George Clooney got a best actor nod for this role since really he's just playing himself once again, insanely comfortable in his gracefully aged skin.  Lynskey is a name being thrown around a bit as a talented up-and-coming and it's easy to see why.  She's enjoyable to watch and brings something real to the table.

Like most offbeat films, this one is not really what the trailers seemed to portray it as, but that's ok this time because I actually liked what it ended up being.  What it ends up being is a film that is a slice of unusual life that's mostly enjoyable to watch.  It's quirky, kind of sweet and kind of depressing.  Watch it.

**** (4/5 stars)