Review: "Up In the Air"

What's the most important part of your life?

Is it your family and friends? Your career? Your independence? Your material possessions?

Imagine you put all those things in a backpack. The backpack feels pretty heavy, doesn't it? Lighten the load by one of the above items, whichever is most important. Then light the backpack and whatever is still in it on fire.

Are you happy with your choice?

George Clooney plays Ryan Bingham, whose job it is to fly around the country and fire people from their jobs. He has no qualms about doing this job because it, like everything else in his life, is not personal to him. He doesn't stay in touch with his family. He owns only the amount of personal property that fits in his carry-on. His goal in life is to become a member of an elite traveling club by reaching 10 million frequent flier miles.

Then he meets Alex, a woman not unlike him. And he falls for her. And suddenly things begin to change. Suddenly he's more heartfelt in his firings, he returns to his hometown for his sister's wedding, he even opens up to his young trainee, Natalie, who is assigned to watch and learn.

Just when you think Ryan is about to change everything by planting roots with Alex, he makes an unfortunate discovery. To Alex, it's all been a game. To Ryan, it was a chance to be the person he was always afraid to be. To Natalie, who feels enough for herself and the other two, it's too much.

Some people would see this movie as depressing. I see it as a chance at self-discovery: What is the most important part of your life? Chances are you know the answer. Now, like Ryan, you have a chance to save it from a fiery backpack.