First Up in the Air Clip Lands

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Brad Brevet over at RoS just posted this new clip from the buzzy Up in the Air, Jason Reitman's Juno follow-up. In it George Clooney and Vera Farmiga's characters meet and exchange frequent flyer-isms. Have a look.

Reitman Wows the Crowds at Telluride

Jason Reitman's Up in the Air was specially screened this morning at the Telluride Film Festival, and those in attendance were over the moon about it. Reitman told the crowd that it's the most personal film he's ever made, and all reports say it's a smart, funny and perceptive comedy bound for Oscar glory.

Pete Hammond over at his L.A. Times blog Notes On a Season had high praise and big predictions for the film.

"Let's make it clear right now: Oscar nominations are likely assured for best picture, director, screenplay, actor for Clooney and supporting actress for either Anna Kendrick as the young know-it-all who threatens Clooney's job security or Vera Farmiga as a one-night stand who keeps on giving. Perhaps both will get nods. This is one of the smartest adult comedies in some time."

In Contention's Kris Tapley has similar raves, giving it a four-star rating and stating:

"The film is a triumph. It drips with Reitman’s passion, his love for his wife and child, his assessment of his own journey into adulthood. He just finished telling the audience at the Chuck Jones Theater that it’s probably the most personal film he’ll ever make. One can certainly understand the sentiment."

Great news. As a big fan of Thank You For Smoking and Juno, I've been looking forward to this one ever since it was announced. Add a killer cast and an uncannily perfect social climate, and this film looks to be an all-around winner. I'm looking forward to the December 4th release.

The Men Who Stare at Goats Trailer

Just spotted this trailer over at /Film for The Men Who Stare at Goats, an unbelievable true story about a reporter chasing a lead on an experimental U.S. military unit attempting to develop psychic powers for use on enemies. Ewan McGregor and George Clooney star as reporter and subject, respectively.

Up In The Air Poster Arrives

As a huge fan of both Thank You For Smoking and Juno, I've been anxiously awaiting the release of Jason Reitman's third feature film, Up in the Air, since it was announced last summer. Based on the novel of the same name by Walter Kirn, the story involves a corporate man named Ryan Bingham who avoids personal connections by traveling for his job. His main goal to amass one million frequent flyer miles is put in jeapordy when his company decides to cut its travel budget. Making matters even more complicated is his sudden romantic interest in a fellow compulsive traveler.

George Clooney takes on the lead role with Vera Farmiga (The Departed) playing his love interest. The film has been earning raves out of test screenings, and there's a lot of awards talk for Clooney and Reitman, as well as a decent shot at one of those 10 Best Picture slots.

Today we have the official poster for the film, which will premiere at TIFF in September and is probably headed for a December release. The trailer will no doubt find its way online in the next couple of weeks, so check back for that soon.

NOTE: A large portion of the film was shot in my hometown of St. Louis, and Clooney's presence inspired a frenzy the likes of which I have never seen. Visiting Presidents garner a small amount of interest, but when Clooney comes to town people take off work to drive around the airport in the hopes of glimpsing him, and local radio stations report "Clooney Sightings" on an hourly basis. The man truly is a movie star.