IMDb > Up in the Air (2009/I)
Up in the Air
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Up in the Air (2009/I) More at IMDbPro »

Photos (see all 84 | slideshow) Videos (see all 49)
Up in the Air -- Ryan Bingham is a corporate downsizing expert whose cherished life on the road is threatened just as he is on the cusp of reaching ten million frequent flyer miles and just after he's met the frequent-traveler woman of his dreams.
Up in the Air -- A clip from the movie Up in the Air
Up in the Air -- Writer-director Jason Reitman discusses his film Up in the Air.
Up in the Air -- Interview: Melanie Lynskey "On her character"
Up in the Air -- Ryan Bingham is a corporate downsizing expert whose cherished life on the road is threatened just as he is on the cusp of reaching ten million frequent flyer miles and just after he's met the frequent-traveler woman of his dreams.

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Overview

User Rating:
7.8/10   60,776 votes »
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Up 1% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Writers (WGA):
Jason Reitman (screenplay) and
Sheldon Turner (screenplay) ...
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Contact:
View company contact information for Up in the Air on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
23 December 2009 (USA) See more »
Genre:
Tagline:
The story of a man ready to make a connection. See more »
Plot:
With a job that has him traveling around the country firing people, Ryan Bingham leads an empty life out of a suitcase, until his company does the unexpected: ground him. Full summary » | Full synopsis »
Plot Keywords:
Awards:
Nominated for 6 Oscars. Another 44 wins & 53 nominations See more »
User Reviews:
A Decent Satire See more (348 total) »


Additional Details

Also Known As:
"Mileage, My Life" - Japan (English title)
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MPAA:
Rated R for language and some sexual content.
Runtime:
Canada:108 min (Toronto International Film Festival)
Country:
Language:
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 See more »
Sound Mix:
Certification:
UK:15 | USA:R (certificate #45561) | New Zealand:M | Ireland:15A | Canada:14A (Alberta/Manitoba/Ontario) | Canada:PG (British Columbia) | Japan:G | Canada:G (Quebec) | Singapore:PG | Finland:S | Australia:M | Finland:K-3 | Switzerland:7 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:7 (canton of Vaud) | Portugal:M/12 | Netherlands:AL | South Africa:13L | Sweden:Btl | Brazil:12 | Mexico:B | Argentina:13 | South Korea:15 | Germany:o.Al. | Hong Kong:IIA | Philippines:PG-13 (MTRCB) | Singapore:NC-16 (DVD rating) (Blu-ray rating)

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
When the character Bob, played by J.K. Simmons, shows Ryan a photo of his two children, it is a photo of Simmons' real children.See more »
Goofs:
Errors in geography: The shuttle bus for the Miami Airport Hilton does not cross any bridges (in this case MacArthur Causeway) going from the airport to the hotel. Hotel only provides complimentary shuttle to/from airport, not nearby destinationsSee more »
Quotes:
Kara Bingham:You're awfully isolated the way you live.
Ryan Bingham:Isolated? I'm surrounded.
See more »
Movie Connections:
Soundtrack:
Angel in the SnowSee more »

FAQ

What song is playing when Ryan is showing Alex around his old school?
A Note Regarding Spoilers
Is "Up in the Air" based on a book?
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60 out of 90 people found the following review useful.
A Decent Satire, 7 December 2009
Author: mistarkus from New York, New York

We are drawn in by interesting, unique storyline and smart satirizations. About a man whose unique job is to fly around the country to inform people that they are fired. He meets a young ambitious woman that joins his company and who wants to change the system. Her ideas clash with his personal lifestyle choices.

What the movie really is about is lifestyle choices, and relationship choices, choosing independence and freedom versus commitment and well established interpersonal relationships. By taking a definitive stance the movie provides interesting commentary on those that for whatever reason (not necessarily for work) don't stay put.

A Monotone mood is established, that gave a bland aspect as though nothing substantial was happening. Part of the story took a dull meandering at times, however there were unconventional plot twists that made something that was seemingly Hollywood predictable not that way at all. And it was still interesting and entertaining to watch the contemporary witticisms.

The two main characters, although not the most true to life characters ever created, were brilliant satires of people we all know. We are all too familiar with the fiercely independent, non-committal, cockily at ease bachelor and we have also come across the, sharp, type A, ivy league know it all yet with an obvious naivety especially shown with her declaration of the specific laundry list of traits that her partner must have.

There were also some smart satirical illustrations of contemporary times in business, relationships, how people interact and the recession. For example the use of the smart phones in the new techno/relationship world is not simply put in as a momentum mechanism but is used as a symbol to satirize contemporary society.

It is not so much Clooney's acting that is a marvel as the casting, which was perfect. By being so spot on by choosing someone on the cusp of getting a little older yet with plenty of playful, youthful vigor we sense the conflict and the melancholy.

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Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Up in the Air (2009)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
did any one else feel this way about the end imsolost-685-55551
Question for anyone who travels frequently... Dance111
Mistakes he makes a real Road Warrior would not freedumb2003
Miles - What is it exactly? xuerebx
My only complaint (spoilers) Raelian_Star
Plot hole? StridingEdge
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