The Descendants

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source: The Descendants

THE DESCENDANTS (2011) **** George Clooney, Shailene Woodley, Amara Miller, Robert Forster, Matthew Lillard, Judy Greer, Beau Bridges, Nick Krause. Clooney gives the performance of his career in an Oscar-worthy turn as the patriarch of a Hawaiian family in crises: a family tragedy – the impending death of his unfaithful wife – and a highly profitable real estate deal brokered pending for a huge familial payoff are the main set pieces in Alexander Payne's brilliant adaptation of Kaui Hart Hemmings' novel (co-scripted with Nat Faxon & Jim Rash). A superb ensemble cast with noteworthy work by newcomer Woodley as the eldest daughter give a well-toned balance to both the drama and comic underpinnings of the film's strengths in divvying up both with equal parts perfection blended with pathos and piquancy. One of the year's best films.

As an admirer of Payne's films, it pains me how much I dislike The Descendants and felt that the film hit every false note from the first scene until the last. Clearly I'm in the minority on this one, with the endless accolades, critical acclaim and box office success this film has enjoyed. But nothing rang true for me and part of the problem is that I could care less about a single character. I didn't find this privileged family compelling and the structure felt episodic and designed to give each character their Oscar consideration scene. This felt like a minor work from a great talent, who made a large misstep and unconvincingly tried to blend comedy and sentiment.

I guess someone thought it to be a good idea to latch on the Clooney's far more entertaining project 'Up in the Air' and copy the whole enchilada onto a different story and cash in. Well, it's not going to work. The story is completely unconvincing and feels designed by computer software. Much like your every day-time soap, if those things are still running. I wouldn't know really since I tossed my TV out of my house years ago. The performances feel like the plastic used to wrap microwave dinners and that is exactly what this film amounts to. A cheap, run of the mill pathos seeking ordeal that will leave you scratching your cranium as to why people are so incredibly undemanding when it comes to this type of entertainment, given its current rating. I really don't know what to say else. The banality and obvious shortcomings of the movie kinda stumps me as I try to think of more ways to describe its rather obvious inferiority. It should speak for itself, but apparently doesn't.

I was really disappointed by this movie. It won a Golden Globe and is nominated for an Oscar so I thought it would at least be entertaining. It's unbelievable plot seems like it was created solely to make George Clooney look like a good person. This movie also takes the beautiful place and culture of Hawaii and make it seem depressing and dreary. While leaving the viewer feeling sad and dirty. One of the worst movies I've seen in a while. I think the aim was to create an emotional movie, but it falls short. Instead you are left with George Clooney's voice trying to say witty things about life and Hawaiian culture.

The fact that well known movie reviewers rate this movie highly---is a bit of a worry. I am told this is a message movie. Look closely and you can see all these deep messages. Well...it does have a couple of meaningless points...but nothing you wouldn't have known when you were 10 years old. I must say, George Clooneys acting is his finest---ever. The Descendants is like Little Miss Sunshine...on Valium. The humour is so well hidden, only a well trained blood-hound would get it. I try never to use the word "boring" in my reviews...but this is boring...for long periods. Its been seven years since director Alexander Payne made the fine Sideways. All directors make mediocre movies...this is one of Mr. Paynes.