The Descendants
Director: Alexander Payne
Starring: Beau Bridges, George Clooney, Judy Greer, Matthew Lillard, Robert Forster
Details: US/111mins 15A
The film follows Clooney's character, Matt King, as he deals with the aftermath of a tragic accident that left his wife in a coma that she may never awake from. Matt must attempt to raise his two daughters while he deals with some heartbreaking revelations involving his wife, and anchor one of the biggest property deals in the history of Hawaii. He's having a tough few weeks is Matt...
Off the bat, The Descendants doesn't feel emotionally dense at all - given the subject matter - and opens with Clooney's character seemingly over the shock of what has happened to his family. He's narration reveals that he's now firmly in pragmatic mode and simply trying to raise his two very different girls, while dealing with extended family and an imminent multi-million dollar business deal. Payne takes his movie from a place that could've easily went down a sombre, more ponderous route and instead gives us something reflective but remarkably fun in parts. He can also direct the hell out of actors, and it's no fluke that many have given their still-to-be-rivalled career bests in his work.
Clooney plays this perfectly; the tone actually veers into comic from time-to-time as it can do in life during tragic, or plate shifting situations, and that kind of organic performance is very difficult to achieve - he is predictably superb. But this isn't his best performance - Up in the Air still holds that particular title. What he has done is age with remarkable grace on screen, and continue to challenge himself to work with exciting, often unconventional filmmakers. The two actresses playing his daughters - Shailene Woodley and Amara Miller - also do very strong work.
This is at its centre simply a very fine drama, that deals with loss and acceptance in non-condescending, genuinely enlightening manner.
Review by Mike Sheridan
Your Comments
David
Sounds like a great film to go see, but "most credible movie star on the planet". George Clooney fan much?
Posted 20/01/2012 20:45:26
ted29
Looking forward to this for sure!! @David, i have to agree with Mike Sheridan. Look over Clooneys body of work over the last 15 years. He has a back catalogue of great movies where he mostly refuses to compromise his professional integrity just to haul the hollywood line. In this way alone he is the most credible actor without a shadow of a doubt. Other actors do it too but nowhere near as prolifically as Clooney.
Posted 21/01/2012 09:32:02
CherrySueDointhedo
Genuinely loved this movie. Made me laugh & cry effortlessly. Can this man do no wrong? It's a must see imo.
Posted 25/01/2012 17:23:31
maryq
Loved this movie..I hadn't read too many reviews, and expected an upbeat feel good type of movie. This is actually a very moving poignant film. Totally absorbing. Not for everyone though- I would imagine some could find it slow moving. If you liked Sideways, I think you will like this movie too.. well worth a viewing
Posted 27/01/2012 23:06:16
Dion
Thoroughly enjoyed this film. Strong performance from Mr. Clooney. 4/5
Posted 28/01/2012 01:00:01
FilmBuff76
Has it really been exactly 7 years since Alexander Payne's last film Sideways was released? After seeing The Descendants, you'll wish that he would make at least 1 film per year like Woody Allen. He's that talented and really knows how to elicit both laughs and tears. The Descendants is a heartfelt, bittersweet story about George Clooney's self-described "back-up parent" dealing with his wife's boating accident that puts her in a life-threatening position. As he begins to understand the flaws in his marriage, he reconnects with his children and finds out something that he wasn't expecting about his wife. The lush Hawaiian scenery adds a sense of character to the film, as we begin to understand that Hawaii is not some tropical paradise but a place with normal people living their everyday lives. Clooney is always great to watch, but here he pushes himself further with a superb performance that could very well bag him another Oscar. If there's one film to rival The Artist at this year's Oscars then it's The Descendants. Don't miss it.
Posted 28/01/2012 14:15:35
movielover
How this movie is up for an Oscar is beyond me! George Clooney is brilliant, but he's brilliant in everything he does. Would only recommend watching it if there was nothing else on. Disappointing.
Posted 02/02/2012 20:36:15
Bruce
I can only imagine the two comments above are from people whos idea of a good movie is Sex in the city and Cowboys & Aliens respectively. Dismiss their opinion right out of hand as they are clearly not movie fans. If they were they would understand the great work Alexander Payne does and that Clooney doesnt attach himself to anything less than well written, thought provoking pieces. Clowns. A great movie but for god sake if you are expecting a fluffy romantic pic then go watch Katherine Heigl or something. This is for grown ups.
Posted 03/02/2012 10:08:31
Nicholas
This movie is complete rubbish.. 4 stars, Im thinking sombody has been eating funny smarties. It has got to be the greatest pile of Sh t. It reminds me of someone useing a new formula of directing, ie giving all the DA's a crack at one peice. Then just mixing it together. Dont go, you will b really sad you wasted your money.
Posted 06/02/2012 16:57:56
Nicholas
And by the way they took off my other warning, I thinky mickey tookey it off, you got love censorship.
Posted 06/02/2012 16:59:32
Bruce
Nicholas you are a braindead idiot. Go watch Jason Stathom in something. Idiot.
Posted 07/02/2012 11:08:15
ted29
@Nicholas i just saw you said that Underworld was "glorious" and A+ :-) Are you 12? Or do you just have the iq of a 12 year old? Silly silly little man. Leave movies like the descendants to people who like to be challenged when they go to the cinema. Moron.
Posted 07/02/2012 11:12:29
Nicholas
Well I went to see it last night, Fantastic film, well worth the spend, Clooney puts out a great performance.
Posted 07/02/2012 17:20:03
LittleVillage
Watched this film last night with my partner. We both agreed, its been seriously over-hyped as Fox Searchlight try to garner as many O$$cars for it as possible. Theres a few very good scenes and some of the supporting cast are great... but the film overall doesn't work. The story and the central performance are just never beliveable. I'm a huge fan of George Clooney and hate to say it but think he is mis-cast in the central role. He is every inch the movie star and that's the problem. Think of how brilliant Paul Giamatti would have been in that role. (but of course the film probably would not have been without George. This is flat Merlot next to the gorgeous Pinot Noir that is Sideways.
Posted 16/02/2012 10:05:19
ellegibbons
Honestly like George Clooney but this movie lacks bite, very surprised its recieved such hype, and nominations! I left the cinema feeling why bother making that movie, it failed to deliver, I was quite disapointed, I wouldnt even advise renting it.
Posted 21/02/2012 15:50:10
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