A film for these dark economic times, Up in the Air sees Academy Award-winner George Clooney perfectly cast as Ryan Bingham, a suave corporate consultant who travels from company to company firing swathes of employees.
Encased in an emotional vacuum created by his rootless existence Bingham is entirely content until Natalie Keener, a thrusting young executive, introduces a technological alternative that will jeopardise Bingham’s entire lifestyle and burgeoning relationship with fellow frequent flyer Alex.
Charismatic performances from the three leads allow director Jason Reitman to deliver a mainstream film with intelligence, edge and charm.
A message about the joy of human relationships is deftly handled and the film steers well away from the schmaltzy clichés so prevalent in other mainstream Hollywood offerings.
After directing the charming Juno and razor-sharp Thank You for Smoking Reitman’s third film establishes his credentials as one of Hollywood’s most promising directors, Oscar recognition may not be far away.
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