The Descendants

Audience Reviews

View More

Robert S @RT90266752 May 14 Pretty heavy subject matter, I think Payne handled it with exceptional grace,I think the family dysfunction is something that rings true in this situation, Clooney had chance to show of his chops in this role, great choice to play Matt King, I will always pick"Sideways " as Paynes greatest achievement in cinema, that may be a bit unfair because he set the bar so high in that film, in any event The Descendants is an excellent movie, well done See more Phil H. @PapercutsAndJumpcuts Apr 8 I can’t quite find exactly where I land, which feels like part of the experience of this film. Really well acted… Clooney doing that thing where he’s composed & unraveling at the same time. Shailene Woodley is excellent. It all feels lived-in, nothing forced. And it’s intriguing. The setup pulls you in, the emotional beats mostly land, there’s enough under the surface to keep you leaning forward… But… it never quite punches. It hovers. Observes. Edges toward something sharper or messier…. and then pulls back. Again and again. You keep waiting for it to fully commit, and it just doesn’t quite do it. Maybe that’s Payne’s point. Life is unresolved, people muddle through, no clean endings. Fine. He does that, and I’m a fan. Still. I wanted one moment, just one, where it stopped hovering and looking pretty and actually said something about accountability. Or loss. Or betrayal. Or consequences. Or what any of this actually means. It’s really good. I just wish it wanted to be great. See more Geo3 F @RT82897544 Apr 1 This is a decent movie not amazing maybe the story is for some critics heart touching but now 20 years later they are better films that this. Overall a normal film to enjoy for film lovers. See more John V. @JohnnyVGood Jan 26 One of the best adaptations from a book that I’ve seen. See more Edward L @Lassoto Jan 5 I have watched this movie three times, and for some reason, thoroughly enjoyed it. It covers topics such as marital struggle, death, natural beauty, and stewardship. Also it taps into some distinctly Hawaiian topics. The sountrack, mostly Gabby Pahinui, is beautiful and compelling. So is the landscape, especially the estate in question. It delves into the slightly wild nature of Hawaiians and their interaction with haole, the white man. The story is sad, and examines the pain of grief within a family. It also examines the unusual topic of stewardship of land and nobility of character. It is hard to say what makes this movie great, but it is visually beautiful and thought provoking, the way a movie should be. See more Madam D @Madam1948 Dec 14 This realistic drama was heart felt without total schmaltz. Written very well and with Clooney as his usual charming self...plus the beautiful scenery! Not for action fans, but if you enjoy a good story--this is for you. See more Read all reviews

The Descendants

My Rating

Read More Read Less WRITE A REVIEW EDIT REVIEW POST RATING