The Descendants
With Wit, Reviewed By Kimmo Mustonenen
I begged for a savior.
A savior from the sameness of the same that is bad.
A savior from having to drink “Twilight” out of my brain thoughts until I had beach ball liver and bloody stool.
Thank the Lord!
I got two!
One, Alexander Payne.
He made Reese Witherspoon not annoying (“Election”). He got Mr. Oscar nominations for saggy, naked, and old woman – plus for once cool crazy man (“About Schmidt”). He made wine and golf together for Mr. Oscar that they were cool, almost (“Sideways”).
Two, George Clooney – the being only in Hollywood with more hotter than “Puss In Boots”.
Will Payne get Clooney Mr. Oscar? Am I happy to get to make that question?
Story?
Yes!
Matt King is of Hawaii, drowned in its affairs, indifferent husband and father who suddenly is accountable when his woman falls into a coma after her head bounces off of a boat.
The Matt must find a way to sort out and come close to two daughters, 10 and 17 years, while to realize himself how careless he was (although the daughters heads and boats were never in danger).
The concept of the “The Descendants” seemed particularly interesting. Although certainly not original (but, yes, it is), the casting of Matt was the selection of George Clooney in the starring role.
The script, as always is excellent with the embarrassing, almost slapstick comedy, melodrama in heavy and vice versa (which is not heavy, like my brother). Playing with all sorts of issues relating to differences between generations, bequests and by-laws, but never falls into the trap of a sermon.
Sermon movies? Go see Tyler Perry (he is not a lady! No kidding!).
Although the known slowness of the director is here again, certainly in this case has raised a speed, because you will not see nor suffer art house shots or tedious sour face close-up to the protagonist.
But then there are no naked clowns, either. They are in the art house welcome.
Payne not only managed to find the perfect role for Clooney, whose never disputed that his awesomeness was acting skills (as opposed to directing), but plays shamelessly with him, putting a rival, as… wait for it, Matthew Lillard, making it even more sympathetic to the viewer and you get one of the best interpretations.
All movie rivals shall now be played by Shaggy. Ruh roh!
Thus, and “The Descendants” looks like the perfect transition. A small production with big Hollywood actor and is digestible, unlike a shrub.
A very good movie with great story and a terrible Clooney steals the show.
Terrible good!
I mean, terrible great!
Kimmo Mustonenen – (Kimmo On Kino) – Behind The Proscenium
P.S. Note to Twi-tards: If you don’t like my “Twilight” review, you can suck it. So and then e-mail and tweet the link to all of your friends (online, not IRL – that way you have more than one) so to have them leave nasty comments! I dare you.
P.P.S. Kyrle – send me on the hour a hit count. We are going to score!
Can’t wait to see this one. The reviews are amazing. I loved “Sideways”. Where has Alexander Payne been?
Clooney is the George Allen of the 2000’s. Ridiculously terrible except for the people that live in Hollywood. He always has been a B actor, and never would have been given a script by leading film makers if it were not for the insiders.
I have seen probably all of Clooney’s movies and find him to be a thoughtful, moving, and charismatic actor – very talented, (and of course, handsome). I liked all of his movies lately – Up In The Air, and, sorry, senior moment, can’t remember the others except that I always enjoy his work. Oh yes, I liked the American. Maybe you’ve been seeing too many crash, burn, and leap movies.
Clive Owen made this exact film like 2 years ago. It is so stupid. Is Hollywood this barren with ideas? They all use the similar ideas and shift them slightly to churn out these stupid movies. What will make this film any better than Clive’s? Isn’t it all the same shit?
btw, Clooney is not hot nor dashing anymore. He now looks like a middle eastern cab driver. His sense of entitlement and pretentiousness gross me out.
GRRRR! SNARL! Not everyone is 25 years old – haven’t you noticed that Seniors Rule! I find him handsome, and sexy. and gorgeous. Take that you teeny bopper cretin.
Nice post. Film sounds great, seven years is indeed too long between Paynes films. I love the guy.
I cannot wait to see this movie! I think I’ll wait until the Twi-hards leave multiplex (maybe by Spring?). I believe this just may be the front runner for Best Picture.
Over-rated, slow POS.
Nice review! I really thought that this was a great film. George Clooney, Shailene Woodley and Amara Miller were simply a pure delight to watch as they provided an interesting critique of the modern American family. The Hawaiian setting was great as well. Check out mine if you get the chance.
http://kenningskennings.blogspot.com/2011/12/descendants.html
This movie looks just quite good. Looking forward to watching movie genres I never really watch
This was a great review on the movie The Descendants. I have heard nothing less of the movie. Everyone loves George Clooney and if you don’t like him, you shouldn’t watch anything he creates because he is always going to be the same. That is why I love him. My co-worker from DISH told me that Shailene Woodley’s performance was outstanding and she has hit her break through. I really hope that is the case because she is my favorite growing actress. I just rented The Descendants using Blockbuster @Home like I do with all the movies I don’t see in theaters (That is a great portion of them). So I hope I get it soon because I’m thrilled to see it!