Here come those three little words that generally are followed by a great review. "In limited release," the new George Clooney flick, The Descendants is in theaters just in time for the holiday weekend. And it is worth the wait.
The Descendants is a wonderful story of a successful father in Hawaii (Clooney). He has been in trusted with the 150 year old family inheritance and much of the sacred land in the trust is for sale. As a result, all of the relatives want their cash now. His young wife has just had a terrible boating accident and in an a irreversible coma and will be coming off life support hopefully soon. He has a 10 year old troubled daughter and a 17 year old rebellious daughter. And somehow he has to raise them, repair their relationships, deal with his wife's situation, and the family too. Oh yeah, his wife was having an affair at the time of her accident. And he didn't know.
I am a story guy. And this is a new story we don't know. I know it sounds very deep and highly emotional. and at times this is. But this is also splendidly told in a fashion that lends itself to some humor, drama and irony. This, in feel, not in story is highly reminiscent of Up In The Air from 2 years ago. This has an original story to tell, tells it, and thoroughly entertains the whole time.
This is what Clooney does best and not by a little. Star in movies. No producing, writing, directing, editorializing, or making political statements. This is simply George Clooney the movie star. And that's really what we want. This movie, although exuding a sophisticated feel, is not elitist or above ones head. As this is a departure from recent Clooney flicks, this one is better. Clooney is far more Dr. Ross from ER here and less "I'm the smartest guy in the room Clooney" of late. And it really works.
This movie has a story to tell, not a statement to make. And for me, that is Clooney at his best. Being a true movie star in a time we so badly need one. Nice supporting cast, and a wonderfully adapted Hawaiian soundtrack that sounds weird to tell you about, but really blends in expertly and gives this movie real texture.
The Descendants. This is flat out good. Fun, original, powerful and complete. Clooney has not been this good in a few years, and this is one of the years best. Well, well done!
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