Short Review: Seriously, who doesn't love watching middle-aged people hook up? What's more exciting than witnessing a couple of soulless corporate hacks who have wasted their lives on burying their personal woes under heaps of work and travel? That's what the world needs, a movie about a budding romance between the upwardly pathetic.




I think its fitting that this film was nominated for an impressive six Oscars but didn't get any of them. That pretty much sums up the experience of watching the film. Its almost really good.

There is plenty going for the movie. George Clooney gives a notable performance, in particular in relation to his other films as of late. Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner penned a well meaning script and Reitman turned in another strong film.

The problem?

Who cares?

That's a big problem.

Reitman has a great voice and knows how to craft full characters. As it turns out, his main character is his downfall. Clooney is well cast as Ryan Bingham, a high-class corporate consultant who fires people for a living. He flies from one job to the next, ruining other people's lives. His job has also ruined his. Aging and seeing himself slowly becoming obsolete himself, Bingham casually strolls through his mid-life crisis.

A man adrift can be an interesting character study and Bingham certainly has points about him that make him an attractive lead. Bingham's freedom is shown to be his flaw. He can go anywhere but he has nowhere to return when he's through. It may be poetic but it is terribly boring to watch.

Bingham doesn't have anything holding him down so in turn he has nothing to lose. The audience has little to invest in, other than a polite "I hope he does well." When the final credits roll we are no closer to the character than when we walked in. We know more about him, but there is no depth, no growth for us to ponder. Ultimately, he's just a loser in a fine suit.

This is not a film you should avoid at all costs. There are many moments that make it a worthwhile watch. I would recommend this if you have an urge to see it. If you're a Clooney fan for example. Otherwise, there are plenty of superior films out there you haven't seen. Go find one.





Related Reviews:
George Clooney movies
Ocean's 12 (2004)
O'Brother Where Art Thou? (2000)


Other Critic's Reviews:
The Independent Critic
ReelViews

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Labels: Anna Kendrick, Danny McBride, film, George Clooney, Jason Bateman, JK Simmons, movie review, Sam Elliott, Vera Farmiga