Steve Reviews The Descendants

Director Alexander Payne has a certain way of taking serious cinematic situations and making them more lighthearted and, well, human. About Schmidt and Sideways are prime examples, and if you enjoyed those, you will likely fall in love with The Descendants.

George Clooney stars as a wealthy Hawaiian land-owner, struggling to keep his family together after his wife suffers a life-threatening accident. While it has always been my contention that Clooney can only play variations of Clooney, I do realize that he’s very good at it (I suppose he’s had lots of practice). This situation is no different. You’ll get classic Clooney, and there’s something about him that just makes you smile. Don’t get me wrong; he lays on the drama in the necessary parts and is very believable. I wouldn’t go so far as to anoint him the Best Actor just yet though, regardless of what the critics have said. I would agree, though, that the accolades should come for this film, if they’re coming at all. His role in The Ides Of March wasn’t really even a role. I hope the voters don’t look to consider a combined performance.

The person who has thus far been unjustly ignored is 20-year old Shailene Woodley, who plays Clooney’s bitter daughter. In my opinion, it’s she who carries the film from the beginning. Because I hate spoilers, I won’t reveal the plot lines that lead her to be so great, but the story is actually much different that the trailer lets on. Woodley’s character is integral, and her acting is superb. If I had a vote, she’d be on my Supporting Actress list for sure.

As of this writing, The Descendants has fluctuated back and forth between the number one and two slots for predicted Best Picture winners. (The Artist being the other) Although it wouldn’t be my first choice at this point, I understand why it’s being heralded. No doubt it will be one of the (how many?) nominees.

-Steve
12.13.2011