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Movies & More reviewer John Gillispie thought that "Up in the Air," rated R and starring George Clooney, Vera Farmiga, and Anna Kendrick, is an entertaining look at the story of a man who finally begins to wake up to life after having cut himself off from relationships in general.

You might think that a film about a man who flies around the country firing people for a living would be too depressing to enjoy.

"Up in the Air" takes that premise and creates an entertaining look at the life of Ryan Bingham (George Clooney), who has isolated himself from other people. His job keeps him on the road and in the air for the majority of the year, so Ryan has evolved into a man who thinks he doesn't need a family life or friends.

He has adapted to his world by finding the quickest ways to check in and depart airports and hotels and his big dream in life is to log 10 million miles with the airline he uses.

When a young colleague named Natalie Keener (Anna Kendrick) comes up with a plan to keep workers like Ryan in the home office and fire people via Internet connection, Ryan's world begins to change. When Ryan's boss (Jason Bateman) forces him to take Natalie on the road with him, Ryan starts to connect with the young woman despite the way he has shielded himself from such contact.

Meanwhile, Ryan has struck up a casual sexual relationship with Alex Goran (Vera Farmiga), who seems to approach life and relationships with the same icy demeanor that Ryan has.

The movie really hits its stride with the interaction between these three characters and all three were nominated for Academy Awards. Ryan and young Natalie could not be more different. She sees his problem right away. And he knows that she needs more life experience before she will be as smart as she thinks she is.

Throw in a family wedding that Ryan attends with Alex and a family crisis that allows Ryan to reconnect with his sisters and "Up in the Air" provides us with a relationship movie that is honest and seems different from what we've seen before.

The movie's ending may not unfold the way you expect it to, but that's OK because Ryan's life has been changed forever in a positive way.

John Gillispie is the public relations director for the Huntington Museum of Art. Contact the writer at jgillisp@hmoa.org.

The Herald-Dispatch

In this film publicity image released by Paramount, George Clooney, left, and Vera Farmiga are shown in a scene from "Up in the Air." The film was nominated Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2010 for an Oscar for best picture. The 82nd Academy Awards will be presented on March 7. (AP Photo/Paramount Pictures, Dale Robinette)

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The Herald-Dispatch

In this film publicity image released by Paramount, George Clooney, left, and director Jason Reitman are shown on the set of "Up in the Air." Reitman was nominated for an Oscar for best director and Clooney was nominated for an Oscar for best actor for his role in, "Up in the Air." The 82nd Academy Awards will be presented on March 7. (AP Photo/Paramount Pictures, Dale Robinette)

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