Brutally honest and sharp in its approach, Jason Reitman's follow-up to the engaging Juno (2007) is one of the best films to come out of Hollywood in the last year

Right up there with the best

Up in the Air
U/A; Drama
Dir: Jason Reitman
Cast: George Clooney, Vera Farmiga, Anna Kendrick, Jason Bateman, Tamala Jones, and Chris Lowell
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What's it about: Brutally honest and sharp in its approach, Jason Reitman's follow-up to the engaging Juno (2007) is one of the best films to come out of Hollywood in the last year.

Ryan Bingham (Clooney) lives in a cut-throat world of corporate layoffs and decisions that severely affect the lives of thousands if not millions. His world has no time to say grace or enjoy the small things. Instead, it comprises of flying miles, 'do not disturb' signs of hotel rooms and anything that has no strings attached.

Besides firing people, Ryan also is a motivational speaker who spreads the message of fitting your entire life into a handbag. However, things change drastically for him after he bumps into Alex (Farmiga) who tells Ryan, "Think of me as yourself, only with a vagina."u00a0 The two hit it off only until they get introduced to Natalieu00a0 (Anna Kendrick) who's assigned to work with Ryan and bring in her new technology that works more efficiently than their firing squad. The trio's interactions with each other and their sense of coming to terms with what life holds for them, is where the film's heart lies.

What's hot: The script is an actor's delight. Easily the best role since Syriana (written for Clooney), George takes to it like a hungry lion. Without going OTT with the mannerisms or trying to use gimmicks to bring Ryan to life, he instead takes the laidback approach. His easiest and most relaxed performance to date, Clooney's charming persona and that dazzling smile brightens up the screen in every single frame. What's more remarkable is the chemistry between him and the two women. Both Farmiga and Kendrick are polar opposites and yet have so much in common. Failure and the ability to mask their delicate lies is a common trait between the three.

Most of the film is based on dialogues and very less action. There's ample humour laced with wit and sarcasm to keep you going. Reitman's approach is somewhat cynical but the subject's dark mood justifies it well. With a solid script and strong characters, there's hardly anything that goes astray as the plot progresses.

What's not: Anna Kendrick's nomination at all the big awards is well deserved, but Vera Farmiga needs a special shout-out for her subtle and understated performance. An air of despair looms over the second half as the true colours of the characters are unveiled.

What to do: It's smart, it's funny, it's immensely likeable... and yes, it has some of the best performances put together by three brilliantly talented actors. Up in the Air is easily the movie to watch this weekend.

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