A film as enjoyable as a beautiful day on the beach.
Released: 2011
Genre(s): Comedy, Drama
At first "The Descendants" comes across as just another slice-of-life movie: a quiet family is slowly torn apart by something adverse, causing skeletons to come spilling out of the closet, and it's up them all to forgive each other and find some sort of triumphant redemption. However, upon actually sitting down and viewing this fine picture, one realizes just how much "The Descendants" transcends this formula. It's not hard to feel the tension in this movie (mainly supplemented by some of the best acting George Clooney has ever exhibited); genuinely sympathizing with the protagonist and his family is almost a prerequisite to completing the film. While the situation they find themselves in is clearly a heart-wrenching tragedy, the movie actually bathes itself in a very bittersweet light - the humor found here is incredibly warm and bright. During these moments of charming, honest emotion, I would silently root for the main characters, willing the movie universe to make all of their troubles work out in the cleanest of ways. Herein lies the greatest accomplishment of "The Descendants" - it makes the viewer see these characters as real people, and it is this human connection that makes this film so rewarding to see. A film that realistically mimics family ties, I can assure you that you won't have a more enjoyable time watching a group of people self-destruct. Add in the fact that this movie manages to maximize the natural beauty of the Hawaiian landscape as a backdrop, and you've got one hell of a cinematic vacation.
Rating (out of 5): 4.5
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