Hallelujah. I've ended TIFF with the movie that I've been waiting for. 'Up in the Air' is the latest movie from Jason Reitman, and it has the same quirkiness, humour and depth of his previous festival films "Juno" and "Thank You For Smoking". I've decided that I am a Reitman fan for life - and I'm even more so a fan because the Reitman family are generous supporters of TIFF.
This film is the one, and this is the only one, that I would recommend heading to the theatre to see. Anna Kendrick, Vera Farmiga and Jason Bateman all give strong performances, but it is George, handsome, crinkly-eyed smile, salt and pepper sweetness George that carries the film. The film follows the life and times of Ryan Bingham (Clooney), a corporate downsizer who spends over 320 days a year on the road. Clooney is bang-on in the role.
Here's the thing about George Clooney. He's worked hard to become the movie star (and he is a MOVIE star) that he is today. Toiling in "Facts of Life" and other small bit parts until he became DOUG ROSS (sigh) and then stayed true to E.R. until he had done his time. He's so undeniably handsome that I almost don't want to like him because it's just too easy.
But then there he is, with his fantastic head of hair, his head tilt and slight shoulder shrug and his slightly crooked grin and all of a sudden I'm punching my cousin in the arm at TIFF in the middle of 'Up in the Air' saying "OMIGOD I LOVE HIM". George is an excellent example of a man who is getting better with age.
And he's great in 'Up in the Air'. He's really good. Lots of emotion in those dark brown eyes, some great one-liners and multiple outfits (turns out I like George in a suit, jeans and a v-neck as well as casual wear - but I digress).
So - get out and see the film. Support Jason Reitman, because he's Canadian and he's really talented. Enjoy George because he's delicious and delightful.
And - for a great recap of some other TIFF flicks, visit my friend (and fellow TIFF goer) Heather's blog.
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