Source Code (2011)

A very interesting concept indeed.  Not totally new, but spun differently enough that it felt fresh.

Jake Gyllenhaal chooses such interesting roles.  His range is clear here.  He goes from the frightened and depressed downed chopper pilot to the Bond-esque terrorist-fighter literally in the blink of an eye.

Most leading men are happy with great chemistry with one co-star.  Here he gets it very right with two.  I'm not sure which relationship I liked better.  There both touched me but were so different.

Watch this with someone who who might need to get the moral or the story - when life, or death, gives you lemons, make the best possible lemonade.

Up in the Air

This is a story about connections. Or, to be more precise, disconnects. None of the characters are repulsive, and yet none are very cuddly. I'm sure that is by design.

It is however, a good story - well told. That would explain all the nominations and awards.

George Clooney plays a guy who spends his life in airports, airplanes, and hotels. He has a goal of racking up 10 million air miles. All his relationships are either long-distance or very short-lived.

Vera Farmiga and Anna Kendrick play two women in his life for the duration of the story.

We watch as the anti-relationship guy evolves, and some might say, revolves, from isolation to something approaching connections, and back again.

While there were some funny bits along the way this should not be considered a comedy. Maybe a dramedy at most.

Watch this with someone who is happy with their status quo.