Tied for the best movie I’ve seen this year. Up In The Air will likely win the Oscar for Best Picture.
Rather than talk about George Clooney first, I have to mention Anna Kendrick. I’ve never seen her outside of the first Twilight movie but this movie will make her a major star. I expect to see her earn a nomination for Best Supporting Actress. While George Clooney plays a character travelling around the US to tell people they are getting laid off, Anna Kendrick’s character develops a video conferencing method of laying people off without ever leaving the office. She matches Clooney line for line and more than holds her own in their scenes together (there are lots of them). Her wide eyed naïve character blends in nicely with the calm methodical character of Clooney. I’m telling you right now, you will become a fan of Anna Kendrick after you watch Up In The Air.
As for Clooney, this is my favourite performance of his. He is completely believable as a corporate downsizer. I thought his chemistry with Vera Farmiga was good but not as good as with Kendrick. I have no problem with Clooney getting a Oscar nomination as Best Actor but I’m on the fence with Farmiga. Zack Galifianakis and JK Simmons deliver in their only scene. Jason Bateman appearing in his 376th movie in the past 2 years does an admirable job as Clooney’s boss. Up In The Air even has a random Young MC cameo.
Jason Reitman is a lock to be nominated as Best Director. The framing of his shots are top notch. I liked the intro credits and the first scene where Clooney walks through the security screening at the airport. My favourite shot of the movie is near the end when Clooney looks up at the arrival/departure board.
Up In The Air is about the importance of connection. This film is interesting from start to finish and filled with a surprising number of comedic moments. You’re not going to watch a better film in 2009.
Movie Grade: A+
Rather than talk about George Clooney first, I have to mention Anna Kendrick. I’ve never seen her outside of the first Twilight movie but this movie will make her a major star. I expect to see her earn a nomination for Best Supporting Actress. While George Clooney plays a character travelling around the US to tell people they are getting laid off, Anna Kendrick’s character develops a video conferencing method of laying people off without ever leaving the office. She matches Clooney line for line and more than holds her own in their scenes together (there are lots of them). Her wide eyed naïve character blends in nicely with the calm methodical character of Clooney. I’m telling you right now, you will become a fan of Anna Kendrick after you watch Up In The Air.
As for Clooney, this is my favourite performance of his. He is completely believable as a corporate downsizer. I thought his chemistry with Vera Farmiga was good but not as good as with Kendrick. I have no problem with Clooney getting a Oscar nomination as Best Actor but I’m on the fence with Farmiga. Zack Galifianakis and JK Simmons deliver in their only scene. Jason Bateman appearing in his 376th movie in the past 2 years does an admirable job as Clooney’s boss. Up In The Air even has a random Young MC cameo.
Jason Reitman is a lock to be nominated as Best Director. The framing of his shots are top notch. I liked the intro credits and the first scene where Clooney walks through the security screening at the airport. My favourite shot of the movie is near the end when Clooney looks up at the arrival/departure board.
Up In The Air is about the importance of connection. This film is interesting from start to finish and filled with a surprising number of comedic moments. You’re not going to watch a better film in 2009.
Movie Grade: A+
Comment