Iffy for 16+
Adult dramedy taps into emotions of current tough times.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that director Jason Reitman's thoughtful drama about a man (played by George Clooney) who fires people for a living (criss-crossing the country by plane to do so) examines uncomfortable, grown-up truths both timely (unemployment, financial stress) and perennial -- family dysfunction and loneliness. Still, despite its heavy themes, strong language (including "s--t" and "f--k"), and some sexual interplay between characters (including brief rear nudity), it has enormous empathy and insight that may resonate with older teens who are trying to grapple with and understand increasingly complex issues.
- Families can talk about Bingham’s job: Is it a difficult one? Does he enjoy it? Why does he seem committed to doing it? Does it make him a bad guy or good? What about Natalie, his colleague?
- How does the movie capture a particular moment in history? Does it seem realistic, or has it been Hollywood-ized?
- Who do you think the movie is trying to reach? Does it succeed?
The good stuff
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Messages: The movie brings a fresh perspective to the cliched but true lesson that no man (or woman) is an island. It suggests that in these challenging times, connection may just be the way to survive.
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Role models: Main character Ryan is a decent man trying to do a very difficult job: firing people. Though he can’t do much to help them, he displays unusual empathy for their situation. That said, he’s a pretty isolated guy, proudly unrooted. But he discovers that he needs more in his life and sets out to get it -- as well as give to others. A colleague tries to do her job well, too, but she forgets that efficiency can’t replace humanity. Another character appears to be sympathetic, but she’s complicated: married and constricted by that commitment.
What to watch for
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Violence: A man is briefly shown toting a firearm in an imaginary sequence. Workers who’ve been fired curse and talk about killing themselves; one tosses a chair around in frustration.
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Sex: A woman is briefly shown naked from behind, with nothing on but a necktie wrapped around her waist. She and her lover kiss and tussle in bed. They also talk about sex fairly candidly and send each other suggestive messages -- overall, they're shown teasing and bantering more often than having sex. A married character cheats on her husband; another is left by her boyfriend.
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Language: Fairly frequent use of everything from “a--hole” to “s--t” to “f--k," as well as "ass," "hell," "crap," "prick," and "oh my God."
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Consumerism: American Airlines feels like a “proud sponsor” of the film since its logo is visible nearly every time the main character has to travel. Many other logos and brands associated with business travel also pop up throughout the movie, including Hilton, Hertz, and Marriott.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Social drinking at bars and parties; at one point, a group of revelers is happily intoxicated. A few tiny bottles of liquor are shown tucked in one character’s fridge.
Fan Reviews provided by
1
Up in the Air by marylovesmovies
Further proof the critics don't know what they are talking about. This movie was not a 4 start movie. It is depressing and mind numbing, I almost walked out.
1
Up in the Air by thomasbergquist
This is a poor movie and those involved should be ashamed of themselves. Essentially makes a mockery of those people that are let go from their jobs. I hope George, et al, enjoy their $$ from treating this topic so insensitively. I wonder if they would do it again if they experienced being on the other side of that table getting fired.
3
Up in the Air by lsr1214
This movie was a sad commentary on today's society - an uncaring, self-centered population. George Clooney was his usual good looking self, but so self absorbed and detached. The young woman he was mentoring was a typical college grad of this time, knows everything in books, nothing about real life. I don't want to leave the movie in a pall of depression a kin to death. I prefer movies that are realistic, redeeming, and show the positive side of the human condition. I would not recommend this film to anyone during the holidays too many folks have already lost their jobs and the economy is tanked - you don't need a movie to remind you about how bad things really are. And who could live with themselves if they had to fly around firing folks - you would have to be an empty shell of a person, which George portrays in this movie. George does a good job of portraying the character, but he is not anyone I would like to be associated with - go see something uplifting & entertaining
2
depressing and stupid by jenn998
Stay away from this movie....it's about a person whose job is to go around from town to town firing people and the aspects of that specific position, the isolated mess this society is in, and a whole bunch of other things that are far from entertaining but more nauseating and depressing. I wanted to walk out halfway but stayed and did end up walking out and could care less abotu the ending. Some people may like this movie it was entertaining in it's own right and different, but if you want an uplifting, feel good movie this is not it. I felt depressed/upset and still am. It also is not very funny and I don't understand any kind of raving about it because it jsut wasn't very good. Clooney's acting was good and the acting overall was pretty good the only real plus in the film...
5
CHECK OUT THESE REVIEWS- by keatsgirl
I HAVE SO MUCH TO SAY I AM JUST GOING TO REFER YOU TO REDYEAH AND LOVESTALENTMOVIEFAN. WHAT THEY SAID!!!!!!! AWESOME PICTURE
3
Great Acting, Intense Subject Matter but Very Depressing - Not a Romantic Comedy by critcallyme
This movie has a very intense subject matter and the actors all do a great job. It is the type of movie that wins awards. However, the best entertaining moments were in the trailers for the movie. Don't go see this movie if you are looking for a comedy or if you have recently experienced a lay off from work. I do think the movie handled the subject matter of a failing economy and the weight that family and relationships have own a person well. This is not the type of movie I enjoy watching at the theatre as I like to go for entertainment. Though that is my preference it does deter from the fact that the movie covers a hard subject matter in a tasteful manner while providing a few laughs from good actors.
4
Up in the Air by cslips
Liked it! Really surprised at the ending. George Clooney was terrific...really suave, debonnaire, like a Cary Grant who was matched perfectly with the actress who portrayed Alex. Who says older women aren't sexy and smart??? Twenty somethings as well as older adults should appreciate some of the messages in this film...more than meet the eye.
5
superb by elcee
A "small" film in an age of blockbusters that will be most deserving of many awards. Well written, nicely edited, and performed flawlessly. It might not be right for younger adults who have yet to experience many of the feelings that are expressed here, but middle aged and older persons will be completely in tune with the story line.
Clooney is completely on point here - his best work ever. Small nuances in his character study make this his year come award season.
For those of you disappointed in the lack of a "hollywood" ending, I contend it would have wrecked the film. Sometimes, reality and the truth hurt and it is these feelings that are sorely lacking in today's film industry. Would Casablanca have endured in Bogart boarded the plane with Bergman? What about Nicholson in One Flew Over the Cukoo's Nest - should he have gotten well and moved to a nice suburban home?
Ryan Bingham is who he is. One does not change overnight, but we know he's going to try.
5
The Best Movie of Our Time by hammerhiem1701
I can't imagine a film more poignant for this time in America. I personally received alot of truth from the film. Although many of the aspects of the character of Ryan are in no way similar to me, many of the life truths he has come to know, are ones that I am figuring out for myself and finding myself agreeing with this fictional character.
When it comes to the universality of existence and the simple truths that balance and create choas in our lives, i think that this movies shows on many levels what is happening to individuals and the uncertainty of our times.
My hope is that this film will garner many awards, because of these simple reasons that one usually doesn't find in most films. This is the opposite of escapeism. This is embracing our truly screwed up existance and lives and like the character of Ryan, helping us into a transition of life, and although the truth is brutal...nothing compares to living a life of unhappiness.
I have also picked up the book to read.
4
Clooney is our Cary Grant by Jake too
Let me start off by saying I love George Clooney. I think growing up in the '50s and '60s he reminds me of the Hollywood movie star. He has the ability to easily slip from one genre to another and is at the top of his comic game in this one. The script is timely and relevant and although it has more than a couple Hollywood cliches, it's good. I confess I figured the twist early on, but it's bittersweet story works. Go see it. I've seen him more powerful, but you'll like it. The girls are great and essential to the story. It will probably get a Golden Globe.