The Descendants

4

CitizenCharlieDec 29, 2011

There is something going on in Alexander Payneâ

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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2

ericlprimeroDec 28, 2011

After an hour, the movie hinted that it might get interesting. It did not. I can not understand how anyone could enjoy this movie. The scenery was good and the music was tolerable, so I'll give it a 2/10.

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8

MickinsoCalDec 26, 2011

The Descendants has some problems but not nearly enough to make it even slightly avoidable. The issues are with it being slightly cliche and at times predictable. What it has going for it is a few wonderful performances and an understatedThe Descendants has some problems but not nearly enough to make it even slightly avoidable. The issues are with it being slightly cliche and at times predictable. What it has going for it is a few wonderful performances and an understated sweetness about how life - even at its most beautiful is complicated.

George Clooney is terrific. Isn't he always, though? We have grown to expect great performances from him. He makes good choices in the films he does (with only a couple exceptions) and is even better when surrounded by a worthy cast. His supporting cast in The Descendants is quietly excellent, especially Shailene Woodley as Clooney's oldest daughter, Alex.

What makes this film for me is the unspoken points it makes as well as the grace with which Matt King (Clooney) handles his incredibly sticky problems. His lessons seem to come in the reality he allows those close to him to create in order to cope.

The Descendants is very good and quite enjoyable. It's pretty well written and wonderfully acted. More than anything it will be remembered for being sweet.… Expand

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3

EdenDec 26, 2011

What movie did all these other people see that they liked? There is little about this film that is enjoyable. Some good acting performances is all I could muster to say positive about this. None of the characters are either believable orWhat movie did all these other people see that they liked? There is little about this film that is enjoyable. Some good acting performances is all I could muster to say positive about this. None of the characters are either believable or likeable. And why did they have to put the "F" word into the mouths of 7 year olds just to make this an "R" rated film. WEAK… Expand

5 of 6 users found this helpful51

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9

MeganFDec 25, 2011

I thought this was a great film. It was dad and funny, a real look at a family in crisis. They made you feel the pain of the characters without overt heart-tugging, the character experienced their emotions and you went along, feeling forI thought this was a great film. It was dad and funny, a real look at a family in crisis. They made you feel the pain of the characters without overt heart-tugging, the character experienced their emotions and you went along, feeling for them or not....… Expand

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10

gvk123Dec 25, 2011

'The Descendants' is an amazing portrayal of a family whose life is shattered when the mother of the family lies in a coma. It's central themes of fatherhood and grief are dealt with in a sensitive and powerful manner. Very few movies of 2011'The Descendants' is an amazing portrayal of a family whose life is shattered when the mother of the family lies in a coma. It's central themes of fatherhood and grief are dealt with in a sensitive and powerful manner. Very few movies of 2011 can come close to this kind of filmmaking.… Expand

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10

cpamamaDec 23, 2011

Fabulous acting! Such real and totally human characters and story. I really could not find one thing to fault. It is a tear jerker. Clooney should get the Best Actor Oscar, IMO.

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2

QadoshDec 23, 2011

This movie seemed to be about finding out how many times God's Name could be blasphemed and how much cussing and swearing could be vomited from the mouth of children, NONE of which was of any use to the already boring movie. If you like to beThis movie seemed to be about finding out how many times God's Name could be blasphemed and how much cussing and swearing could be vomited from the mouth of children, NONE of which was of any use to the already boring movie. If you like to be depressed and love to hear vulgar language, then this movie is for you.… Expand

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10

twizzlerDec 17, 2011

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Hard to fathom the slew of 100 marks by professional reviewers for this film. All actors great. Story with undeveloped potential, bland instead of brilliant. We were dropped into this melodrama and given insufficient reasons to care about outcome but it's worse than that: we knew outcome of the land decision and the comatose wife, all telegraphed well in advance. When Matt leans over his wife to say goodbye to his best friend, his pain etc, it's a beautiful speech and absolutely without foundation in what we've been let in on for backstory. How hard would it be to show us some of this love in flashbacks. Same for her relationship with her daughters. Who were these people, really? Read the book, I guess.… Expand

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5

rucknrunDec 12, 2011

I didn't get it. It was a good story about a family in transition. The girls who played the daughters were pretty amazing. In the end though I just was not into the characters. It will probably win a lot of awards. It will again leave meI didn't get it. It was a good story about a family in transition. The girls who played the daughters were pretty amazing. In the end though I just was not into the characters. It will probably win a lot of awards. It will again leave me shaking my head.… Expand

6 of 10 users found this helpful64

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9

Alexander_FredDec 11, 2011

The Descendants opens with George Clooney's narration detailing the non-paradise like aspect of Hawaii and from that moment on, the film becomes a touching and moving tale about family, betrayal, and death, absent of the traditional HollywoodThe Descendants opens with George Clooney's narration detailing the non-paradise like aspect of Hawaii and from that moment on, the film becomes a touching and moving tale about family, betrayal, and death, absent of the traditional Hollywood cliches. Alexander Payne directs with brilliance as George Clooney brings the protagonist to life with all of his anger, sadness, and melancholy. Three plots emerge and by the end come together to create a film that rings with emotion and touches the heart.… Expand

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5

namelessDec 11, 2011

It has high scores because it is more an art film than hollywood film. Those art films all have high scores because they appeal to a small independent segment. This film will find such an audience. It is enjoyable but long at times, butIt has high scores because it is more an art film than hollywood film. Those art films all have high scores because they appeal to a small independent segment. This film will find such an audience. It is enjoyable but long at times, but didn't feel long in the end.… Expand

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7

JamesLDec 9, 2011

Although I gave this film a 7, I would have given it a 7.5 just to show that I preferred it to "Moneyball". The NY Film critics gave their Best Actor award to Brad Pitt for "Moneyball"and "Tree of Life". Pitt is a good actor but I enjoyedAlthough I gave this film a 7, I would have given it a 7.5 just to show that I preferred it to "Moneyball". The NY Film critics gave their Best Actor award to Brad Pitt for "Moneyball"and "Tree of Life". Pitt is a good actor but I enjoyed "The Ides of March" and "The Descendants"much more. In fact, I thought it was Clooney who showed greater range in his two films than Pitt. None of the four are great movies but the "Descendants" was enjoyable. The subject matter did not really grab me but that's ok. I was expecting more but it is a better than average film although you know what decision he will make about the land. Probably an Oscar nomination but hopefully not for Best Film.… Expand

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9

1gaycurmudgeonDec 2, 2011

Payne, Clooney and Papamichael are all at the top of their game in this taut, emotional film with a storyline that delivers pleasant surprises from beginning to end. Shailene Woodley is terrific as the eldest daughter, delivering aPayne, Clooney and Papamichael are all at the top of their game in this taut, emotional film with a storyline that delivers pleasant surprises from beginning to end. Shailene Woodley is terrific as the eldest daughter, delivering a performance that feels so real and not "actoryly". Nick Krause is a quirky and love-able addition to the King family. A joy to watch!… Expand

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7

emkadvDec 2, 2011

One it gets past the extended voice-over at the start of the film that sets up the situation, the movie really starts to impress. Clooney's performance was right on, and Shaiene Woodley playing the daughter of Clooney's character isOne it gets past the extended voice-over at the start of the film that sets up the situation, the movie really starts to impress. Clooney's performance was right on, and Shaiene Woodley playing the daughter of Clooney's character is outstanding. I hope she gets a Best Supporting Actress nomination. There were also good performances in minor roles from Robert Forster and Beau Bridges.
Note: I thought from the trailer that this movie was a comedy. Although parts of it are funny, it is definitely NOT a comedy.… Expand

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10

BHBarryNov 29, 2011

"The Descendants" stars George Clooney and a number of perfectly cast actors in this beautiful, sad and honest story based on the novel written by Kaui Hart Hemmings. Masterfully directed by Alexander Payne, the writing, directing and editing"The Descendants" stars George Clooney and a number of perfectly cast actors in this beautiful, sad and honest story based on the novel written by Kaui Hart Hemmings. Masterfully directed by Alexander Payne, the writing, directing and editing of the film create a wonderful viewing experience that takes the viewer to the heart of a family's grief while allowing him or her to understand and share the frailties and positives of the human condition. A large part of this movie's success is due to the fine acting performance of Mr. Clooney.This is a portrayal that we will hear more about during the nominating process for Best Actor in 2012 and well deserved it will be. Mention must also be made of the superb acting done by a relative newcomer, Ms. Shailene Woodley, who, as Mr. Clooney's character's older daughtr, displays a grace and dignity not often found in her peers. She is a star in the making. I give this film an 8.5 for at no time was I ever conscious of its length but, instead, only of its power and beauty.… Expand

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4

Thewho63Nov 29, 2011

I went to this movie because of the director and GC who is always good at his craft. While the film itself is shot well and draws you in, at the end I was left wanting. The trailer made me feel the laughs would be steady throughout, but II went to this movie because of the director and GC who is always good at his craft. While the film itself is shot well and draws you in, at the end I was left wanting. The trailer made me feel the laughs would be steady throughout, but I found my wife and I laughing at how depressing the movie would get at times. I am guilty of expecting something as good as Sideways (which is in my collection and I've watched several times). I know it will garner award nominations, but all I felt afterwards was depressed and in need of a pick me up. Go back and look at the trailer after viewing the film and tell me I'm wrong.… Expand

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8

Sir_BrandonNov 28, 2011

Alexander Payne where have you been all this time? You have been sorely missed. The director of Election, About Schmidt, and Sideways hasnâ

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10

JawsPapi87Nov 28, 2011

A naturally hilarious movie with not one false step. One of the most emotionally satisfying movies I've ever seen with two Oscar-worthy performances from George Clooney and Shailene Woodley. Grade: A+

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8

TVJerryNov 28, 2011

George Clooney stars as the father of two girls (10 & 17), to whom he can't connect. This is thrown into relief because his estranged wife is in a life-ending coma. Although the previews would have you believe this is a dark comedy, it isn't.George Clooney stars as the father of two girls (10 & 17), to whom he can't connect. This is thrown into relief because his estranged wife is in a life-ending coma. Although the previews would have you believe this is a dark comedy, it isn't. There's lots of tears and just because people cry a lot does not make it moving. The occasional laughs are provided by a teenage dude friend. Clooney's performance is one of his best and the rest of the cast is equally strong. Writer/director Alexander Payne has crafted a mature interpersonal drama set in the everyday world of Hawaii. While much of it is engaging, some of it is slow and flat.… Expand

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3

SirEddieCookNov 27, 2011

I like George Clooney. I really like Matthew Lillard. This movie just isn't much emotionally, spiritually or even artistically. There are some nuanced moments that work, a bit of Alexander Payne's trademark irony in scenes, sure. But this wasI like George Clooney. I really like Matthew Lillard. This movie just isn't much emotionally, spiritually or even artistically. There are some nuanced moments that work, a bit of Alexander Payne's trademark irony in scenes, sure. But this was a tough 2 hours to sit through. It's a depressing film about people struggling with little or no humanity. It doesn't have a pulse. The photography and production values are dreary and uninspired. George Clooney struggles with the Oscar clips, and comes off like a bloke(a likeable guy, but he really is just an aging good looking dude.) There are no great lines. It's actually super misogynistic about the youngest daughter, the 20 something daughter, the realtor's wife and the wife in the coma.… Expand

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8

fantasyNov 27, 2011

No question the acting is tremendous as you feel as if you are looking in on a real family drama. If you like dialogue without any action then this movie is your cup of tea. The negative is you know where it is going five minutes into theNo question the acting is tremendous as you feel as if you are looking in on a real family drama. If you like dialogue without any action then this movie is your cup of tea. The negative is you know where it is going five minutes into the film as there are no real surprises. It is a one pace film but the cast is tremendous. And the scenery breathtaking.… Expand

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10

ZenRobotNov 27, 2011

A lot will be made of what genre "The Descendants" most properly fits into. And THAT is the highest praise that I can give this tremendous and moving film.

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8

txrangersfan72Nov 26, 2011

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I'm wondering if George is capable of choosing a bad script after the Batman & Robin fiasco. It certainly doesn't appear so after enjoying The Descendants. While slow in parts, the script and acting were emotionally intense, even by the two perfectly-cast children. This powerful story of a man in mid-life having to come to grips with the unexpected, impending loss of his wife, the damage done to his daughters' upbringing and having to find a way to do the right thing after also discovering his wife had been cheating on him prior to her accident. While George isn't the most versatile actor, this is the most human I've ever seen him. He captured the pain, struggle, sadness and anger in his character so well that the final scene with his wife is so real, it can't help but bring on tears. P… Expand

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8

BikerjamesNov 26, 2011

Although I didn't enjoy this movie as much as Sideways, it is still an enjoyable slice of life. The pace is slow and a little too even-keeled, but the acting is good throughout. I also thought it was just a little too predictable. I was aAlthough I didn't enjoy this movie as much as Sideways, it is still an enjoyable slice of life. The pace is slow and a little too even-keeled, but the acting is good throughout. I also thought it was just a little too predictable. I was a little disappointed by all the cussing throughout the film and I'm not a prude. I just thought it was unnecessary. The scenery was beautiful, of course, as it is set and filmed in Hawaii, and the Hawaiian soundtrack almost lulls you to sleep at times. Overall I enjoyed it but I don't think it's the best movie I've seen this year.… Expand

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5

writing1Nov 26, 2011

The Descendants manages to take a potentially compelling story and drain it of much interest. The cuckolded husband comes across as merely clueless and his daughters as foul-mouthed brats. As for the storyline about the inheritance, it seemsThe Descendants manages to take a potentially compelling story and drain it of much interest. The cuckolded husband comes across as merely clueless and his daughters as foul-mouthed brats. As for the storyline about the inheritance, it seems tacked on. This is a confused movie that could have been so much better had the writers been more skilled. It wasn't helped by Clooney's overacted comic moments.… Expand

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10

FennltNov 25, 2011

Excellent casting, setting, plot, pacing, and performances. A movie which really makes you step back and look at yourself as well as the world with a different perspective. Clooney's performance is superb; the characters can be easily relatedExcellent casting, setting, plot, pacing, and performances. A movie which really makes you step back and look at yourself as well as the world with a different perspective. Clooney's performance is superb; the characters can be easily related to, as well as their troubles, and their constant struggle to do the right thing. Typically my reviews for movies are quite loquacious, but with such a well-made movie as The Descendants, I've found myself nearly speechless, there's really not much more one can say other than "wow!"… Expand

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7

CtrlAltDel337Nov 23, 2011

Don't get me wrong, this is a well made movie. The script is good, the characters are well developed, the views of Hawaii are beautiful. However, I think it suffers from pacing problems, in that it's constantly moving at the same speed.Don't get me wrong, this is a well made movie. The script is good, the characters are well developed, the views of Hawaii are beautiful. However, I think it suffers from pacing problems, in that it's constantly moving at the same speed. There is no tension, there are no dynamics, the characters simply play events out under a blanket of ukelele music.… Expand

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9

xranNov 20, 2011

Best movie of the year so far. What really gets me is how the movie's scenes are at once cerebral, relaxed--just like the setting, Hawaii--but also powerful. A few scenes could have been a bit less corny, but I'm nit-picking.

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9

EC82Nov 20, 2011

Like he's done in his previous movies, Alexander Payne takes a man at a crossroads and makes his predicament feel vital, relatable and real. "The Descendants" is better than "Sideways" because its protagonist lives in our world (though,Like he's done in his previous movies, Alexander Payne takes a man at a crossroads and makes his predicament feel vital, relatable and real. "The Descendants" is better than "Sideways" because its protagonist lives in our world (though, granted, he's about to cash in on $100 million or so), and because it treats its characters not as oddities, but as genuine people trying to deal with the problems of life that, for them, at least, have no precedent. Wonderfully involving, splendidly acted.… Expand

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10

MarcDoyleNov 18, 2011

The Descendants is the movie you see if you've lost faith in the ability of Hollywood to make really good movies with depth, feeling, and mastery of the craft. Payne is amazing, and we all know it. Sideways is one of the all-time greats, andThe Descendants is the movie you see if you've lost faith in the ability of Hollywood to make really good movies with depth, feeling, and mastery of the craft. Payne is amazing, and we all know it. Sideways is one of the all-time greats, and even though this one doesn't quite scale those heights, it's incredibly good. The choice of actors is pitch-perfect - even some of the non-speaking roles (hello Sheriff Truman!) contribute tangibly to the fabric of the film. I won't discuss any particulars of the story so as not to spoil anything, but the Oahu/Kaua'i scenes with the island music are wonderfully rich. The islands are almost characters themselves. See the film.… Expand

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The Descendants

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