Managing emotions without steeling against feeling humanity, without being cold and insensitive, but still keeping people at a safe distance is the honed discipline of Ryan Bingham in his professional and personal life. The unexpected is to be expected, defying the careful planning of milestones, even by the methodical Bingham. Reitman has written this imaginatively and skillfully into the script, and Clooney is masterful in credibly portraying this persona. Vera Farmiga is just right as the paramour. The film is replete with juxtaposition and paradox, the palate is bittersweet.
Though the morality tale and metaphors are not new, the creative uses of science fiction and special effects deserve praise. The difference between the 3D and the IMAX 3D is significant: I saw the "plain" 3D first, then the IMAX 3D. The IMAX version of the 3D is noticeably more engaging, vivid and absorbing; the enhanced sound of the IMAX contributes to making this an experience, rather than just a viewing, and well worth the extra effort and ticket price.