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!