Up In The Air, way, way, way up in the air

The movie that I saw yesterday was "Up In The Air", the new Jason Reitman and George Clooney dramedy. I have been reading lots and lots of wonderful things about this movie and since Juno was one of my favorite films from a few years ago, I thought that this would be another quirky comedy filled with great performances and zippy writing that will keep me on my toes.
Now, I have to fess up...I am not a George Clooney fan. I don't completely hate him or his work, but I am definately not someone who thinks that anything he touches is gold. That being said, I felt that this was a reasonable piece of work. His performance was humble and he was able to leave himself vulnerable at times. At times, mostly I felt like I needed more. His love interest Vera Farmiga is great in her role. Calm and cool, she is a great match for him. The real surprise was Anna Kendrick. This young woman came in and stole the show for me. She was able to stand face to face with Clooney and power back what ever side quips that he threw at her, and she does it in a charming and youthful manner, so lovely. Jason Bateman rounds out the talented cast as Clooney's boss.
The story is about a man who travels around the country, who basically lives out of his carefully packed suitcase, and what happens in his life. His family, his friends, his loves and his collegues. I found it quite sad. Here was a man who has spent the better part of his life separating himself from society and plunging himself into his travels for work and all the prestige that goes along with that. He completely misses the boat with regards to relationships and family. At first it's funny and cute to watch, but then it just becomes so sad to see how his life has turned out for him.
For me this was an interesting film. Since I deal with travel during the day, it was fun to watch as the business men manouver through airports, hotels and car rental locations. That part was fun. I found that the movie was a bit slow, a bit perdictable and a bit sappy. It didn't win me over...I left the theatre feeling like I missed something...something big which is why everyone else is writing about how much they loved the film and I am writing about...well, not that. The film was fine.
Maybe it's just Clooney...I just don't get Clooney. Maybe I am the only one that feels like he is too smooth, too suave, too cool. He's just too much for me. Oh well....maybe he'll make another Ocean's film...those were perfect for him I felt. Cool, calm and always collected.