happy endings.

I am an optimist.  It works for me.  I like happy things.  I'm not saying there isn't pain or sadness in the world, but I would just SO much more rather focus on the HAPPY. On the things that work out.

The rest of the world, unfortunately, has not gotten this memo.

Last night, I was admittedly in a not-so-hot mood.  Not in a terrible mood, just not in a great mood.  So when I headed to the movies with Michael, I was excited that we were seeing what I THOUGHT was going to be a feel good movie.  BEFORE you attack me, though, let me say this--it WAS great.  It WAS hilarious.  I WOULD see it again.  I probably would have liked it a lot more if I'd seen it when I wasn't upset about something.  It was just, at the end (and I'm SPOILING this for anyone who hasn't seen it), I wasn't ready for the "realistic"ending.

Throughout the movie, Ryan (George Clooney) develops a "relationship" with business woman Alex, who leads (at first glance) a similar, detached life on the road (or in flight).  Ryan's attraction brings the slightest warmth and humanity and even vulnerability to Ryan, as he realizes, with the help of Natalie (Anna Kendrick) that he needs SOME human connection.  Despite his backpack speech about how relationships hold one down, Ryan realizes, as he explains to his sister's uncertain fiance, that the most important parts of life occur not when one is alone, but when one is sharing life--the pain and happiness--with another person they care about.

This was actually my favorite part of the movie.  Ryan, who has publicly denounced marriage, committment, children, and everything that terrifies his sister's soon-to-be-husband, must convince this young man to take a plunge Ryan has yet to even slightly approach.  At first he acknowledges all of these fears, and flounders when he sees his older sister's disapproval and tries to get the fiance back on track.  But finally he finds his feet, and, like I said before, comes to the realization that as pointless and bleak as life sometimes may seem, it's better with someone else there.  "It's better with a copilot."

Ok.  So writing that and focusing on THAT message--against the isolation that seems to pervade every part of life (think about it--you can "communicate" and "reconnect" and see what others are thinking and develop relationship without even leaving your computer.)--redeems the movie somewhat in my eyes.  But still.  The end, when Ryan finds out that Alex has a husband with kids at home? Somewhat depressing.

All in all, a good movie.  Good humor.  Good message.  Just not a typical happy ending.

This WAS well directed, and here's a little clip about one of the most recognizable scenes:
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/12/04/movies/20091204-upinTheAir.html

The NYTimes.com Review:
http://movies.nytimes.com/2009/12/04/movies/04upinair.html