Up in the Air - A Movie Review

Stick to your own flight plan. Life is full of surprises.

Taking a plane ride into theaters in 2009, Up in the Air is about a man who travels around the country by plane firing people for a living. Along the way, he has to train a young employee. Opened up to the world, both learn valuable life lessons.

I was not sure what to expect in Up in the Air. The film turned out to be a metaphorical story about choosing the right path in life. Nobody ever knows what is going to happen. However, it is important to make decisions that are right for you. Up in the Air is a peek into creating your own life and learning to live.

George Clooney was excellent in his performance. Ryan Bingham is not interested in fun and games, nor spending time with his family, or even being on the ground. His whole life revolves around being in the air, firing people for his living. He even expresses that life is only here to weigh us down. Except that’s not who he turns out to be.

Over the last couple of years, I have become a fan of Vera Farmiga. Beginning a romance with Ryan, Farmiga and Clooney had great chemistry. Scenes where they are getting to know each other were directed well. Though Alex made for a wonderful mentor and even helped out Ryan, the outcome of her true character felt unnecessary.

Anna Kendrick successfully sold her performance. Natalie is a leader. She is still learning the ropes of the business world and how to juggle her personal life. I could relate to some of Natalie’s dilemmas because life after graduating from college is stressful.

I like how Ryan becomes a mentor to Natalie. Moments, where he gave Natalie advice, were heartwarming. No matter the age, you learn every day.

Look out for an appearance by the talented Jason Bateman. Other credits to include are Amy Morton, Melanie Lynskey, J.K. Simmons, Danny McBride, and a memorable scene with Sam Elliot.

Some of the actors in the film were not actors. In the montages of employees who are being fired, those were actual people who were fired from their jobs. Filmmakers thought that it would add realism. I liked this decision because these people could use their anger to find closure.

This film perfectly demonstrates what an adventure looks like through an airport. I love to travel. But going through the airport is one of the most stressful endeavors. Packing your luggage, going through security, and boarding are given fun and relatable scenes.

I also have to commend the beautiful cinematography for stunning shots of views from the plane. The film treats viewers to countless eye-worthy location spots. Traveling is a given. Take advantage of traveling when given the opportunity. Spend time with family. Don’t make work your life.

Up in the Air is a film that all young adults should add to their watch list. Jason Reitman did a noteworthy job of capturing this message. Life is all about making decisions and choosing which direction you want to turn in. The best scene involved Natalie asking Ryan and Alex for their advice if they felt unsuccessful and out of control at her age.

While the film is enjoyable, I felt the ending was drawn out. Although it added to the message about decisions and the meaning of life, it ruined the arc of one of the main characters.

I recommend that you find Up in the Air. It is an uplifting (no pun intended) film that will make you think.