Up in the Air

Jason Reitman showed that it's possible to film a romance that doesn't necessarily have the ending you expect, and he set the whole thing in the environment of airports. It’s about a person who spends most of their life in airplanes, airport terminals, and various hotel rooms. Yet he is happy because he has a job (even if it involves firing others) and perhaps love (even though he sees her very rarely). Or perhaps everything is just a little bit different after all. It’s beautiful, even though some people can be horrible. (07/04/2014)

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! (01/11/2010)

I’d like to fly one day. These days it sounds almost ridiculous, but I’ve never ever flown anywhere. But that feeling of abandonment and freedom that flying represents is so tempting for me... and Ryan Bingham lives in the clouds. It’s hard not to envy him. He has a super job that he enjoys (I liked that too) and it allows him to fly here, there and everywhere. But the day came when he couldn’t and his life begins to change. I’ve seen thousands of sentimental movies about life, but why is Up In The Air so much better? Is it the dry lines, the pleasant actors or the atmosphere? Maybe all of that and maybe it’s because each one of us can find a part of themselves in this story. Credit carders, glues or diligent workers. Luckily, Jason Reitman doesn’t stay at everything being cool and fine, but he shows the other side of the coin too. People losing their jobs. That’s what it’s all about. You have to be able to balance everything and Reitman did a perfect job of it. Imagine for a second that you're carrying a backpack... (22/02/2010)

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)