Up in the Air

Corporate downsizer Ryan Bingham (Clooney) attributes his commitment phobia to his work, though he seems naturally inclined to distancing himself from too many messy human emotions. Bingham loves his airport life and is deeply offended when his boss (Bateman) pairs him with young go-getter Natalie (Kendrick) whose big idea is to fire people via the Internet. Then Ryan gets distracted by the more mature beauty and wit of fellow traveler Alex (Farmiga), who's equally amenable to no-strings sex. Clooney is made for this role--a debonair, intelligent if somewhat ruthless, man who's become complacent until he finds his own working life threatened, which leads to some midlife questioning. Thankfully, writer/director Reitman refrains from mawkishness and expected changes. Adapted from Walter Kirn's 2002 novel.