Rating: * * * * *
Verdict: An entertaining, smart, and classy piece of film-making.
Director Jason Reitman is yet to put a foot wrong. With two smart and entertaining films already under his belt (Thank You For Smoking and Juno), he once again hits his mark with this poignant comedy.
Witty lines and engaging characters are typical Reitman traits, but he also always has something to say. Though a comedy about people being made redundant may not sound like a blast, it does actually resonate in an uplifting kind of way.
At the centre of this story is Ryan Bingham (Clooney), an emotionally reserved, single, "career transition counsellor" - he's hired by companies to fire their staff. On the road (or in this case in the sky) for 322 days each year, Bingham would happily be away from home for the other 43 days if need be.
His perspective on life and relationships is challenged when two women enter his life. First, there is the confident, sexy, smart Alex (Vera Farmiga), who also spends the majority of her time travelling. They begin a casual relationship after Ryan seduces her by flashing his multitude of frequent flyer cards, and sharing with her his one goal in life, to accumulate 10 million frequent-flier miles.
The second is tight-lipped, controlling young hot-shot grad student Natalie Keener (Kendrick), who jeopardises Ryan's dream when she develops a way to make Ryan's job more cost efficient by requiring he never leaves the office.
Ryan's boss (Jason Bateman) sends Natalie on the road with him, giving Ryan a chance to prove to Natalie her idea won't work. Soon they're firing familiar faces as well as a cast of non-actors - real people who have experienced redundancy. It was a risky idea, but they fit in seamlessly and their natural response to the bad news comes across as believable and honest.
Not only can Reitman write a cracker script (based on Walter Kirn's novel), but he knows how to bring it alive, making good use of Clooney's natural charm but giving him plenty to spark off - especially Farmiga who has the poise, appeal and intelligence to easily flirt and play Clooney at his own game.
Reitman's talent is his ability to deliver great entertainment, and make it look easy. You can view this film as a smart romantic comedy, or as a thoughtful drama, but regardless of what you take out of it, it's worth seeing for its finely nuanced performances and decent laughs.
Cast: George Clooney, Vera Farmiga, Anna Kendrick, Jason Bateman
Director: Jason Reitman
Running Time: 110 mins
Rating: M (offensive language & nudity)
