“Up in the Air” Screening From New York City To Los Angeles

I sent my fashion writer, Samantha Ewers, to attend a press event for George Clooney's new movie 'Up in the Air. Little did I know they would FLY HER TO LA!!! Good times!

Here is her write up:

To say that I’ve had a very exciting weekend recently would be an understatement. I had the opportunity to fly from New York City to Los Angeles (first time ever!) on a charter flight hosted by American Airlines and Paramount Pictures. The special occasion, you might ask? An exclusive screening of the new film “Up in the Air,” starring George Clooney, Anna Kendrick, and Jason Bateman… screened for us mid-air. Anna Kendrick (maybe you recognize her as “Jessica” from “Twilight”?) was in person for interviews.

Click on the continue reading link below to check out her interview - and yes, they do talk 'Twilight'.

This all-star dramedy, directed by Jason Reitman (“Juno”, “Thank You For Smoking”), is based on the book by Walter Kirn. It is about a man named Ryan Bingham (portrayed by George Clooney) who spends 270 days of the year traveling around the United States to terminate company employees gracefully, in place of company bosses that don’t have the guts to do it themselves. Ryan’s lifestyle is all about traveling; while most find comfort in going home, home for Ryan is the commute. What he doesn’t seem to realize is that he is actually a very lonely person seeking stability and some degree of intimacy, although his lifestyle suggests the contrary.

This film speaks volumes about Clooney’s acting skills, as if we haven’t been hit with the proof before that he’s a good actor. He nails the emotional affect of a man whose sole purpose appears to be obtaining his ultimate goal: ten million frequent flyer miles. The question is, what then, is Ryan left with once he obtains this goal?

Aside from the benefit of staring at the ever-so-handsome George Clooney for almost two hours, Anna Kendrick’s performance was astounding as well. An uptight college grad that means business, Natalie (Kendrick), confronts Ryan’s boss, Craig (Bateman) with the proposition of firing employees via video conferencing rather than in-person, thereby saving the company money by eliminating travel expenses. Though she does portray a clearly intelligent girl, Ryan will of course show her the ropes of dealing with people (and specifically show how to deliver devastating news) on a day-to-day basis.

This film is epic in the sense that it is relatable, and more than ever during a time where lay-offs are not uncommon. It does speak true to human nature as well. Although its harsh reality is all too familiar, the acting is so natural that you become engrossed in the melancholy yet witty plot. I personally found this film to be authentic and sterling. Wide release of this film will be on December 25th, but will be available for viewing in limited theaters as early as December 4th.

Aside from enjoying this commendable film, I had the pleasure of interviewing the lovely Anna Kendrick during the flight. I was the last journalist to interview her after she had been interviewing for over six hours, but she did not seem tired or frustrated one bit. I did only have two minutes to spend with her, as we were in the middle of landing, but I did have a chance to get in a couple of questions about working with George Clooney and the Twilight Saga (and don’t worry, I didn’t forget about you Robert Pattinson lovers!).

Samantha: Inevitably, I must ask, what was your experience like while working with George Clooney?

Amazing. He is just as fun and charming as everyone says he is and everyone wants him to be. I mean, he’s the new Cary Grant. He’s just such a gentlemen and goes out of his way to make you feel like he’s not ‘George Clooney’- like… he’s just a guy you work with and can do your job with.

Samantha: Any plans that you know of about production/filming for “Breaking Dawn”?

I mean, you know, I’m certainly not going to produce it myself. I mean, you know, we don’t really know what the deal is. The truth is we really don’t know if we’re going to be in it. I think everybody at this point would be happy to go back, and even to do, you know, a day or two, because we’ve been in it from the beginning. Ultimately, it’s just about what the script says and what our schedules are, so… but I mean, I would be happy to go back and be in the background for the wedding scene and stuff like that… but I’m operating under the assumption that I’m not going to be in it because we’re not really in the book. But either way, I’m happy.

Samantha: What can you share about Robert Pattinson that fans might not already know about him?

I wish there was an answer to the mystery- you know? I feel like it’s national news every time I say that he’s a great guy- but that’s the truth, you know? He’s a human being, and I think people want him to be something more than that, and if that’s what they want, they shouldn’t know behind-the-scenes stuff.

I would like to extend an enormous thank you to American Airlines, Paramount Pictures, and the Hilton LAX for having me as a guest for this very special occasion. The hospitality I encountered was unbelievable, and I could not have had a better time.

Fun Fact: I met Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt on my flight back to New York City.

This is from Samantha's email to me. It wasn't part of her write up - more of a personal FYI - had to share.

On my flight back I spotted Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt sitting in first class. Spencer was holding on to what I assume is his "How to be Famous" book (the picture of them on the cover is tough to miss). Anyway, they were actually really nice and chatted for a couple of minutes and although I don't watch The Hills or anything, it was still pretty cool . The funny thing is, nearby is Peter Gallagher (The guy from "While You Were Sleeping") looking a little angry - about what? Who knows. He got very agitated with the flight attendant and basically threw a mini-tantrum about how he must have a window seat, not middle, whether or not the flight is booked.

Then he seemed to point to Heidi's seat and suggests that they switch- Heidi and Spencer seemed innocently confused (I don't think they knew who he was), but were actually going to let him sit there. That didn't end up being the case as the flight attendant persuaded another passenger so that Peter could have his way, but it was just funny how this was all going down while I was trying to get this picture with Heidi and Spencer. And who would have thought- Peter Gallagher is a diva!!