The National Board of Review declared UP IN THE AIR to be the best picture of 2009. The film, directed by Jason Reitman (THANK YOU FOR SMOKING, JUNO), places George Clooney in the role of a man who travels around the country to fire people. Based upon the book written by Walter Kirn (THUMBSUCKER), the film balances aspects of comedy and drama, while also offering a commentary upon the nation’s current economic conditions. (more)

Critics have had overwhelmingly positive things to say, finding that Reitman perfectly balances the comedic aspects of the film with its overall darker and more serious tone. Anthony Lane of THE NEW YORKER writes, “the tension between the bleak and the blithe, the prime source of this movie’s strength.” (more)

Owen Gleiberman from ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY offers glowing praise, stating “Here are a few of the kinds of movies that I wish Hollywood made more often (like, you know, two or three times a year): a drama that connects to an audience because it taps, in a bold and immediate way, into the fears and anxieties of our time; a romantic comedy in which the dialogue pings with stylish wit and verve; a film that keeps surprising us because its characters keep surprising themselves. The beauty of UP IN THE AR is that it's all those things at once.” (more)

While the film prmiered at the 2009 Toronto Film Festival, it finally opens today in a limited release. A larger release is scheduled for December 11 and a wide release is set for Christmas day. As the award season gets into full swing in the coming months, be sure to keep an eye on UP IN THE AIR.