UP IN THE AIR
Up For:
Best Motion Picture of the Year
Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role
Two Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role
Best Achievement in Directing
Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published
Made my first set-back in the Oscar challenge… I enjoyed Up In The Air so much, I went to it twice (oops). Instead of working my way through the 33 films left, I had to see Up In The Air again.
Absolutely phenomenal film. Not only did I come to the realization that I knew nothing about this film going in (expect that it was nominated and George Clooney was in it), but I realized how great a film can get.
Upon the first viewing, George Clooney becomes my number one contender for winning the Best Actor Oscar. His fast and smooth persona is role model-esc. You want to be Ryan Bingham by the end of the film (but not really, haha). Every actor and actress brings their A-Game to the film. Two nominations in the supporting actress category is enough to tell you. Every one that was in this film was pretty much nominated for an Oscar.
Anna Kendrick, hands down, should bring home the Oscar. It is what she needs and deserves. (It may make her think twice about being in films, if I can call them films, like Twilight). Sure, Vera Farmiga was absolutely stunning in her part (love her from Running Scared, but boy has she aged), she was nothing in comparison to Anna Kendrick and I think even Vera thinks Anna should get the Oscar.
With Juno and Thank You for Smoking under his belt, Jason Reitman. Though I am skeptical whether he will take home the statue (with Kathryn Bigelow as my pick thus far for Hurt Locker), if he wins the award, I will be completely content.
All of these nominations of like skyscrapers in a city, and to make a great film, you need to fill in the spots that are not filled with skyscrapers with buildings that are substantial. Danny McBride, Zach Galifianakis, J.K. Simmons, Jason Bateman, and Melanie Lynskey are the parts that make this film the greatest city it could possibly be.
The style of this film is fantastic, which makes for easy multiple viewings. Quit cuts, intriguing plot, and depth to the characters and story, makes this film a favorite instantly.
My favorite parts included the initial meeting between George Clooney and Anna Kendrick, bringing out the best of both characters in an argument and the exchange between Clooney, Kendrick, and J.K. Simmons.
Overall, this film takes an original story of an occupation that people know little about and develops something at a grand and emotional way.
If you were going to watch only one film this year from the Academy Awards nominees, see this film. One of the best dramas to date.
(32 FILMS TO GO)
