I liked Juno, I liked Thank You for Smoking, therefore I liked Jason Reitman. I had decided he was a director who I would always look for on DVD, and I did. From now on I’ll be going to the theater, because Up in the Air is a game-changer.

Starring George Clooney as a professional ax man, traveling from town to town slashing the workforces of whatever company will hire him. It’s on the road he meets Alex (Vera Farmiga), his perfect match. Both are obsessed with the status symbols of the professional lives they lead, both are looking for a fling on the road. Given their constant travel, it becomes more than just a one time thing as their paths intersect repeatedly. Complicating Clooney’s life is Natalie (Anna Kendrick), the up-and-comer at his company who is trying to revitalize the business of firing people, and end Clooney’s galavanting.

So what’s the difference between Up in the Air and Reitman’s previous films? It is all the way good. There’s no “I liked it but…”. I liked Juno, but I often found the cutesy, referential dialogue distracting. I liked Thank You for Smoking, but the third act falls apart. Well, I liked Up in the Air. Truly. Reitman is growing as a director, making the audience work a little, not giving the easy outs. All the major players were nominated for Oscars, so you know there are good performances. That’s what I’m looking for. I want an interesting film that doesn’t make me want a xanax afterward. Here’s one, enjoy. – [DVD] [Blu-Ray]

Comedy/Drama/Romance

Rated R

DVD Release Date: 3/9/10

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