WHAT’S IT ABOUT?
A loudmouthed skirt-chaser spends more time flying than on the ground. When he does come down to earth he has to fire employees of large corporations on behalf of his unsympathetic boss. Then two women come into his life at the same time and confront him with the uselessness of his lonely existence.
WHO WILL ENJOY IT?
Although the story sounds grim Jason Reitman’s razor-sharp direction and insightful look at the male (and female) psyche should make this a hit with everyone, whether you enjoy romantic comedies or serious dramas. It satisfies all tastes because it performs open-heart surgery on the concept of love - and specifically on playboys who have girlfriends in every town, their excuse being they can’t find the right woman. But for this one even his sex drive is running out of steam and he may no longer have a second chance. The film tackles the runaway materialism that has brought America to its knees and looks at the reasons with a deathly grin.
WAIT FOR DVD?
No, because this controlled, sharply analytical film is definitely going to win Oscars. For a change George Clooney doesn’t hog the spotlight and he’s not the hero. The women beat him in every respect - Vera Farmiga and Anna Kendrick give excellent performances that should earn them Oscar nods. Watch it if you complain you haven’t yet met the right person.
SIMILAR FILMS
Happy-Go-Lucky, Burn after Reading.
Romantic comedy-drama. With GEORGE CLOONEY, VERA FARMIGA and ANNA KENDRICK. Director: Jason Reitman. 13L. Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Leon van Nierop