Up In The Air - a review by Camilo Arenivar

“Up In the Air” is funny, smart, emotionally connecting, well acted, and most certainly timely. The main character, Ryan Bingham is played by George Clooney; he’s a guy who makes his living working for a company contracted by businesses to lay people off. He spends 322 days on the road, which he loves. The general subject matter as far as the laying off of workers is timely, to say the least. And the film’s directors open and close the film with commentaries from real life laid off workers.

The movie is not just about that though. It is about commitment, happiness, mid-life crisis; fear of intimacy, and to a lesser extent, the effect technology has on interpersonal communication. Oh and of course, travelling including airports and hotels.
The characters are interesting and the story well told, and doesn’t give you the predictable ending that is typical in most movies.

Is it Oscar worthy? It shall be nominated, that’s for sure. I don’t feel Clooney did anything special here, but the story is well done so I see an Adapted Screenplay (from Walter Kim’s 2001 book of the same name) nomination and a best supporting actress nomination for Anna Kendrick, who is phenomenal as the young 23 year old techie who threatens to disrupt Bingham’s 322 life “up in the air”.

I am not going to go into any more detail about the movie as I believe that the less you know the better off you are. I will say that the movie is dialogue and theme heavy, and if you are more interested in monsters than messages, action than acting, this is definitely not the movie for you. This is an adult comedy drama. If you are under 30, you probably have a 20% chance of liking this move, if you’re over 30, a good 35-40% chance of liking it and if you’re over 40, you stand a good 50% chance of liking it. It’s just one of those kinds of movies.

Rating: 91

Avatar, a brief review by Camilo Arenivar

Avatar – everyone says what a great movie it is. I went into it with a little skepticism, because I hate the hype of a movie to make me be disappointed in it when I see it. Everyone said I had to see it in 3D, some even insisted on IMAX (which I passed on).

I was pleasantly surprised to find that I did like the movie. I did not leave with a feeling of greatness or awe, but I did leave feeling a little emotionally satisfied with the experience, and as though I had just seen some of the most awesome things possible. I was also generally satisfied with how the good vs. evil fight played out. So on those levels, it was good.

Was there anything hugely original here as far as story goes? Any superior acting? Any themes that really just hit home? Not really. But it was a wonderful experience on a visual and emotional level for me. To enable enjoyment of this movie, I think people who are generally skeptical or cynical need to leave that at the door and let the story and visuals take you. That said, it’s still not for everyone, but most people will find this a very enjoyable way to spend 2.75 hours.

Rating: 89

Sherlock Holmes, a brief review by Camilo Arenivar

Sherlock Holmes is a movie that could have easily been a half hour shorter, and nicer if the main characters did not use such thick turn of the Century British accents. This is particularly troublesome because a good part of the first half hour of this movie is mostly dialogue, which to the untrained ear, is hard to follow. Fortunately, you are able to understand just enough to be able to follow the movie.

Robert Downey Jr. is back in another fine role, this time as the famous London sleuth, Sherlock Holmes, who he plays quite well. The movie is eventually filled with an interesting story that keeps you entertained. There is a sufficient tension and the story picks up in the later half of the film. The remainder movie is a near perfect blend of the story with action and adventure to definitely keep your eyes glued to the screen.

It’s just getting past that first half hour that could be a challenge. Either way, it’s a largely entertaining film but if you have your doubts you might want to wait for DVD.

Rating: 86