Movie Review: Best Picture Nominee Up in the Air (10 of 10)

Up in the Air was released in theatres on December 4th, and is coming to DVD on March 9th. You can read our full reviews here, below are excerpts of our reviews.

________________________________

Up in the Air Review By John C.

**** (out of 4)

On the surface, audiences might see this film is an enjoyable romantic-comedy. The truth is, it is funny. On the flip side, though, it’s a thought provoking, powerful and moving meditation on our times.

Real people lose their jobs, and what may be harder to remember is that the people firing them are also human. They do what they do for a living, and shelter themselves from the real world perhaps because they aren’t proud of being the bearers of bad news. Ryan takes comfort in the world of loyalty programs and one night stands, almost afraid to connect, because he knows best of all that with one surprise trip to the office it can all be over. The false loyalty of the airports won’t go away, as long as he continues to fly. He’s constantly connecting with people, but never actually making connections.

_____________________________________________

Up in the Air Review By Erin V.

**** (out of 4)

I loved the movie Up In The Air. It is a very powerful film that gives you something real and important to think about. It was nice to see that some of the people in the movie playing those who've lost their job are people that actually have gone through downsizing. All of the acting in the film is great, and the music fits well, as do the songs, (which are unfortunately not eligible for Best Song at the Oscars). All three of Jason Reitman's directed films thus far, (Thank You For Smoking, Juno, and Up In The Air), I have really liked. They all are shot in a quiet, subtle, and touching way.

Up In The Air is high up on my top 10 list of this year, and I hope to see it pick up some awards at the Oscars. Everything about this movie makes it worth seeing.

_____________________________________________

Up in the Air Review By Nicole

**** (out of 4)

Up in the Air is a funny and touching movie with a good message about relationships.

I really liked Up in the Air. Everything about this movie worked for me. The acting, the score, the screenwriting, and the cinematography all fit together perfectly. The story is timely, in a world of recession, where greed and personal gain is rampant.

_____________________________________________

Up in the Air Review By Maureen

**** (out of 4)

Up in the Air is an intelligent and funny movie with a heart. The scenes where clients are being layed off are touching and believable. Director Jason Reitman has taken a difficult and timely topic and brought it to our attention in a light-hearted yet serious manner.

Having gone through a corporate downsizing many years ago, Up in the Air had meaning for me. What makes this film so likable is the witty dialogue and the excellent cast.

_____________________________________________

Up in the Air Review By Tony

**** (out of 4)

Up In The Air is Jason Reitman’s third and best film to date. Like his other movies, it handles a dark subject with great wit and charm, exemplified by George Clooney and the rest of the cast. So many brilliant elements make it a strong contender for the year’s best film.

The inspired decision in the firing scenes to enrich the scripted professional cast with a number of really fired people improvising their actual responses provided some of the most moving moments in the film.

_____________________________________________

Consensus: From the acting, directing and writing, Up in the Air is an impeccable film. Though it is sadly no longer the front runner for Best Picture, it will likely win a very deserved Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay. **** (Out of 4)