Up in the Air review

Jason Reitman, you've made it 3 out of 3. Thank you for Smoking, Juno, now Up in the Air, which I finally got to see today. And I wasn't disappointed. Funny, charming, realistic and believable, it flies to the top of my list of best films of 2010 so far, and is also my new joint favourite Oscar picture. Sorry, The Hurt Locker, my loyalties are divided now.
George Clooney plays Ryan Bingham, a guy contented with living out of a suitcase, as he fires people from their jobs because their bosses' don't have the bottle to do it themselves. He has no intention of marrying, having kids or living a normal, stable life; and he loves it.
All that changes when a young worker, Natalie Kenner (Anna Kendrick) comes up with the idea of firing people over a conference call. Ryan is determined not to let his lifestyle be dampened, and decides to show her that a human factor is needed for this heartbreaking job.
Up in the Air relies on Clooney, and he delivers one of his greatest performances. Emotionally unconnected yet suave at the same time, he brings everything to the table to make Bingham become a real person. That's where the film succeeds- it's very realistic. The economic downturn allows us it to feel raw and real, and it resonates more now than ever. Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner have given an observant, witty script that reflects our times. Vera Farmiga and Anna Kendrick provide strong support as Alex, the female version of Bingham, and Natalie, the naive but strong minded collegue. The Oscar nominations should be present for all three, and Clooney should win.
The direction is fantastic from Reitman, with lots of gorgeous arial shots and snappy movement. It works in the same way that Bingham lives his life- Up in the Air.
The cinematography is excellent aswell, with lots of great shots of Chicago, Manhattan etc. And the ending is incredibly strong too, and will draw you in so much that you don't want the film to end.
Yet the strongest point is the storyline. Because it reflects our times so much, it's utterly engaging, catching your attention from the off. And by allowing humour to be present too, this is a fun film to see too. A minor criticism is about a ten minute segment where nothing much happens, and you lose focus a bit, but this is a really excellent, two hour flight that you will definitely want to board again.
OVERALL GRADE: 9/10