The Descendants Reviews

Somewhat bland family drama that really doesn't warrant the huge fuss being made about it.

Clooney's performance is solid yet not spectacular, all moist eyed, furrowed brow and waggly eyebrows, as the father (Matt King) left to deal with his two irritating daughters as his wife lies in a coma.
Coupled with finding out his wife was having an affair with a slimy real estate agent (a surprisingly good Matthew Lillard), we see him descend into a mini meltdown.

There are things to appreciate in this movie, including a fab turn from Robert Forster as a cranky grandfather, and Judy Greer as the unsuspecting wife of the real estate agent, but overall the film just feels really flat. Even the cinematography seems lacklustre resulting in a vision of Hawaii that is grey and dull.
Although you do identify with Matt King the film failed to move me, even when he says a final goodbye to his wife, the result feeling stale and, if I'm honest, a little boring.
How was this nominated for so many awards? I must be missing something.

Is nice to watch Clooney working under a different register and it is a really good movie but...

Yeah: but. There´s a bunch of little sad "buts" if you look closely.

Some "buts": It talks about so many things and gets so few of them nailed that it´s a shame. Family relations are underworked and character development (a crucial aspect in this story) is hinted but in the end missing as you are supposed to believe that the characters and their relations change but you dont really see that change. The issues that the movie brings to you are important although they feel too distant to connect with you.

Some good things: The characters are rounded and believable enough (only enough) and it has good acting and a great subtle sense of rhythm as there´s always something going forward story-wise although you might think it doesnt. It´s a emotional movie with a bunch of wet eyes moments but they are well used and dont feel overplayed (I hate to cry and feel cheated at the same time).

It´s one of those movies when I guessed it was based on a novel when I saw it (and it was). If you can guess that its always a bad sign.

A man deals with the aftermath when his wife slips into a terminal coma after a boating accident. He is suddenly thrust into dealing with the care of his two daughters, neither of whom he has a great relationship with, not to mention dealing with friends and family, even as he struggles with his own conflicted emotions about his soon to be dead wife.

The movie is beautifully directed and acted. George Clooney is always superlative and the director had extracted great performances from the two actresses who play his daughters. The low key nature of the proceedings works in the movie's favour as well, keeping the audience engaged without going over the top. This movie had better nab a few Oscars next year.