Brian's Review - Up in the Air (2009)

An enjoyably down-to-earth experience.

Released: 2009
Genre(s): Drama, Comedy

The ever-talented George Clooney has played many eccentric parts over the years: a casino-robbing genius; a pomade-obsessed fugitive; Batman. But a corporate downsizer? A regular (albeit excessively-arrogant) guy who travels the country firing people for companies? Especially after watching him capably play such a grounded character in the spectacular "The Descendants," I had to check out "Up in the Air" to see if it had been a fluke occurrence.

I can pleasantly announce that Clooney is perfect for this lead role. He manages to embody both the suave, cocky, jet-setting, corporate playboy and the aging, uncertain company man in a fast-changing world, who grapples with his own inability to make real connections with people. It sounds formulaic on paper, but Clooney brings a very relatable personality to this protagonist - you never feel quite bad or down for him, but you chuckle at his jaded outlooks, applaud him for his revelations, and, at moments, kind of wish all of your work clothes looked that good. He's human, engaging, and surrounded by a vibrant supporting cast that's saturated with cameos.

While "Up in the Air" tackles dramatic subject matter, such as the effects of unemployment on our workforce and the devastating consequences of failed expectations, it does so without every bogging itself down with melodrama - in fact, it glares unflinchingly at its topics with every intention of overcoming the weight of today's society with youthful optimism and humor. In the same breath, it doesn't romanticize the real-life ideas it addresses, but handles them realistically and rationally, and asks us not just "What if?" but "What if this were you? Because it very well could be." It's a film that doesn't take itself too seriously, but doesn't take its themes too lightly, and that's a great balance that's rarely pulled off well.

While not a must-see title, "Up in the Air" is well above average in every way, using humor and charm to give us something that can be thought-provoking if we want it to be, or just an easily-digestible, Clooney-driven quip fest if we'd prefer our pertinent social commentary to sit in the background. It's a nice look at reality through somewhat rosy, but very clear and very aware glasses, and by the end of the trip you'll be glad you tried them on.

Rating (out of 5): 4