Review - Matt Mungle

 
Formula. Whether food, fractions or films the right formula is the key to success. The new movie Up in the Air is simple in design and concept yet the right blueprint makes it outstanding. Writer/director Jason Reitman (Juno, Thank You for Smoking) has the ability to take ordinary characters put them in interesting situations and then let them live life out in front of our eyes. His latest has an ease of pace with a balance of wit, drama and relevance that makes it fly. As with algebra I am not sure how the formula works, I just know it does.
 
Ryan Bingham (George Clooney) travels over 300 days a year for his company. He loves the life and job. When a young, college upstart named Natalie Keener (Anna Kendrick) finds a way to save the company money by doing the job in-house Ryan has to prove that some things are best left unchanged. Especially since the thought of setting in an office day in and day out doesn't quite appeal to him. To demonstrate his point he takes Ms. Keener on the road with him for a few weeks. This proves both comedic as well as thoughtful. Ryan is a single, unattached guy who loves the freedom the road offers. He is used to hotel rooms and frequent flyer miles. A lifestyle his newbie companion must learn to appreciate.
 
Up in the Air has plenty of instances that pull from human existence including airline travel and dealing with family and friends. Also, the company they work for primarily handles huge corporate layoffs. So there is a relevancy to the storyline that fits into our current economy. Reitman does a fabulous job of weaving human emotion into the plot as Ryan and Natalie let these people go. He does it in a way that does not make it a weighty drama but more a touching tribute to the work force. Also, there is the element of Ryan and his lack of personal relationships. When relating to his siblings there is a detachment of emotion that he soon finds out is hard to reestablish.
 
Clooney is first class in this role. His charm and relaxed nature make him a good choice for the part of Ryan. He is at ease and fluid which makes the character sing. I was notably impressed with young Kendrick. Only having seen her in the Twilight films I like how she held her own with Clooney. Hers is a strong character who has a lot to learn about life but is gung ho about the bottom line. Kendrick plays her tough but with enough honesty to make her appealing to watch. You like Natalie in spite of her misguided thought processes and corporate naivety.
 
Up in the Air is rated R for language and some sexual content. It is an adult comedrama and if you can't find a babysitter then just sit at home or find something else to see. Though in no way rampant or gratuitous the language and themes are ones that are meant for older viewers. The sexual relationship moments between Ryan and a woman he meets on the road are brief but certainly sexual in nature. A quick scene of brief female nudity and a fast instant message conversation are the extent of it but they are both not meant for the kiddos. I easily give Up in the Air 4.5 out of 5 concierge keys. One of my favorites of the year and one that I think most will find humorous, touching and the right formula for filmmaking. So says Matt Mungle