The Descendants

Sideways and About Schmidt's Alexander Payne directs the normally suave and enigmatic George Clooney in this quirky melancholic drama.

The Descendants sees Matt King (Clooney) trying to re-connect with his two rebellious daughters on a road trip to a neighbouring Hawaiian island.
The reason for the trip is twofold, King is pursuing the real estate agent who was having an affair with his wife Elizabeth prior to her tragic boating accident.
Elizabeth is in a coma and the doctor's have given her no hope, therefore King must come to terms with not only the shocking news of his wife's affair but also the impending task of forgiving his wife and ultimately saying goodbye.

King's family life has kind of passed him by due to his work obligations, and his kids resent their father for missing out on their upbringing.
He has a strict moral code regarding money - an ethic that eludes his
family, and although financially set he chooses to live a comfortable yet non-indulgent lifestyle.

His family and extended relations are due to inherit a major amount of money by the sale of land bestowed upon them by ancestors.
King is the appointed executor of the will and is under increased pressure from his money hungry cousins to sell to the highest bidder - regardless of their plans for the historic scenic land.

To add to the feud, King learns the man who has been having an affair with his wife is the real estate broker dealing with the sale of the property, and by closing on such a lucrative deal his foe will earn a huge monetary percentage.
This throws a major spanner into the works and King's actions create a major furore.

Clooney's portrayal has been lauded by critics for this understated but heartfelt performance and yes he is believable whilst beiing adequate.
The problem being, the character doesn't have the depth for Clooney to portray anything but!
He successfully carries it off but it certainly isn't an awarding winning performance by any stretch.

The film has a decent supporting cast with Robert Forster and Jeff Bridges, plus both young actresses playing his daughters are excellent and bring an element of humour.

Unfairly billed as movie of the year by many, 'The Descendants' never lives up to this billing but don't let that put you off as it's charming, funny and a nice way to kill a couple of spare hours.


Score: 7/10