Holidays are good for moviegoing...especially when you're burned out and having knee problems. In this case, "Up In the Air," the Jason Reitman film that celebrates (maybe) the business travel lifestyle. Having spent more time this year racking up frequent flier miles than any previous one (almost all for work), I was anticipating a few "nodding knowingly" moments. While not anywhere near the transit maven Clooney's character, I have gotten it down to multiple night work jaunts with minimal baggage.
I thought the movie would be good given the reviews. I wasn't prepared for how good - no, great - the movie is. In fact, I'd have to rank it as the best I've seen this year, and maybe in my top (some small number) list. Yes, it is that good. No trite happy endings, instead realistic ambiguity and moving targets for personal growth. A stunningly good film that honors the tough topics of joblessness and loneliness while celebrating the warrior that is required for travel these days...both literal and metaphoric.
