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Up in the Air - 2009

What a fantastic movie, not because of any witty Hollywood gimmicks or fictional storylines...but because of how closely it mirrors real life.  It truly is an intellectually compelling movie.  Up in the Air is anything but its title...it should be called "Down to Earth". This movie closely reflects the economic hardships we currently face, which makes this an incredibly relatable story.  Many times, mainstream actors star in movies that are very entertaining and intriguing to watch, but at the end of the day, the movie remains a stranger to our familiar lives.  Whereas with Up in the Air, the actions the characters take render the same consequences we face in real life, not the fabricated Hollywood scenarios. Also, the movie gives the audience a chance to mentally interact...at least for me it did! George Clooney plays a role that serves as the grim reaper to jobholders and at the same time having to deal with the voids in his life. Anna Kendrick does an excellent job of portraying a young woman who tries to apply schoolbook skills into the real world. Although she is still a little stiff as an actress, surprisingly this persona fits perfectly for the movie.

What I like is that each character in this movie embodies an insecurity hidden by ego.  I have always been a big fan of George Clooney, not because of his looks (surprised?), but because of the movies he has been in. He really knows how to pick the right scripts.  Up in the Air is not void of witty banter either.  This movie should be watched, especially during this time of high unemployment...not because there are advices to be heeded, but because it shows there is an awareness of the problem...and sometimes that is the best solution.  A reel-listed four stars!