The movie is a dark comedy that explores economic downturn, layoffs, 'casual' one night stands, relationships and what life is all about. The movie definitely has its funny moments but on the whole is a drama making its points in a 'smooth' way. There are no hiccups, no speed breakers, no 'now, where did that come from?' moments. The best part about the movie was its unpredictability. Even when you are half time in the movie, you can hardly realize where it is going to end up. For me that was brilliant stuff, since it does not fit into any of the typical stories. Performances are very crisp and controlled. Script is just perfect. Story is topical. Direction is very to the point. I loved how the importance of 'people and relationships' thing was played. Loved it. Go watch.Plot: The movie revolves around George clooney playing a corporate hit man. He does what the bosses are too scared of doing. He tells the employees being fired that they are being fired. That they have to look at it as a new beginning and an opportunity to do what they always wanted to do. He doesn't care about relationships, Likes living out of the suitcase, Travels 322 days and spends the rest 43 'miserable' days living in his apartment and his ultimate goal is to reach 10 million frequent flier miles. He meets two women on his way. One is 'his own self but with a vagina' who is just looking for a casual relationship with him and Other, is a young cornell grad trying to automize the whole process of communicating the bad news to the employees through internet so that travel costs can be reduced. The movie moves further to explore George's confusion as to what his ultimate 'goa'l is.
Performances: George Clooney delivers another Michael Clayton and its hard not to get reminded of Clayton in almost every sequence. Vera Farmiga is almost perfect in her portrayal of an unemotional alter ego for George's role. Her charm is just too difficult to ignore. Infact, she does the same to the guys what George has been doing to the girls all his life. Anna Kendrick is also very balanced in both funny as well as emotinal sequences. 10/10 on the performance front.
Miscellaneous: Well, something that did not work for me was the endless advertisements from Hilton to American Airlines to Hertz. At times it started to feel like a 2 hour long product placement. That for me compromised on the essence of the movie. It was required to establish his travel schedule but it was just a bit too much for me. Secondly, at one point i thought the love story angle was a bit filmy but then as the plot unfolded i realized how important the same was.
Positives: Excellent Performances, Tight Script, Topical Story, Crisp Direction, Just the perfect balance.
Negatives: The product placements were a turn off.
Overall : Excellent. Must Watch. Don't miss it. I have a feeling that it may even make it to the oscar race.
Feel-O-Meter: 8.5/10 (yes i know some of you might think its too high but seriously i really liked the movie. It just hit the right chord for me)
PS: The movie may remind you many a times about Thank you for smoking and Michael Clayton.