johnlink ranks UP IN THE AIR (2009)
This is one of two movies I knew I really wanted to see before the year was out (AVATAR being the other). I’m a fan of George Clooney films, and have heard nothing but good things about this one. My expectations were absolutely high going in.
This film is the story of a man (Clooney) whose career it is to fire other people.
I watched UP IN THE AIR (2009) in theaters on 12.23.09. It was my first viewing of the film.
NOTE: THIS RANKING UTILIZES THIS SITE’S ORIGINAL SYSTEMIC ARTICLE WRITING METHOD. THE METHOD BY WHICH THE RANKINGS WERE ARRIVED AT, HOWEVER, REMAIN THE SAME.
FILM
Wonderful. The imagery is beautiful, the characteristics of the cities are well represented, and the editing is well crafted. I can’t think of much to say poorly about this film. I loved that it really took its characters in and made a feel good movie about desperate characters whose career it is to do terrible things. The end contains hope, but does not pound you over the head with birds singing and angels playing harps. I can see why this film is considered a front runner for end-of-the-year awards. FILM: 9
MOVIE
Well paced, and charismatically acted. This bounces along and keeps the viewer engaged and entertained. Throw in some nice one-scene cameos and you have a solidly fun film. SCORE: 7
ACTING
Exceptional. Not a single off note. Clooney sprinkles some real emotion and small moments over his usual heart-on-his-sleeve demeanor. This is his most nuanced performance I can remember. The two lead women (Vera Farmiga and Anna Kendrick) in this film are spectacular. And JK Simmons, as he always is, does a ton with a little. Always good to see Sam Shepard, even if he is always playing Sam Shepard. The perfect score, here, is aided greatly by the dozen or so no-name actors who played the employees on the wrong end of Clooney’s job. All of these fine actors were excellent, helping to tell the story of Clooney’s small moments of grace. SCORE: 10
WRITING
Wonderful script, which allows its creations to be real. I love the homeyness of the wedding scene when compared to the artificial world of an airline, or the bleakness of Detroit. This script truly embraced various levels of each character, and allowed them to be them. The contrast and dysfunctional marriage between Clooney’s personal and professional life is the heart of the story. And it is artfully (and not heavy-handedly) told. The ‘twist’ at the end is a bit predictable, but does not handle itself in a cliche manor. All told, a great script which should be up for best Adapted Screenplay. SCORE: 9
FINAL SCORE
FILM: 9; MOVIE: 7; ACTING: 10; WRITING: 7
9+7+10+7+0=35
FINAL SCORE: 8.75
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