Is it the movie of the year? Not really in my eyes, but it’s still a real good flick with depth. I gave this film 4 reels just because of the clever story, quick-witted dialogue, unique characters and savvy actors, but I’d be completely fine waiting to see it on DVD someday. Sometimes it’s just like that. And I can't go by all the hype around the film.

Up in the Air is about Ryan Bingham (George Clooney, Men Who Stare at Goats) who fires people he doesn’t know from their jobs. He’s hired to give these people the axe because their employers are too spineless to do it themselves. Ryan spends most of his time at airports and in the air. He lives a life of a loner and has set a major goal of earning 10 million frequent flyer miles. He loves his job and way of life, but all of his desires are in jeopardy when his boss gives him the dreadful news that they have possibly found a new and more cost-efficient way for his employer to lay people off for their clients. With this news, Ryan and his fellow hatchet colleagues are told to come off the road and possibly upsetting Ryan's total way of life.

I don’t think any of the actors did anything out of the ordinary of acting to pull an Oscar, but you best believe one or if not all of them will be nominated. I don’t get what the Academy looks for. When I think of an Oscar winning performance I think of being moved to my core. I’m talking chills, eyeballs wide open and hairs on the back of my neck standing at attention. I didn’t feel any of that with the characters and performances by the actors in this picture. I guess the Academy would kick me out if I had the pleasure of voting.

Sure, Vera Farmiga (Orphan) who plays Alex did a fine job as she always does. I think any other polished actress could have acted out the parts too. Frankly, I think she did better in the little dark film, Running Scared and Orphan. So, I just don't get it.

My husband always goes back to Denzel Washington's role as John Q. Every time he wonders why there is always so much buzz about a specific actor getting nominated for what seems to be a basic acting gig, and someone like Denzel didn't get any buzz for John Q. I have to agree with him. That was a heck of a performance.

Anyhoo, George Clooney brought his Clooneynesque as he is known for. he was brilliant and genuine in his role. I have no complaints about what he brought to this film. The director Jason Reitman (Juno) was creative with his idea to hire real people who were laid off from their jobs to be the actors getting fired. He had the awareness and delicacy to bring in real people to give the movie an extra raw and authentic jolt. He truly brought and created a beautiful, heartfelt, intelligent and comical film. And it came in right on time with this toxic economy and millions of lay offs.

Air is not a bad movie by any stretch of the imagination, but it's still not all of that to get 5 reels. Oh, and if I were unemployed, I know that I wouldn’t want to see this film. I’d want to see something that had nothing to do with being laid off.

My Rating ~ 4 Reels

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Up In The Air

There's no denying this is a real good movie with the sharp dialogue, cast and premise, but I'm not a believer of the hype.

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My Rating ~ 4 Reels

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