“Got another Oscar front runner out of the way, and really stoked about it. I hafta say, right off the bat, that from those front runners (in this case Im referring to Precious and The Hurt Locker as well) Up in the Air is my fave. Wasn’t exactly blown away by it, as is usually a good sign with Oscar pix and as was the case with Slumdog for me last year, but still thoroughly enjoyed it. Im actually glad that this type of quirky film is getting the good feedback and attention from award gurus. Gives me hope that we really have progressed past the point where the “”best”” movies of the year are boring art pieces that no one actually sees.
The premise is just so creative and original–guy who’s job it is to go around firing people. Turned out being so timely too, although apparently that was by accident. Reitman had originally started work on this in 2002, but it got pushed back. Except for the recognizable stars, namely J K Simmons and Zach Galifianakis, none of the people who were fired in the film were actors. They got actual people who’d been recently terminated and gave them their chance to say what they wished they had, which added such a sincere touch of realism.
Ultimately, its really a character piece, and one that was carried quite well by the always dashing and debonair George Clooney. However, this time, he had a rare vulnerability that was just so striking.
Clooney wasnt the only impressive cast member. Anna Kendrick is getting lots of supporting actress buzz, and I couldnt agree more. She was so tough and intense and quick (which always makes for an awesome kick ass chick), but she too had a vulnerable side. And I can now see Vera Farminga as more than just “”the chick from The Departed””. The only possible miscast, according to me, would be Danny McBride. Its just way too hard to take him seriously, and while his role was supposed to be somewhat comedic, I think he pushed that a bit over the edge. Not by anything specific he did, just by being Danny McBride.
Up In The Air can also boast that it has some epic dialogue, and a couple of great and out of nowhere “”oh no (s)he didnt!”” moments. I very enthusiastically recommend this one.
Up in the Air – \m/ \m/ \m/ \m/