These reviews appear in the latest issue of Southern Exposure Magazine.
UP IN THE AIR (DEC. 25) ★ ★ ★ ★
In this expertly constructed dramedy by director Jason Reitman (Juno, Thank You For Smoking), George Clooney plays Ryan Bingham, a man who makes his living by firing people. That is, he does it for those who don’t have the nerve to do it themselves. Bingham’s life is, for all intents and purposes, lived on a plane, and it’s more than mere necessity. By constantly staying on the move, Ryan is able to keep himself free from the baggage of personal relationships. He is a loner, and intends to keep it that way. But when the beautiful and charming Alex (Vera Farmiga) comes into the picture, he begins to reconsider the independent lifestyle he has championed for so long. Like Reitman’s Juno, Up in the Air is a funny and poignant movie that manages to be heartfelt without being sentimental. I was genuinely moved and challenged by the questions this movie raises. Expect to see some Oscar noms, including Best Picture, Best Actor for Clooney, Best Adapted Screenplay for Reitman and Sheldon Turner, and Best Director for Reitman.
THE YOUNG VICTORIA (DEC. 25) ★ ★ ★ 1/2
Victorian-era romances are a dime a dozen, but The Young Victoria, directed by Jean-Marc Vallée and written by Julian Fellows (Gosford Park) rises slightly above the competition. Emily Blunt (Sunshine Cleaning) shines as the young queen in the first years of her reign, with Rupert Friend (The Libertine) playing the handsome Prince Albert, who sets out to win her heart. Victoria may not be a perfect film, but it’s so elegantly conceived that it’s difficult to dislike it. Prior to seeing this film, my knowledge of Blunt’s work was limited to her portrayal of Meryl Streep’s ruthless assistant in The Devil Wears Prada. But take my word, her performance here is a game changer. Not only does it prove she has range, but also that she can carry a film, a feat she pulls off effortlessly in Victoria. Rest assured that her future roles will not be limited to supporting characters.
ME AND ORSON WELLES (OUT NOW, LIMITED) ★ ★ ★ ★
Shot in 2008 and left dead in the water for a year before finding distribution, Richard Linklater’s 1930s period drama stars Zac Efron (High School Musical) as an aspiring young actor who lands a role in Orson Welles’ stage production of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. There is a Capra-esque quality to the proceedings, as Welles’ Mercury Players attempt to pull the play together in time for its premiere. Efron is surprisingly effective as the wide-eyed Richard, who both idolizes and fears Welles, and Claire Danes (one of the most underused women in Hollywood) is charming as Welles’ assistant Sonja, who finds Richard’s naiveté endearing. But the real star of the show is Christian McKay, whose portrayal of the enigmatic Welles is uncanny. It will be a shame if he doesn’t get the Oscar nomination he deserves come January.
