My review of "The Descendants"

I like Alexander Payne. I think he's really interesting, great director and knowing that he writes his films makes it so much better. I'm also one of those people who loves George Clooney, I think he's one of America's treasures. I think he's like a bottle of fine wine who keeps getting better and better with age, although I can understand how people may think he's overrated being that he's cast in a lot of movies. I personally think he's an amazing actor. It's not just his physical acting, there's something about Clooney that makes you think of those old time movie stars, Cary Grant perhaps? But do I think he deserves his Academy Award? Yes, I do actually. Is he replaceable? Maybe you may think so, but he does play the character brilliantly. The thing is, George Clooney's character goes through a lot of very random and hard situations and I think he plays it all very well. Someone mentioned this is George Clooney's best performance of this career.. It's easily one of my favorites.

The film is about Matt King, a lawyer who also happens to be the sole trustee of a 25,000 acree family trust. He's also the father of two daughters and gets full responsibility when his wife gets into an accident that results in her falling into a coma. In the film he hasn't paid as much attention to his daughters as he would have liked to which makes it much harder for him to take care of them. He finds out his wife had actually been cheating on him and that sets of numerous random situations he's thrown into. You got to admire his character though for being strong and not losing his cool through out the whole thing. After all, he is doing all the best he can, even with raising his daughters. He worked a lot because I'm sure he wanted to provide his daughters with everything they ever wished for, most times though kids and teenagers won't seem to realize that right away.

However, the actresses who played his daughters, Shailene Woodley and Amara Miller should be acknowledged as well. They were fantastic, acting with great expressions and feelings. Nick Krause, who plays Sid in the movie provides us with laughter as his interractions with George Clooney's as well as all the other characters are quite priceless.

I liked the movie a lot, however it might not be for everyone. The thing is, what hurts the film is it was predictable, although what saves the film is the amazing, sharp writing as well as the great acting. I think Matthew Lillard was easily replaceable though.

Is it worth all the Academy Award nominations? I'll let you be the judge of that, you really can't say there's no originality...

The film makes you happy yet sad at the same time.. It reminds you what the characters are actually going through yet it makes you smile because you realize that the tragedy brings them all together... It's just one of those films you'll either hate or love. I loved it and I think it's worth a look.

My rating: 7,8/10