Up in the Air

What it's about:

Ryan Bingham (George Clooney) is a corporate downsizing expert, a glorified term for someone who flies around the country, retrenching staff from companies whose CEOs would rather not get their hands dirty. Free from commitment to his personal relationships and his family, Ryan is well on his way to achieving his goal - 10 million frequent-flier miles. However, his livelihood is threatened when an efficiency consultant, Natalie (Anna Kendrick) proposes changes that will keep Ryan grounded.

What we thought of it:

It may boast a stellar cast, an Academy Award-nominated director (for Juno) and, well, George Clooney, but the look and feel of Up in the Air is very much like an indie flick. It tells a small, contained story that touches every walk of life because the characters themselves are ordinary people, who strive for the same simple pleasures that make life in a tough world bearable.

Ryan Bingham feels like a classic Clooney type of character. He is charming and well spoken, and seems in complete control of his life. Or so he thinks. Ryan is a man who avoids baggage in all forms – people, things, emotions – he'd rather spend the rest of his days in airport lounges, hotel bars and up in the air, than deal with any of the things that keep people committed to each other. Until he meets the beautiful and vivacious Alex (Vera Farmiga) on one of his business trips. Clooney and Farmiga make a gorgeous onscreen couple, made even more affecting by the electric chemistry between the two. It's great to see two mature, accomplished performances complement each other so perfectly.

At the heart of Up in the Air is a deeply intuitive, warm and an incredibly funny script, co-written by director Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner, which was adapted from the 2001 novel by Walter Kirn. And it's a movie that could not have come at a more appropriate time, as the economy continues to buckle across the globe and many people are facing the very real prospect of losing their jobs.

These issues are addressed with heart and sensitivity, and you'll be fighting back the tears and doubling up with laughter in the tension-filled scenes where Ryan tells a variety of ordinary, hard-working folk that their services are no longer required.

Up in the Air is a very special movie. There's an effortlessness and sweet charm about it that will appeal to a wide audience because, in some small way, it's the story of our times – we've all had to deal with tough times over the last year.

If you enjoyed movies like Little Miss Sunshine or Juno, then you'll feel right at home with Up in the Air. It's bound to make your day a whole lot brighter.