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

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10
s053714Jun 13, 2011
A mature comedy-drama for adults with a really neat twist at the end. All the principle actors are really fine and the direction is right on, with a first rate screenplay and dialog. One of my favorites and one of George Clooney's best.
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9
davenbettridgeOct 9, 2011
Up in the Air is a movie that I found myself relating to on many levels and its impact I found personal, something that is missing from most movies. The characters are very real, the theme of how boring everyday life can be is interesting andUp in the Air is a movie that I found myself relating to on many levels and its impact I found personal, something that is missing from most movies. The characters are very real, the theme of how boring everyday life can be is interesting and the 3rd act of the film is awesome and memorable. The interviews and theme of people losing their jobs seems relevant on one hand but a little forced and disconnected to the main plot but its only a minor gripe. Up In The Air is great and a must see. Highly recommended.… Expand
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8
islandOct 15, 2011
I don't really like this kind of romantic films but this time I kinda liked it. Liked the acting performances but imo George Clooney's role was pathetic. I really appreciated the lack of happy-ending.
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9
LevelsAndGearDec 27, 2011
"Up In The Air" One Line Review! "A-"

Extremely timely, thought provoking and emotional - And just when I thought they were going to wrap things up a little too neatly, BAM - I loved it, I think everyone would benefit from seeing it.
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7
paulyhJul 18, 2011
Good little film, not the funniest or most dramatic film ive ever seen but well acted, directed and shot with a good script and likeable characters who make you want to see more of them after the credits have rolled. Having said that, my wifeGood little film, not the funniest or most dramatic film ive ever seen but well acted, directed and shot with a good script and likeable characters who make you want to see more of them after the credits have rolled. Having said that, my wife hated it and fell asleep before the end!… Expand
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10
CRLJul 30, 2011
Billed to me as a comedy, Up in the Air is much more than that. It's an emotionally moving and laugh-inducing drama with stellar acting from George Clooney. The premise is so sarcastically dry, as is Clooney's character, that by itself itBilled to me as a comedy, Up in the Air is much more than that. It's an emotionally moving and laugh-inducing drama with stellar acting from George Clooney. The premise is so sarcastically dry, as is Clooney's character, that by itself it invokes a few laughs. Add to that some surprisingly dark themes towards the ending and it becomes complete in every possible way.… Expand
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7
eTurkeyMar 1, 2012
Although marketed and advertised as a comedy-drama film, this movie truthfully skimps on the laughs but redeems itself in the dramatic sense. However there are so many different themes in 'Up in the Air' one could be forgiven in thinking theAlthough marketed and advertised as a comedy-drama film, this movie truthfully skimps on the laughs but redeems itself in the dramatic sense. However there are so many different themes in 'Up in the Air' one could be forgiven in thinking the flick (in itself) is a self-motivational handout. Sadly some are left unanswered. Despite that George Clooney is excellently cast in the lead which matches his public persona of being quite charming but the standout has to be Vera Farmiga; a desirable choice for Clooney's love interest.… Expand
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9
imthenoobMar 12, 2012
I really liked this movie. Solid acting by the cast, An interesting plot, and overall its just a solid film that I really enjoyed watching. Im suprised that the fans dont like it more but hey, I guess its not for everyone. But to me, ItsI really liked this movie. Solid acting by the cast, An interesting plot, and overall its just a solid film that I really enjoyed watching. Im suprised that the fans dont like it more but hey, I guess its not for everyone. But to me, Its definently worth the watch.… Expand
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8
Boozerx7Feb 16, 2012
A truly enjoyable movie from start to finish. makes you ponder abt your life and future. A compelling performance from the cast. Good storyline combined with powerful cast and amazing direction and cinematography of the movie. what more can iA truly enjoyable movie from start to finish. makes you ponder abt your life and future. A compelling performance from the cast. Good storyline combined with powerful cast and amazing direction and cinematography of the movie. what more can i ask for?… Expand
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9
beingryanjudeAug 27, 2014
Jason Reitman + George Clooney + Vera Farmiga + Anna Kendrick = cinematic perfection. Smart and bold. You know it's good when you begin to question your own life.
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8
SpangleSep 28, 2015
Up in the Air continued Jason Reitman's early hot streak before his more recent missteps and though I prefer Thank You for Smoking and Juno, Up in the Air is still a good film. With a great emotional center and theories on loneliness,Up in the Air continued Jason Reitman's early hot streak before his more recent missteps and though I prefer Thank You for Smoking and Juno, Up in the Air is still a good film. With a great emotional center and theories on loneliness, happiness, marriage, and purpose in life, the film has a lot to say throughout. The writing is spectacular as is the direction and when the characters feel hurt, so does the audience. This is largely thanks to the great acting from George Clooney, Anna Kendrick, and Vera Farmiga. However, the true success of the film comes from how real it all feels. It never feels fake and it almost feels as though you are watching a documentary about these regular people. In addition, it was very timely with its release, as it focuses on a guy who fires people for a living and came out in 2009. On the topic of starting over, the film does a very good job and portrays these people with a lot of compassion and honesty. Overall, Up in the Air is a very good film that has a great emotional center that makes it really hit home for people of all ages and features Anna Kendrick's breakout performance, which really stole the show.… Expand
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7
dev92Aug 25, 2012
I think the critics went slightly overboard when reviewing this film. It is a good film which is funny in places but at times it seems far too stuck up itself to realise when it is waning from the plot. Reitman continues to produce good filmsI think the critics went slightly overboard when reviewing this film. It is a good film which is funny in places but at times it seems far too stuck up itself to realise when it is waning from the plot. Reitman continues to produce good films but this is not his best work as some would have you believe.… Expand
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9
worleyjamersFeb 24, 2013
Just a terrific film! An honest picture of charming, but flawed, people. Perfectly acted by George Clooney, Vera Farmiga, and Anna Kendrick. Brilliant script, brilliant film!
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8
BradySmithJun 26, 2014
I gave this a 9 before, but I'm going to lower my score now for a few reasons. There are spots in this movie that are somewhat un-engaging and boring. These scenes are at odds with the rest of the movie which is entertaining, lively, andI gave this a 9 before, but I'm going to lower my score now for a few reasons. There are spots in this movie that are somewhat un-engaging and boring. These scenes are at odds with the rest of the movie which is entertaining, lively, and sharply directed by Reitman. The dialogue is realistic, the performances are believable, and there are even some unexpected turns. From a filmmaking standpoint the movie is almost flawless. It's just that the audience for this film is somewhat limited. It's being called a comedy, but it's really a straightforward drama. It's not really even a hybrid of the two like Reitman's own Juno or Silver Linings Playbook. It might not be funny, but I'd still take this over the cliché crap that usually comes out of this genre.… Expand
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8
sammieteeOct 30, 2013
I really really enjoyed this movie. It was bitter sweet in a wonderful way. The story flowed nicely and Clooney's character suited him extremely well. It doesn't end in the happiest ending but that is what makes it a good movie. I wouldI really really enjoyed this movie. It was bitter sweet in a wonderful way. The story flowed nicely and Clooney's character suited him extremely well. It doesn't end in the happiest ending but that is what makes it a good movie. I would definitely recommend this movie to anybody.… Expand
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9
BloodMeridian85Dec 19, 2013
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Slickly rendered and intelligently scripted, offering a deft mixture of comedy and pathos, "Up in the Air" is entertaining but also painstakingly grounded in reality, seamlessly entwining humor with an existentially bleak edge that this troubled era of downsizing and recession makes all the more meaningful and relevant.

As far as acting goes, the performances here are exceptional, and are largely what makes it work. J. K. Simmons and Steve Eastin are fantastic in their brief but brilliant cameos as fired employees; Amy Morton and Jason Bateman offer some good supporting work; and Vera Farmiga and Anna Kendrick deliver richly layered performances in their respective roles, Kendrick in particular. But George Clooney is the centerpiece of the film evoking Ryan Bingham with charisma and suave interlaced with loneliness, desperation and fear.

A fantastic view.… Expand
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9
FrenchToastOct 15, 2018
There are very few movies that I"ve seen that were done so well that it didn't feel like a movie, and this is one of them. Great cast and creative story.
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8
hanneguacamoleJun 29, 2015
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. As I see George Clooney star in more and more typical white collar men in mid-life crises, I start to appreciate those films that manage to be enchanting without a big shot actor stealing the spotlight. With that said, Up In the Air did feel new. The planes may use recycled air, but when I saw Des Moines light up on the screen, I took a gasp of fresh air.

Ryan Bingham isn't your typical worker that wants to go to the office from 9 to 5 and never think about the job again until he returns. No. Ryan loves, he breathes his job. In fact, he doesn't even have a life outside of it. The loyalty and the miles and the ten million goal are what makes him the person that he is. He even thinks that's what he wants too. Living out of a simple carry-on bag, what more could someone need?

Of course, nothing lasts forever, and Natalie Keener, the stereotypical naïve girl throws a wrench in his life and ends up under his wing. Firing people can't be an easy job, but being the stoic and unemotional person that he is, Ryan does it with ease. People change him, and that's all to be expected. People change you, and Ryan is changed as well. Actually, I can't help but think that the picture he drags around with him for his sister's wedding represents something much larger. His personal growth with his philosophies. From being shiny and new, to used and falling apart, and ultimately ending up happy.

"You're the youngest to hit 10 mil, I don't know where you found the time." He found it by living in the sky – no commitments and nobody waiting for him at home. The only thing to his name is a 1-bedroom apartment and various flings to "escape real life." But this is Ryan's real life, and whether he just stays because it's too late or because he wants to is an enigma.… Expand
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7
MateusShieldsAug 18, 2015
Up in the Air is definitely not a bad film, but it's not a good one. The first act is great, all the characters are likeable, the story is entertaining and fun, but then comes the second act, and it feels like the wedding is sidetracking theUp in the Air is definitely not a bad film, but it's not a good one. The first act is great, all the characters are likeable, the story is entertaining and fun, but then comes the second act, and it feels like the wedding is sidetracking the film from the point of the first half of the film and after that the whole movie feels lost. And I honestly understand the message it was trying to convey and the whole point of the story, but it just felt shallow, like it was barely scratching the surface of it's full potential. And even if there is a good point or an intelligent story the film has to be at least entertaining in it's entirety. Up in the Air is definitely overrated, in almost every aspect, except acting maybe, it's flawed, but not in a imperfectly perfect way, more in a wounded unrepairable way.… Expand
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9
JP32Dec 7, 2021
It fulfills that old school Hollywood ideal: Classy stars giving great performances in a grown-up entertainment that masters gentle humor and touching drama to carry audiences along for a couple hours and give them plenty to think about afterIt fulfills that old school Hollywood ideal: Classy stars giving great performances in a grown-up entertainment that masters gentle humor and touching drama to carry audiences along for a couple hours and give them plenty to think about after they leave.… Expand
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9
alejandro970Aug 14, 2020
The perks of being a frequent traveler, the difficult art of firing an employee, the chance encounter with your soulmate. All this in a comedy that combines the three things, intelligently without resembling what has already been seen before,The perks of being a frequent traveler, the difficult art of firing an employee, the chance encounter with your soulmate. All this in a comedy that combines the three things, intelligently without resembling what has already been seen before, leaving a good taste in the mouth. One of Clooney best shots.… Expand
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9
KaustavJan 28, 2018
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This movie gave me feels, the first time I watched in 2011 and the period within and the again when watched it 2 days ago. It is very solid in terms of story it tells: of the very real issue of family, commitment and choices to make.
George Clooney as an experienced 'firer' who just given too much to an abstract dream of 10 million flyer miles in lieu of real family, closeness and perhaps a chance at a more happier life in he could just leave behind apathy. The purveyor of breakage of that apathy is portrayed in the simplistic, charming and prosaic character that is played by Anna Kendrick who is almost opposite to the mature woman who knows and has she what she wants, Vera Farmiga's character who is the final nail in the coffin of Clooney's realisation that he really has a choice now - maybe just to pick a place and fly away for a new start or not.
It is such a beautifully written and well played out story which is complemented by its cast, additional support staff, crew and music in such a way that will make happy, sad and tormented at your choices on whether you have done good to make your life more meaningful in a span of 2 hours. It is absolutely worth everybody's time if they want to fell something meaningful.… Expand
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9
amheretojudgeMay 31, 2018
flies supreme, perpetual and omnipotent..

Up In The Air The context that it follows up to is set in a back tone where it builds up sub-consciously and grows into this behemoth emotional connection among the viewers that fuels up the featureflies supreme, perpetual and omnipotent..

Up In The Air

The context that it follows up to is set in a back tone where it builds up sub-consciously and grows into this behemoth emotional connection among the viewers that fuels up the feature throughout the course of it. The writer is aware of its self-created characters and stays true to their nature which is utterly palpable to its tone. One of the primary reason why it charms away swiftly, is the light humour that is present among the characters and are for the characters and not for the audience and still is immensely pleasuring to encounter. A smart adaptation by Jason Reitman that offers gripping and genuinely justified plot tracks and addition to that his brilliant execution skills that is more than a forwards pass in this almost 110 minutes of a game. George Clooney has got it all covered on performance objective and is supported by a great cast like Verga Farmiga and Anna Kendrick. There is a bit of myth in the air installed in this sensibly diplomatic world which opens this portal towards the "super-ness" for the protagonist who has both pros and cons towards his untamable powers and makes it more colossal than one could ever hope for. Up In The Air is the perfect balance of plot-driven and character-driven feature that is a revelation in its own genre where the viewers flies supreme, perpetual and omnipotent.… Expand
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8
jonslowJan 7, 2019
A thought provoking piece that is reflective and humorous at times. Clooney and the main characters are outstanding and have undeniable chemistry. Though the end of the film may not leave with resolve, it may leave you with loneliness and sadness.
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8
TJDawgiestyleJun 6, 2023
Combines a unique premise and dynamic cast of characters with philosophy, dark comedy, and overall tragedy. George Clooney's character is the MVP for this movie and he sets the tone for the film's tone.
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