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Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024
The Eagle

Cast makes ‘Up’ story

George Clooney directed by Jason Reitman (the man who directed “Juno” and “Thank You for Smoking”) is a tough review to write, namely because such a film would, at face value, be superb. Luckily, the reality is that “Up in the Air” is all you could hope for.

Clooney is hunting for another Academy Award as Ryan Bingham, a corporate downsizing expert whose company hires him out to fire people whose positions are “no longer available.” It’s a job that keeps him on the road so much that Bingham despises his apartment and is only really home when he’s in the air. From city to city, coast-to-coast, he’s refined travel and packing to an exact science. This is well-documented by Reitman’s playful choreography as it conveys every motion in every hotel room and tramway to a precise ballet where no movement is arbitrary, no more energy used than is exactly needed. Clooney shines in his magnetic speeches, able to fire people dozens of times each and every day, while still convincing them that their world has not ended.

The lifestyle keeps Bingham moving and, as he tells those attending his lectures on avoiding commitment, “moving is living.” He thrives on having no ties or links; he is utterly free, particularly when he is up amongst the clouds, building up his frequent flyer miles to a magical number.

Equally magical is the chemistry Clooney shares with Alex (Vera Farmiga), a woman equally as intransient, sharing Bingham’s passion for elite concierge passes and traveling with hyper-efficiency. The entire cast gives emotional and thoroughly enchanting performances. Anna Kendrick is wonderful as Bingham’s new protégé Natalie, a sharp-tongued corporate rocket whom he’s forced to take under his wing by his boss, played by the fantastic Jason Bateman. J.K. Simmons even makes an appearance as one of the streams of people we see Bingham fire, shove off the boat and tell to swim.

“Up in the Air” is not nearly so much about the story as it is about people. While the plot is a decent one, it’s fairly straightforward and not particularly surprising to those attuned to the story. What is thoroughly surprising is not just Clooney, but everyone involved and their ability to talk and hook the audience without seeming like they are trying to. “Up in the Air” is funny, full of depth and charm and filled with the passively connected world of constant travel and perpetual motion. It is eloquent but never over the top in its examination of how people connect, or if they even can in today’s times where we are just as likely to get fired over a Web chat or broken up with in a text message.

Though at times depressing, the film never gets bogged down in it, preferring instead to propose that as long as we keep moving, there’s always a chance we’ll eventually discover greener pastures.

“Up in the Air” is heartfelt and full of wit and wisdom with thoroughly captivating performances. It may even give Clooney the chance to win another Oscar for his deeply empathetic performance of a man who has little sympathy for others, but maybe, just maybe, a massive need for them.

You can reach this staff writer at bkoenig@theeagleonline.com.


Section 202 hosts Connor Sturniolo and Gabrielle McNamee are joined by fellow Eagle staff member and phenomenal sports photographer, Josh Markowitz. Follow along as they discuss the United Football League and the benefits it provides for the world of professional football.


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