Up in the Air

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1:53

Up in the Air

R

Released Dec 23, 2009

1h 49m

Comedy

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

90%

Tomatometer

284 Reviews

79%

Popcornmeter

100,000+ Ratings

An idea from a young, new co-worker (Anna Kendrick) would put an end to the constant travel of corporate downsizer Ryan Bingham (George Clooney), so he takes her on a tour to demonstrate the importance of face-to-face meetings with those they must fire. While mentoring his colleague, he arranges hookups with another frequent-flier (Vera Farmiga), and his developing feelings for the woman prompt him to see others in a new light.

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Critics Consensus

Led by charismatic performances by its three leads, director Jason Reitman delivers a smart blend of humor and emotion with just enough edge for mainstream audiences.

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Deborah Ross

The Spectator

We always know just where this film is going... . But as co-written and directed by Jason Reitman, the plot's twists are so delicious and the dialogue so inventively perfect it doesn't matter a jot.

Aug 30, 2018

Full Review

Ed Koch

The Atlantic

A slick, cute, diverting, superbly-acted film but also an empty one due to the picture's raison d'être: a one-trick pony concerned solely with lack of commitment.

Jan 16, 2018

Full Review

Matt Singer

The Rumpus

Up in the Air is sentimental, but that doesn't mean it's simplistic. In fact, the movie plays at some interesting contradictions. It is a genuinely funny movie about genuinely depressing times.

Sep 18, 2017

Full Review

Will Mavity

Next Best Picture

It’s less flashy than Clooney’s work in “The Descendants” two years later, but it’s every bit as heartbreaking.

Rated: 8/10

Aug 1, 2025

Full Review

Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

Where 'Up in the Air' soars is in the way it captures Ryan's rhythm, the elegant precision of his comforting ritual, the smooth familiarity of his life-in-transition existence.

Oct 6, 2023

Full Review

Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

A painful, intelligent, and darkly comic drama that will affect you regardless of how you choose to interpret it.

Rated: 3.5/4

Aug 28, 2023

Full Review

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Gareth v

Clooney delivers one of his best performances in this smart, bittersweet character study that blends sharp social commentary with emotional subtlety.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

08/06/25

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Audience Member

Fantastic movie. Vera and George at their best. A must for your collection.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

07/06/25

Full Review

umakanth r

Clooney fires people for a living and somehow still makes me feel bad for him. Great vibes, soft punches. Like corporate therapy wrapped in airport lounge lighting. #GeorgeClooney #CorporateMelancholy #JasonReitman #MinimalistCinema

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

06/22/25

Full Review

john h

A film full of complex, silly, emotional and charismatic moments that make up a great story.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/06/25

Full Review

Walter R

Ótimo e fantástico. O filme tem uma mensagem que vai te fazer pensar.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/10/25

Full Review

Stephen L

Up in the Air is an exceptional film that balances humor and sharp dialogue with a brutal honesty. George Clooney delivers a knockout performance, embodying a character whose enviable facade masks a deeply realistic and, ultimately, depressing existence. The narrative is well-paced and engaging, offering a refreshing departure from typical Hollywood endings. While Anna Kendrick's performance has its shortcomings, Vera Farmiga shines as Clooney's complex love interest. This film is a must-see for those who appreciate smart storytelling that doesn't shy away from uncomfortable truths.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

03/22/25

Full Review

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Jason Reitman

Director

George Clooney

Ryan Bingham

Vera Farmiga

Alex Goran

Anna Kendrick

Natalie Keener

Jason Bateman

Craig Gregory

Danny McBride

Jim Miller

Up in the Air: Official Clip - You Are a Parenthesis

1:45

Up in the Air: Official Clip - A Cocoon of Self-Banishment

1:53

Up in the Air: Official Clip - Video Chat Firing

2:14

Up in the Air: Official Clip - What Is the Point?

2:13

Up in the Air: Official Clip - How Much Did They Pay You to Give Up on Your Dreams?

2:13

Up in the Air: Official Clip - Sell Me Marriage

2:02

Up in the Air: Official Clip - Cheap Is Our Starting Point

2:13

Up in the Air: Official Clip - The Miles Are the Goal

2:04

Up in the Air: Official Clip - People Do Crazy Sh** When They Get Fired

2:11

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Up in the Air: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

An idea from a young, new co-worker (Anna Kendrick) would put an end to the constant travel of corporate downsizer Ryan Bingham (George Clooney), so he takes her on a tour to demonstrate the importance of face-to-face meetings with those they must fire. While mentoring his colleague, he arranges hookups with another frequent-flier (Vera Farmiga), and his developing feelings for the woman prompt him to see others in a new light.

Director: Jason Reitman
Producer: Daniel Dubiecki, Jeffrey Clifford, Ivan Reitman, Jason Reitman
Screenwriter: Jason Reitman, Sheldon Turner
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Production Co: Montecito Picture Company
Rating: R (Some Sexual Content|Language)
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 23, 2009, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 20, 2012
Box Office (Gross USA): $83.8M
Runtime: 1h 49m

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