The Descendants (2011)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Daniel P

  
  Another Alexander Payne title for my Books to Read pile... though I wasn't a big Election fan, you have to admit, he's one of the more successful of late when it comes to adapting contemporary literary fiction for the screen (see: About Schmidt, Sideways). This time… More
  Another Alexander Payne title for my Books to Read pile... though I wasn't a big Election fan, you have to admit, he's one of the more successful of late when it comes to adapting contemporary literary fiction for the screen (see: About Schmidt, Sideways). This time around, we get a story about a soon-to-be-widowed man (George Clooney), his distant children, his large, eccentric family and their legacy: a giant parcel of untapped land in Hawaii. As our hero and his reluctant daughter embark on the mission to face the family's past - and reclaim any chance it might have at a future - we come to care greatly for these characters, and to root for them as they learn which choices are the right ones, not just for themselves, but for others around them. The film isn't without its frustrations, however; I thought Clooney's performance was horribly over-blown, and that he didn't really have enough to do in order to earn an Oscar nomination. I also found the Hawaiian music really grating as the film went on, and though this was the point in one scene, the effect by the end was a negative one. Surprisingly good supporting players include Matthew Lillard and Judy Greer, though, and Shailene Woodley's performance is a breakout. Enjoyable, well-made movie.

• Tired of P

  
  Directed (and co-written) by Alexander Payne, Fox Searchlight Pictures, 2011. Starring George Clooney, Shailene Woodley, Amara Miller, Beau Bridges and Robert Forster. Genre: Comedy, Drama Question: Can you feel sympathy for a character that neglected or ignored his family but… More
  Directed (and co-written) by Alexander Payne, Fox Searchlight Pictures, 2011. Starring George Clooney, Shailene Woodley, Amara Miller, Beau Bridges and Robert Forster. Genre: Comedy, Drama Question: Can you feel sympathy for a character that neglected or ignored his family but then suddenly has to pay attention when thrust back into the responsibility of being a parent? Honestly, you have to answer that one for yourself. For me, I could not. Is that a good thing or a bad thing? I don't know but will give you my thoughts on film; and I will let you decide on your own after you see it. I went to my first movie theatre screener last night with The Descendants. Since the end of the movie, I have been mulling this story over trying to figure out if I liked it or not. There is a lot of buzz about this movie, specifically about George Clooney and Alexander Payne (who last came out with Sideways, which I loved), so I was really looking forward to this film. However, something fell short for me with the story and its main character. The movie started out with panoramic views of Hawaii (some beautiful and some not-so) with Matt King (George Clooney) giving his first narrated monologue. Usually narration kind of annoys me or I think it's overused today but know sometimes it is necessary and beneficial in certain films. For The Descendants it was actually a perfect fit. In fact, the opening narration struck a chord with me. Pay close attention to what he says about living in paradise. From that point I was really enjoying the film and attentive of all introductions of characters and story-lines but somewhere along the way the film sort of lost me. I suppose I should back up a little. A brief (very) synopsis of the film. Matt King is a father, husband and lawyer who is the trustee of a large parcel of land in Hawaii that has been in his family's possession for over a 100 years. He is quite wealthy but doesn't spend his inheritance and works all the time for his law practice while pretty much ignoring or neglecting his immediate family. A tragic accident happens to his wife, who ends up in a coma, and things start to unravel for him. All of the above is revealed within the first 15 minutes of the movie; and you meet a distraught man who has no idea how to cope with the sudden responsibility of taking care of his daughters. He even reveals "I'm the back-up parent." When I first heard that line in the previews, I thought he and his wife were either separated or divorced. So when I found out differently I had difficulty sympathizing with this character, and in certain scenes it made it even harder to see his plight. Pay attention to his first "talk" with his wife in the hospital. That made me retreat as a spectator and become very cautious, but I waited for some sort of redemption for his character after that. That is all I will say about that because I feel I have gone against my norm and revealed a little too much. So let me focus on other details for now: George Clooney did an excellent job portraying a man in crisis. He may be one of a handful of actors that can just sit there, silently, but still reveal so much emotion and depth. Don't believe me? Well, watch Michael Clayton, an excellent film, but the last 5 minutes of it proves George Clooney's talent of silent acting. He was brilliant. In The Descendants you will see him use that gift again and again. I won't be surprised if he is nominated for many awards for this role. However, I just never developed much sympathy for his character despite what he went through during the movie. Perhaps I just saw his character's arc differently than most, because after the "talk" with his wife and then later there was a scene he shares with the young fellow, who is friends with his daughter, just left me cold. It is all about perception, I suppose. You all may see something different. Alexander Payne has created other characters that maybe many don't care for or find a kinship with; but somewhere over the course of the movie you understand them, feel for the character or the character redeems themselves in a pure, honest way. However, in The Descendants, he did not win me over with the main character. Many may disagree with me but that is how I saw it. Sorry, this may not be the typical movie review for me or that I may have just changed your mind on seeing the movie. Many reviewers saw the opposite from me; and George Clooney did perform beautifully, so I am not saying don't see it. Just keep an open mind. My favorite part: Perhaps I forgot to mention that it is quite funny at parts. I did giggle. My least favorite part: Realizing what it takes for some people to fully understand that their neglect really affects others. Rating: R Length: 115 minutes Review: 6 out of 10 Based on the novel by the same name: The Descendants: A Novel (Random House Movie Tie-In Books)

• Mike S

  
  Deeply absorbing family drama, beautifully directed by Alexander Payne. This film scored pretty big at the Golden Globes this year and is also nominated for 5 Oscars, including Best Motion Picture and Best Achievement in Directing. What I think is most deserved though, is all the… More
  Deeply absorbing family drama, beautifully directed by Alexander Payne. This film scored pretty big at the Golden Globes this year and is also nominated for 5 Oscars, including Best Motion Picture and Best Achievement in Directing. What I think is most deserved though, is all the nominations and wins going to its leading man, George Clooney. He excels beyond words (if not the best performance of his entire career), as an abscent father who suddenly is thrown into a maelstrom of emotions, when his wife is hospitalized after a horrible accident. Faced with some tough decitions and two highly distressed daughters, he is pressed to become the responsible parent that his business priorities had previously neglected. Stories of this format are not exactly new, but it's in the details and exquisite acting that this movie goes beyond the norm. It's a little too slow for me to call it great, however I do still consider it one of last year's better dramas. Clooney's narration alone was like reading a really good novel, and it certainly has the soul and drive to be compared to a real page-turner. A meaningful and gripping experience, with superb photography to match. Well worth the view!

• ♥˩ƳИИ &

  
  Cast: George Clooney, Shailene Woodley, Amara Miller, Nick Krause, Patricia Hastie, Beau Bridges, Matthew Lillard, Judy Greer, Robert Forster, Mary Birdsong, Rob Huebel Director: Alexander Payne Summary: When a tragic boating accident leaves his wife on life support, an affluent… More
  Cast: George Clooney, Shailene Woodley, Amara Miller, Nick Krause, Patricia Hastie, Beau Bridges, Matthew Lillard, Judy Greer, Robert Forster, Mary Birdsong, Rob Huebel Director: Alexander Payne Summary: When a tragic boating accident leaves his wife on life support, an affluent land baron attempts to mend his relationship with his estranged daughters. But he's also trying to decide whether to let go of some valuable family real estate. My Thoughts: "It's really a sad depressing story. It's the most honest portrayal George Clooney has ever given in any film. I think this is one of the better films I have seen him in. I was really impressed with Shailene Woodley. This is the first time I've seen her acting, and I thought she was amazing at showing her characters emotions. She made me tear up. But you really feel for Matt King as well. To be grieving for this person and then to find out that they have betrayed you and there is no way of confronting them or getting an explaination of why has to make that much harder. Great acting all around and a great story. I'd love to read the book now after seeing this."

• Kristijonas F

  
  While The Descendants is definitely not a comedy, it's a deeply depressing film that still manages to provide plenty of avenues for some solid humor and surprise. And the performances are killer... including the completely deglamorized George Clooney. This man can act.

• Jameson W

  
  I loved it...

• Melvin W

  
  Matt King: On the phone he can escape, in person, he's got nowhere to go. I wanna see his face.  I think I can finally, definitively say that The Descendants was my absolute favorite movie of 2011. Without seeing The Artist yet, I just can't see me loving it more than this.… More
  Matt King: On the phone he can escape, in person, he's got nowhere to go. I wanna see his face.  I think I can finally, definitively say that The Descendants was my absolute favorite movie of 2011. Without seeing The Artist yet, I just can't see me loving it more than this. Not only is The Descendants my favorite movie of 2011, but it's one of the best movies I've seen in recent years. It's amazing on every level.  There isn't one thing I didn't absolutely enjoy about this movie. I liked every character, every piece of the story and how the different pieces eventually fit together, and I loved the mixture of serious drama and genuinely funny comedy. This is one of those films where everything works perfectly. Payne puts a few different stories into the film and connects them perfectly. There's the fact that Matt King's wife is in a coma and is going to die. Then he finds out she was having an affair. All this is going on while he's deciding whether to sell the family land in Hawaii. The way it comes together is absolutely brilliant. There is no other way to describe it accurately. The Descendants is beautifully made, and at times is quite moving.  When an actor of Clooney's caliber has a performance that is being called the performance of his career, you have to be excited about it. Still, I wasn't really expecting what I saw. I've seen so many Clooney movies, where he is exceptional; that it was hard to believe this one could be his best. Well, he was amazing in ways that can't be described. He gives such a powerful and multileveled performance. He's great in the comedic situations and in the dramatic one, and times he does a good job balancing both at the same time.  This is a masterpiece and a must see film. How good it is, is hard to describe exactly. Just watch it and you will understand. 

• Crash E

  
  I guess it's only about George Clooney performing, yes he was so brilliant in the movie, but for the role I think all matt's reacts wasn't making any sense, stupid character.

• Alexander D

  
  Mature cross between tearjerking drama and biting comedy follows the narration of Matt King (George Clooney), a workaholic living in Hawaii. We are told early on that his wife has fallen into a coma from a boating accident, and later that she will not survive. Devastated, Matt makes… More
  Mature cross between tearjerking drama and biting comedy follows the narration of Matt King (George Clooney), a workaholic living in Hawaii. We are told early on that his wife has fallen into a coma from a boating accident, and later that she will not survive. Devastated, Matt makes an attempt to connect with his two daughters, 10 and 17. Only to bring him further shock, he is told by his teenage daughter that before her boating accident, his wife was having an affair. Most movies have one or two tearjerking scenes, but THE DESCENDANTS tugs at heartstrings from beginning to end. From the moment we hear Matt mention his wife's tragic situation, we have our hearts sinking and become sympathetic. If you're looking for a movie that goes to a superlative level of both the comedy and drama genres, THE DESCENDANTS is for you. If not, I pity you. Ranked #4 of 2011.

• familiar s

  
  Suffers from lack of enough humor, but the remarkable performances help make the act better. Could have been more entertaining.

• Albert K

  
  A lotta family dramas like to dig deep into the scars and demons of all the sub-characters and chaotically sum all these problems through one solution. Not "The Descendants"; it properly focuses on the magnetic characters and the emotions during a season of grief and how it… More
  A lotta family dramas like to dig deep into the scars and demons of all the sub-characters and chaotically sum all these problems through one solution. Not "The Descendants"; it properly focuses on the magnetic characters and the emotions during a season of grief and how it is resolved through a turmoil a family must face together. Let me tell ya, this film is built on a foundation of a magnificent script, skillful character development, and top-notch acting. Everything a great family drama should be, "The Descendants" does exceptionally well. Though I thought George Clooney was a superb actor, I've always thought his acting could use a bit more variety. Always seemed to be a suave, cool guy who can carry himself through any struggle without a sweat, or he seemed to be a suave, cool guy who can carry himself through any struggle without a sweat. ...Proved me wrong; George Clooney effectively had me convinced that he was a struggling husband/father who had little authority over every aspect of his life -- so convincing where every time Clooney came on screen, you can read off his mannerisms, his dishevelment. The rest of the cast was convincing. Totally taken by surprise by the amount of comedy injected into this film, and rightfully so; some of the dramatic scenes really take you by the gut. Worlds better than 50/50. I loved the tone of the movie; almost as if the luscious vegetation, the cathartic ocean, and the cool blue skies was trying to comfort and teach this family to be joyful despite the harsh circumstances. Everywhere you look, there's vibrant colors and settings and yet this family is going through the crap of their life. For a film with such raw emotions, it surprisingly has incredibly deep and good-hearted morals. At the end of the day, you see these characters are true human beings. After a second viewing, I realize that "The Descendants" has breathtaking cinematography, but the camerawork, direction, and the editing is extremely standard -- maybe rightfully so. For such an excellent package, it hurts the overall irresistible attraction that it carried. But "The Descendants" is a mature and satisfying "dramedy" that hits all the right notes. Though the direction was much to be desired for, this was an effective drama that rises above the norm.

• Tim S

  
  I thought the first part of the film was clunky and thought the use of voice over was overused to get the plot going and shove a lot of information down your throat at one time. Clooney does an amazing job but I was really impressed with Shailene Woodley. There are a lot of incredible… More
  I thought the first part of the film was clunky and thought the use of voice over was overused to get the plot going and shove a lot of information down your throat at one time. Clooney does an amazing job but I was really impressed with Shailene Woodley. There are a lot of incredible moments that anchor the film, but I was expecting something a little bit more from a filmmaker as Alexander Payne.

• Raymond W

  
  George Clooney, Shailene Woodley, and Amara Miller all give superb performances in The Descendants. Filmed entirely on location in Hawaii, one could expect that this film would've indadvertedly turned into a tourist grabber for the state. I was happy to find that's not the… More
  George Clooney, Shailene Woodley, and Amara Miller all give superb performances in The Descendants. Filmed entirely on location in Hawaii, one could expect that this film would've indadvertedly turned into a tourist grabber for the state. I was happy to find that's not the case. The film's plot and acting make it so realistic, at one point I thought I was watching a really good documentary of someone's life. I really liked how the plot seemed ordinary enough, there were lots of times when there were little twists, or revelations that came about just like they would in real life. Life is unpredictable and messy, but life is also beautiful, and this film managed to capture all that wonderfully. The Descendants is a comedy and a drama at the same time. Most films with that classification have sections or comedy, then one of sadness or fighting or something like that. Here, it's all intermingled which is really nice. The comedy is genuine and actually made me laugh, and the drama was real and filled with raw emotions. Sometimes it's really funny and really sad at the same time. There was more than one occasion I sat there crying my eyes out and laughing. Overall, Alexander Payne has created a film that is funny, beautifully acted, and intensely moving.

• Candy R

  
  George plays a dad who has to look after his two daughters when their mother has an accident and falls into a coma. He realises he doesn't know his wife or daughters as he has been so focused on his work. Good story and acting but not award winning.

• Graham J

  
  A beautiful study of human nature in the face of death. To take such a grim storyline and make it so touching (and funny) is a real accomplishment. Clooney is fantastic.

• Sam B

  
  Across the board, The Descendants features some fantastic acting (Clooney is as good as always, while Shailene Woodley in particular comes out of nowhere and steals several scenes), but the film's greatest accomplishment is its melding of humor and dark cynicism into a… More
  Across the board, The Descendants features some fantastic acting (Clooney is as good as always, while Shailene Woodley in particular comes out of nowhere and steals several scenes), but the film's greatest accomplishment is its melding of humor and dark cynicism into a fascinating, realistic portrayal of humanity in general. Honest to its core and unflinching in its exploration of death, adultery, and parental responsibility, Alexander Payne has crafted a movie that manages to be cynical and sweet at the same time, and is definitely worth a watch.

• Michael S

  
  Alexander Payne is a very unique filmmaker. He makes simple human dramas; usually moving and funny in equal measures, that are completely his own and of a singular cinematic vision. His work often strikes a chord with me ("Sideways" and "Election" especially are… More
  Alexander Payne is a very unique filmmaker. He makes simple human dramas; usually moving and funny in equal measures, that are completely his own and of a singular cinematic vision. His work often strikes a chord with me ("Sideways" and "Election" especially are favorites of mine) but even I was surprised by "The Descendants." Payne seems to have taken the best qualities of all his films to create his masterpiece to date. The story concerns a husband and father (Matt: George Clooney) struggling to relate to his two daughters (Shailene Woodley and Amara Miller) after a boating accident (involving his wife) leaves him both a single father and unprepared. With his wife on life support, matters worsen when he discovers not only his wife was cheating on him, but she also was planning on serving him divorce papers. Also impending is a land dispute that Matt, made soul executor, needs to make a major decision on; but how can a person stay afloat under the weight of a broken heart, a fading love, and new-found pressure and responsibilities? What makes the film so involving is the exorbitant amount of care and attention each character and each intricacy of the story receives. We get to know these characters ( at such a tragic time) and we believe in them. They are richly developed and rendered, which isn't very uncommon in Payne's cannon of work. Clooney is outstanding. His career best performance here ranks with his phenomenal work in 2009's "Up in the Air." The other obvious standout is Shailene Woodley playing his older daughter. She is great and holds her own in every scene. She deserved the hype, but then again so did Amara Miller (playing matt's youngest) who is equally strong. She also steals some scenes. Beau Bridges, Matt Lillard, Robert Forster, and Judy Greer complete a faultless cast. Some hate has been tossed upon the character of Sid (Nick Krause) for being just generic comic relief. I disagree. He is definitely comic relief, but it's also a very strong character. He comes off as the typical slacker/ surfer type, but soon we realize that there's more too him than that. A specific scene between him and Clooney is a standout. He really is an important contrast to the rest of the characters. "The Descendants" is a sad film. It's brimming with tragedy and raw emotion but Payne balances this with great wit and humor and most importantly... hope. I seldom love a film as much as I do this one... but that's just a reaction to how much care, thought, and love went into it. Character's are scarcely so believable and beautifully drawn, and Dramas rarely this rewarding. "The Descendants" is a GREAT movie.

• Mark W

  
  Director/co-writer Alexander Payne's (handful of) films always deal with similar themes and tortured, struggling protagonists. Matthew Broderick was a hapless schoolteacher in "Election"; Jack Nicholson was an angst-ridden widower in "About Schmidt" and Paul… More
  Director/co-writer Alexander Payne's (handful of) films always deal with similar themes and tortured, struggling protagonists. Matthew Broderick was a hapless schoolteacher in "Election"; Jack Nicholson was an angst-ridden widower in "About Schmidt" and Paul Giamatti was a social-misfit, wine connoisseur in "Sideways". Now, it's George Clooney as an estranged workaholic husband/father in Payne's best film so far. Matt King (Clooney), a descendant of one of Hawaii's first white land-owning families, must decide whether to go ahead with a multi-million dollar land deal that will destroy a vast bit of Hawaiian forestry to be replaced with tourists and condominiums. At the same time, he faces a personal crisis. His wife has had a boating accident, leaving her in a coma. Matt now faces the decision to disconnect her life support and become a single father to his two daughters, 17 year-old Alexandra (Shailene Woodley) and 10 year-old Scottie (Amara Miller) while dealing with the frustration of the locals at his proposed business deal. The key to a good drama is finding the right balance between humour and pathos. Alexander Payne has a keen sense for this. He sees the absurdity in every day experiences and paints realistic and flawed protagonists. His characters can sometimes have a comical element to them but they are never trivialised. They are not 'movie' characters. They are human with flaws and Payne's skills in writing show this. He has consistently observed ordinary people in ordinary situations and rarely have they been captured so well. As a director, Payne's skills lie in drawing marvellous performances from his actors and it's here that George Clooney shines. He's an actor that I greatly admire and one who makes intelligent choices. His range is also extensive with hilarious comedic roles in the likes of "O Brother Where Art Thou?" and "Burn After Reading" or serious dramatic roles in "Michael Clayton", "Solaris" and his (supporting) Oscar winning role in "Syriana". This film has garnered him some more Oscar buzz with his Third leading actor nomination. And rightfully so. Clooney delivers a subtle and soulful performance that's not without regular humorous moments either. He's not alone though. Shailene Woodley as his eldest daughter is marvellous also and lends great support in some heartfelt and hilarious tete-a-tete's and brief but effective support is displayed by veterans Robert Forster and Beau Bridges. (The latter showing a glimmer of his brother Jeff's iconic turn in "The Big Lebowski".) The Hawaiian setting could also be included as a character, it looks absolutely stunning playing it's part as a real feast for the eyes. Human drama's don't come much better or more nuanced than this. Great writing and great acting give rise to one of the year's genuine gems.

• Al S

  
  A masterpiece. A film that has such a real and intense punch bur still manages to bring your spirits up. One of the years best and most extroadinary movies. An absolute gem of a film that is deeply moving, dramatic and often funny. A mature, well-acted dramatic comedy that is deeply… More
  A masterpiece. A film that has such a real and intense punch bur still manages to bring your spirits up. One of the years best and most extroadinary movies. An absolute gem of a film that is deeply moving, dramatic and often funny. A mature, well-acted dramatic comedy that is deeply satisfying and well-character developed. It`s heartfelt, tender, compelling and wonderfully entertaining. Director, Alexander Payne crafts an humorous and tragic story that surpasses most of his past work. The characters and story are wonderful and real. A powerful and unforgettable movie. A breathtaking and astonishing piece of work that has your attention all the way to the end. George Clooney is magnificent, he gives one of the greatest performances of his career, and certainly his best performance to date. Clooeny is a movie star with no signs of slowing down, his gives great depth, humor and emotional vulnerbility to his character. Shailene Woodley gives a great and confident performance. Star, Clooney and Director, Payne are a match made in movie heaven. I absolutely loved this movie

• Carlos M

  
  A predictable (and boring) pseudo-indie drama, lazily written by someone who seems to have no clue about real people's lives. It is constructed around artificial conflicts and moments of embarrassing humor, centering on a group of pathetic characters that are hard to care about.

Read all 20 featured audience ratings