Up in the Air: A First-Class Journey of Self-Discovery
Based on but impressively expanded from a novel by Walter Kirn, Up in the Air feels exactly right for these times, when everyone is worried about job security and the idea of the handsomest movie star playing the most loathsome weasel is particularly funny. Because Clooney doesn’t hold back on the charisma, you want Ryan to have a change of heart. But because his cynical wisecracks and his smooth talk are so well played, you’ll enjoy every minute of his bad behavior. In one memorable scene, in which J.K. Simmons (the dad in Juno) plays a cashiered employee, Ryan reminds the guy he once trained in cooking school and has at last reached the point where he has an excuse to do the thing he really wants to do. Is this just spin? Maybe, but it works.
Director and co-writer Jason Reitman, who made Juno and Thank You For Smoking, gets close to the spirit of the latter movie here, but Up in the Air is a mature work, Reitman’s best and most engaging film yet. Whenever the movie threatens to open fire on too-easy satiric targets, it surprises you with its humanity. For instance, on a trip home (it turns out Ryan is from Wisconsin) to attend a family wedding, Ryan learns that what he considers a corny chore — photographing a cardboard cutout of his sister and her fiance at various landmarks — carries meaning and even love to the couple, because they can’t afford a honeymoon.
Love is a cause of severe allergic reaction in Ryan. You know that moment, he asks, when the whole world goes quiet as you look deep into someone’s eyes and see your own soul? He doesn’t. But with all of his frequent flier miles he is taking a first-class journey of self-discovery, and in one of the best films of the year it’s a pleasure to fly next to him.
Saw the premier Tuesday night in Dallas. The movie was great. Very refreshing.
Since George is one of the jerks in Hollywood who hates America, I tend to hate his movies.
Besides why give him the millions to fly around the world and diss us regular people?
I, for one, won’t be seeing this.
Looney will never pocket 1c of my money. He might suffer nasal problems if we ever meet.
Recent Hollywood Movies
’2012′ Left wing anti Capitalist Black loving PROPAGANDA
‘Avatar’ Left wing anti Capitalist PROPAGANDA
American TV left wing anti White, Black loving, Affirmative Action PROPAGANDA
etc etc etc etc,
This was a classic line from an episode ‘REAPER’ I watched on TV last night. The DEVIL to his son ‘ You want to see REAL EVIL in action then you have to see Corporate America’
Now thats what I call PROPAGANDA.
Pragmatist: Well, the Devil says it, the supreme force of all evil, so do you really think it is being said as motto we are obliged to believe? I really don’t think so…
I listened to an interview with the director on NPR (please forgive me but it helps to know what the enemy is doing and thinking). While the book is somewhat dated, 2001, I can identify with the character. My occupation requires me to travel for a living. I either stay in a hotel 365 days a year or get an apartment in the area where I am working. Normally I am on a plane at least once a week. I did purchase the book, at Wal-Mart, but I doubt if I will see the film until it hits the Wal-Mart $5 discount bin, maybe not then, or makes its way to free cable. I have seen some Clooney films but I don’t believe I have actually paid $ unless you include headcount on free hotel cable. He seems to be a good actor but his politics offends me. I should also note that the film director had to go to the Clooney HOME in ITALY to pitch his movie.
I guess George doesn’t live HERE anymore.
Wal-Mart? Isn’t that the communist Chinese-run store?
#7 Botan: what does his politics have to do with his movie? all of you muslim and black hating people your views or skewed and it is so far up your a** it has not seen day light in ten years!!!!
Pragmatist: can you then please recomend a right wing movie that you like?
BTW: I am a gay black muslim man… what are my status here?
mr: your status in any muslim country is dead, appreciate the good old USA.
When we find someone who hates the US and belittles its values, we are loath to spend our money supporting such person. Not hard to understand at all.