Up in the Air
Paramount Pictures | Release Date: December 4, 2009
7.4
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 544 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
402
Mixed:
77
Negative:
65
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
4
NF123Aug 22, 2010
If you want to see 'George Clooney' play 'George Clooney' then good for you, you'll love this! If you don't want to feel like an unsophisticated plebian while watching these 2 incredibly smug people seeing who has the best comeback I'dIf you want to see 'George Clooney' play 'George Clooney' then good for you, you'll love this! If you don't want to feel like an unsophisticated plebian while watching these 2 incredibly smug people seeing who has the best comeback I'd recommend a pass, watch Lost in Translation instead, it's much better. Also the feel of this film is like pretentious wannabee Oscar material. in fact pretentious basically sums this movie up. For Smug, high Class idiots really.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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4
CoDFatherAug 14, 2010
Seriously? This movie was humorous and all, but the ending was really stupid, I mean, Ryan finally finds a woman, but then it turns out that she was married w/ children?! That's just sad. I was disappointed that I spent, like, 5 dollars onSeriously? This movie was humorous and all, but the ending was really stupid, I mean, Ryan finally finds a woman, but then it turns out that she was married w/ children?! That's just sad. I was disappointed that I spent, like, 5 dollars on this on VOD on Buckeye, and it sucked! Don't see this movie if you haven't yet...… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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6
EveGFeb 1, 2010
This movie is way overrated. It was sort of fun to watch, had some clever bits of dialogue, but is in no way as good as the critics make it out to be. It is very superficial.
0 of 1 users found this helpful
5
MichaelJJan 31, 2010
The casting was poorly chosen, moments that were too contrived, which ultimately ruined the film.
0 of 1 users found this helpful
5
JefferyPMar 6, 2010
Overrated and overhyped. If some people trash the room when they get fired, what will they do when they get fired over the internet? Why wouldn't they just trash computer? No many laughs, either. I
0 of 1 users found this helpful
5
LordBFeb 15, 2010
Overhyped and overrated. Ultimately a conservative, sententious piece, which is a pity as it didn't start out that way. Clooney's casting, which seemed masterful given his real life rejection of moral 'essentials' like Overhyped and overrated. Ultimately a conservative, sententious piece, which is a pity as it didn't start out that way. Clooney's casting, which seemed masterful given his real life rejection of moral 'essentials' like marriage, in the end became jarringly contradictory. Imagine Charlie Sheen playing the Pope, or Amy Winehouse playing Anne Frank. The shallowist 'deep' film I've seen.… Expand
0 of 2 users found this helpful
5
TheGorillaAug 27, 2011
It was a well done movie, but I was bored in the middle of it, so I've left. I watched the other half few days later so. I don't know. It didn't keep my attention. I wouldn't say it was predictable. I thought that George and Vera's characterIt was a well done movie, but I was bored in the middle of it, so I've left. I watched the other half few days later so. I don't know. It didn't keep my attention. I wouldn't say it was predictable. I thought that George and Vera's character will hook up and get married but it wasn't so. I also like Anna's character and that's all. All together, it was boring. Fans of George Clooney are gonna love it.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
6
DoodleTApr 6, 2010
Film is going well until Detroit. Then it deflates into cheap propaganda. The 'existential' ending makes no sense. Nothing gained from watching this. Ryan is who we thought he was!
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
RayB.Jan 1, 2010
The critics hype is disproportional to the substance. The Users have this one pegged!
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
MaxLDec 17, 2009
Good acting and dialogues make up for the airy plot that's a bit bumpy once it hit the ground that's not the airports. The ending is rather nice but feels tacked on.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
BenW.Dec 10, 2009
I would have given it a ten if it hadn't just stopped right when things were at their emotional peak. Great set up, Great characters, wonderful performances, fun, sexy, and entertaining, but with no resolution or aftermath of I would have given it a ten if it hadn't just stopped right when things were at their emotional peak. Great set up, Great characters, wonderful performances, fun, sexy, and entertaining, but with no resolution or aftermath of Clooney's character's growth, it just kind of leaves you pissed off and depressed. And the worst part of it all, is that it is still once of the best movies I've seen in the last year.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
JohnCJan 17, 2010
This film is definitely overrated by the critics. It starts with an interesting idea and it features fairly good acting and a few nice lines. However, the plot development is neither captivating nor compelling.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
DavidCJan 22, 2010
As mediocre as movies get. Jason Reitman's worst movie to date. Thank you for smoking is a far superior movie in every way and I don't remember much oscar buzz surrounding that. Ridiculous hype, do not believe it.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
JLJan 22, 2010
Somebody MUST have had a lot of critics on the payroll. I loved "Thank You For Smoking" and "Juno". But "Up In The Air" is really a take it or leave it kind of film. Fine for a DVD watch on a rainy afternoon, but nothing more. The characters Somebody MUST have had a lot of critics on the payroll. I loved "Thank You For Smoking" and "Juno". But "Up In The Air" is really a take it or leave it kind of film. Fine for a DVD watch on a rainy afternoon, but nothing more. The characters are interesting and there's a little bit of conflict and revelation. But best film of the year?! Best actor?! I haven't been this surprised about the critics ravings since "Million Dollar Baby". The only excuse I can come up with is that critics and Hollywood types relate to the movie because they are always flying on planes and on the go with no time for serious relationships and/or a preferce for non-committed relationships. I simply didn't relate to the movie themes.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
CarolynM.Jan 4, 2010
Great cast--expecially Clooney--but the last five minutes spoil it. I like something to *happen* in my movies.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
4
JoshuaFJan 6, 2010
Possibly the worst let down in a movie that I was looking forward to in a long time. I want my money back. Very pretentious synopsis of corporate America. I must be missing the critics view by a mile, because I'm usually in agreement. Possibly the worst let down in a movie that I was looking forward to in a long time. I want my money back. Very pretentious synopsis of corporate America. I must be missing the critics view by a mile, because I'm usually in agreement. Sorry Reitman, Juno was fantastic...this is a dud!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
4
WayneL.Feb 11, 2010
When the movie was over, I couldn't answer the question of why it was made.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
4
KarenG.Feb 2, 2010
The most overpraised movie I've seen in ages. Cute and nicely tucked in artifice posing as something "poignant." I find it really disappointing how many people apparently were seduced by the surface-level fluff, "sexiness," and The most overpraised movie I've seen in ages. Cute and nicely tucked in artifice posing as something "poignant." I find it really disappointing how many people apparently were seduced by the surface-level fluff, "sexiness," and doc-style interviews with real laid-off people (the best part of the movie, by far -- but lacking an organic connection to Bingham's story) into thinking they were seeing something with real relevance and meaning. Whoever pegged it as a movie with a "juvenile sense of seriousness" -- I couldn't agree more! George Clooney was, well... a very good... George Clooney. And the Vera Farmiga character, while impressive for awhile, was a big disappointment in the end -- the revelation/twist was so poorly done! A convenient, unbelievable fabrication obviously contrived so that Bingham could have his big "transformative moment." Slight problem: now we suddenly we have something else thrown on our plate to muddle the story even more: a truly unlikable, deceitful, screwed-up woman, masquerading around as some kind of male fantasy creature -- but who (as if this woman could even exist in the real world) is the most messed-up character in the movie by far (and that says a lot.) And what is Bingham's big enlightenment in the end: oh, that maybe this lifestyle he was so proud of is really kind of vapid & meaningless. But I'm going to keep on with my job of firing people (oh -- but with integrity! Not distantly over the internet!) -- because my story has nothing to do with a revelation about the meaning of THAT (as opposed to the Natalie's enlightenment, which at least found some way of connecting the story in a human way to the big, depressing picture of the economy and all the tragic lay-offs.) What a disappointment. Please don't let it win an Oscar!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
MelanieS.Dec 26, 2009
Enjoyed the movie, but felt it did not live up to the hype. Great performance by Clooney and supporting cast was good. Don't feel the movie should be an Oscar contender.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
PaulS.Dec 26, 2009
Usually I trust the reviews/metascores on this site, but in this case I was sorely disappointed. The performances are pretty good but the story and characters are painfully generic. I went in expecting dark satire akin to American Beauty, Usually I trust the reviews/metascores on this site, but in this case I was sorely disappointed. The performances are pretty good but the story and characters are painfully generic. I went in expecting dark satire akin to American Beauty, but I got mostly generic romantic comedy crap.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
4
RichardF.Dec 27, 2009
O.K. Why would a married women give the man she is screwing around with her home address..?!? And really.......wouldn't any of us call before we jumped on a plane to Chicago.......?!? The second half turned into stupid, manipulative O.K. Why would a married women give the man she is screwing around with her home address..?!? And really.......wouldn't any of us call before we jumped on a plane to Chicago.......?!? The second half turned into stupid, manipulative Hollywood bullsh.......the wedding scene/reception went on way to long and was totally out of context.....the movie stayed real around the cold reality of losing one's job, but got sentimental and unrealistic when it came to getting married and "living happily ever after"........Oh, and the product placement was ridiculous......having Hertz, Hilton, and American Airlines crammed down my throat was so obvious and quite nauseating.......Please tell me we can do better.....… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
4
FranceL.Dec 28, 2009
George Clooney's smooth presence is insufficient to overcome the meandering plot and stream of unsteady dialog. For every fine moment, there is a false one. I guess the critics who found this movie hugely entertaining must be smugly George Clooney's smooth presence is insufficient to overcome the meandering plot and stream of unsteady dialog. For every fine moment, there is a false one. I guess the critics who found this movie hugely entertaining must be smugly certain of their own job security.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
BrienC.Dec 31, 2009
Decent movie but not great. Save your money and see it when it comes out on video.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
JeffS.Dec 5, 2009
A good movie but not a great movie. The first half is smart and entertaining, while I felt the second half lost it's way.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
TomR.Dec 17, 2009
How can we call a film with no true idea of what it is saying "era defining"?! This film is a cinematic rope-a-dope. It's saying "Hey look over here at these fantastic and attractive actors acting well but pay no attention to the fact How can we call a film with no true idea of what it is saying "era defining"?! This film is a cinematic rope-a-dope. It's saying "Hey look over here at these fantastic and attractive actors acting well but pay no attention to the fact that what the say and do doesn't add up or bring to light any clear statement or comment on anything." It's one thing to show a tragic trend in our culture (and kudos for taking it on) but when you don't really say anything about the why's or what to do's of that trend while acting like you have, that's where I have a problem with you. The emperor has no clothes.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
LindaL.Dec 24, 2009
Clooney is good as his usual cad-with-a-heart-of-gold. The movie is smart and engaging. Yet I'm not sure what it's trying to tell me, especially after a twist that really alters our view of one of the characters. Don't need a Clooney is good as his usual cad-with-a-heart-of-gold. The movie is smart and engaging. Yet I'm not sure what it's trying to tell me, especially after a twist that really alters our view of one of the characters. Don't need a film to tell me downsizing sucks, or that people who need people are the luckiest people in the world. Still, I give them credit for some laughs and for not going for the easy resolution.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
4
CindyC.Dec 24, 2009
Every year in late December, Hollywood rolls out its designated Oscar Worthy Movie. Critics rave, name it to their Top 10 lists, and the film receives many nominations. It is only later, when the rest of us have the chance to see it, that we Every year in late December, Hollywood rolls out its designated Oscar Worthy Movie. Critics rave, name it to their Top 10 lists, and the film receives many nominations. It is only later, when the rest of us have the chance to see it, that we realize the film is overhyped and ordinary. This year, that film is "Up in the Air". The film boasts some strong individual performances, but the story was boring and predictable. Midway through the film, I was checking my watch and wondering when the film would end. Up in the Air: overrated. If you want to see great film-making, see Avatar or District 9 instead.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
GuillermoP.Dec 25, 2009
Up in the air is this years critical favorite but all I saw was a well acted, smartly written, good movie. It won't even make my top 10.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
HiredGunDec 26, 2009
Cute. But the wedding scene was poorly scripted. It was a necessary part of the movie but didn't hang together well. It brought the entire movie down.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
4
Trev29Mar 31, 2012
A very boring film. The acting is overpraised so much that it is ridiculous. The critics are so wrong. Everything about it, had nothing new to offer. This movie even makes me more sick of George than I already am.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
pajamatimeOct 28, 2014
it's really a great movie except when Anna Kendrick cried when her boyfriend broke up with her via text it was obvious that she was trying to fake it.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
DawdlingPoetNov 27, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is yet another movie with seemingly little focus to start with, I questioned why we as a viewer should feel sorry for Ryan, given he seems rather self obsessed and smug. This is mainly a dialogue based movie, there's little visual comedy or action, the comedy is quite subtle, to be honest its not a movie I laughed very much at, some parts are mildly amusing and there are some witty lines at times but its fairly sutble - its certainly not a laugh-out-loud comedy. I liked the idea of his job basically being to fire other people - I thought it was quite dark at points with the dialogue he'd use to communicate with the people he was firing, hinting at there being a longer relationship between him and them, trying to create a sense that their being fired was the start of something much more positive and the voice over of him confirming to the viewer this wasn't the case. The more you think about it, the more depressing it is in a way but then its one of those movies where you can't help but feel like its commentating on bad practices in real life. Natalie is an interesting character - she relies on Ryan to teach her the ropes as far as travelling and firing is concerned - she's seen as the new generation of the company, I suppose. She shows naivety and Ryan isn't much impressed with having to show her how things are best done, pointing out even little things such as how much time is wasted to check in just one bag for a flight (if you calculate it based on the number of flights he's had to take, it equates to a whole week of queuing up each year(!)) and claiming to ignore it when people who have just been fired by them threaten to hurt themselves (of course their upset, who wouldn't be? its just talk), which comes back to haunt him later on. She finds it hard to settle in to such a turbulent lifestyle and while the transition is going on with Ryan knowing he's effectively on his way out himself afterwards, he tries to cling on to a relationship, if but a superficial, ocassional one, he has with who I think is an airline representative (or a similar occupation, I don't remember exactly), that being as far as he'll go in terms of commitments. Towards the end of the movie it becomes clear that his lack of a family, infact given other sub-plots it becomes clear that his family is particularly distant from him, barely able to spend much time with him, that is what sets him apart and while he seems almost happy with that being the case, there's also a clear irony present. At least a couple of times we see him present a speech at events all about peoples luggage (metaphorically speaking) but that becomes quite a bittersweet message by the end.

I was surprised by how sentimental this movie ended up being - the main message behind it is certainly nothing new, infact the sentimentality is a bit off-putting. I was expecting this to be more of a romantic movie given the short blurb about it that I'd read, a romantic drama perhaps but I wouldn't say thats the case. Having said that, it is quite a quirky movie, there are quite a few interesting characters, with a sub-plot involving a cardboard cut out being particularly random and kind of funny in a random way, there is certainly something appealing about it and if you like sentimentality and don't mind the ocassional sex reference and possibly some strong language, then you might enjoy this. I wasn't entirely sure what to make of it overall, I'm not sure there's a great deal I can say really, I found the comedy to be pretty subtle or dark and it seems to be telling the viewer a message or two about the importance of family, which some might balk at but if thats your kind of thing then you might also find it quite touching, I suppose it depends. I suppose I could say that this movie didn't seem to have a great deal of focus but I guess it does, it just isn't very clear what that is until almost the very end and we may not expect it - it is ultimately a bit mushy and certainly sentimental although not in maybe the traditional format that some movies feature that in (if that makes any sense? I know what I mean :-/).

Personally, I don't feel that this was really a particularly memorable movie, so I suppose I wouldn't personally recommend it, no. It has its quirks, the characters are all of some interest to an extent certainly and the performances are decent but I personally felt it ended up being a bit too sentimental and I felt somehow the main plot lacked focus and was even perhaps a little confusing at times. This is an average to good movie that by the end I couldn't help but feel overall a bit lukewarm about, hence my 3 star rating, however I imagine other people might like it more than I did, so its up to you to choose whether you'd like to see it or not. I hope that makes sense lol.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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