Two "up" movies on New Year's Day.
Just a coincidence, but a nice 2010 omen, perhaps.

Movie: "Up"
Review: 3 bill-stars (out of 5)... okay.

"Up" (imdb) was barreling toward 2 bill-stars and ignominy, but a nice, happy, sappy ending made it "worth it" for me. Good Lord, the sugar-sweet saccharin-y yuk of this movie. My teeth hurt.

I also find that I'm getting tired of the Pixar brand. The animation all has a similar feel. The scripts rely a lot on cliche, a "hook"... rather than something a little deeper or more interesting. "Up" has a very commercial, sterile feel to it. And you know that Pixar is Disney now, and gol dang if they didn't start the movie by killing off the Mom or, in this case, the Wife. (No, she wasn't shot by a hunter... he he) Still, it was weird and felt manipulative.

Movie: "Up in the Air"
Review: 4 bill-stars (out of 5)... great!

Jason Reitman made "Juno"... I think I like "Up in the Air" (imdb and website) even better. "Up in the Air" is a lot less cutesy than "Juno" and Clooney is the shit.

"Up in the Air" was funny and positive and interesting... strong, strong acting performances by Clooney and the girls and all. I have this predilection toward 40-something relationship movies these days (ha!), and a lot of this one rings true. It was really nice to think I knew where the movie was going and then have it not go there.

And the great topper was fun 40-something relationship movie chat afterward over faux margaritas. Life imitates art.
peace out... yow, bill

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