Up in the Air

It flies by like an airplane, leaving behind a condensing steam of nice phrases, textbook truths, and encouraging statements. All we need is for Clooney to raise his eyebrows and the world seems to be a kind place where even the biggest loss has its positive aspects. However, like the hero Ryan, above all Reitman's film gives the viewer a treated motivational pat – I was not offended in any way, but truth be told, I also checked out. (19/01/2010)

The same old story. Reitman makes one movie after another, but he just can’t achieve the quality of his shorts. And here it is even worse because the entire time I couldn’t shake off the feeling that this is an Americanized variation (and I don’t mean that pejoratively, just it’s been adapted to the American way of life, the mood in society etc.) on last year’s Japanese Oscar winner. Unfortunately I get the feeling from this that it isn’t nearly as sincere as intentional, criminally dry and almost too “serious". (11/01/2010)

I like Clooney, I like the psychological Reitman, I like Vera Farmiga in any position, and yes, I even like the quirky Anna Kendrick, so I couldn't really dislike Up in the Air. A romantic delicacy seasoned with great actors, between whom there is amazing chemistry, an interesting plot and, above all, an unobtrusive, but at the same time completely natural and purposeful humour, the kind the Americans pleasantly surprise me with from time to time. I also appreciate the lack of an annoying happy ending (i.e. a passionate kiss in the rain and other forms of cinematic romance), which was instead handled like the rest of the film – casually, humanly, and originally. Damn, I love this movie..:) 80% (20/08/2013)

A very charismatic movie about an even more charismatic guy who fires people from their jobs. He calls things by their real names, does exactly what he's supposed to do, and handles every (verbal) situation gallantly. I really like movies about people who have something in their heads... Plus I found the plot very original, no clichés. Really thought out. George Clooney, once again I applaud you! (01/11/2010)

I’d like to fly one day. These days it sounds almost ridiculous, but I’ve never ever flown anywhere. But that feeling of abandonment and freedom that flying represents is so tempting for me... and Ryan Bingham lives in the clouds. It’s hard not to envy him. He has a super job that he enjoys (I liked that too) and it allows him to fly here, there and everywhere. But the day came when he couldn’t and his life begins to change. I’ve seen thousands of sentimental movies about life, but why is Up In The Air so much better? Is it the dry lines, the pleasant actors or the atmosphere? Maybe all of that and maybe it’s because each one of us can find a part of themselves in this story. Credit carders, glues or diligent workers. Luckily, Jason Reitman doesn’t stay at everything being cool and fine, but he shows the other side of the coin too. People losing their jobs. That’s what it’s all about. You have to be able to balance everything and Reitman did a perfect job of it. Imagine for a second that you're carrying a backpack... (22/02/2010)