The Descendants
FILM REVIEW FRIDAY
Hawaiian Beaches + George Clooney = A winner!
This movie made me want to, not just visit Hawaii, but move to Hawaii. More specifically, move into character, Matt King’s house, which happens to be really charming. The Descendants is full of eye candy. And I’m not talking about Mr. Clooney, but if he was candy, he would probably be a Snickers Bar, I’m just saying… No, I’m speaking instead of beautiful Hawaii.
STORY LINE ONE
The main story revolves around Honolulu lawyer, Matt King whose wife, Elizabeth, becomes comatose after a boating accident. He is left to pick up the pieces of their fractured family life. Those pieces include two daughters; a foul mouth ten year old named, “Scottie” (weird name) and a beautiful seventeen year old daughter named, “Alex.” Alex explains to her father, in the aftermath of the accident, that Elizabeth had been having an affair. Matt is completely blindsided and he sets out to find his wife’s mystery lover.
STORY LINE TWO
Matt King has been put in charge of his family’s considerable trust. The King family owns 25,000 acres of prime real estate on the island of Kaua’i. (He is a descendent of Hawaiian royalty) As it turns out, Elizabeth’s mystery man, is a realtor who is working an angle on getting the King property sold and developed. Both story lines eventually weave together. However, neither story is as compelling as the scenery. Hawaii is pretty close to my idea of paradise.
Just enough property for me to build my dream house…
The critics loved this film. I thought it was good but not great. It definitely had some weak moments. The story could have been tweaked a bit more.
SEE IT if island hopping, endless blue sky and water, and George Clooney running around in casual island clothes, would turn you on. DON’T SEE IT if watching a ten year old swear like a sailor would grate on you OR if watching someone shrivel and die would disturb you. B
Hahah someone shrivel. It only disturbed me that he kissed her crusty mouth. Ewwww. I really liked this movie! And I definitely think you should move to Hawaii! No worries over there. Besides, ya know, getting in boat crashes and becoming a vegetable.
I know! That was such an icky scene! I may have to go to Hawaii very soon. I’m scared that I might not come back. Haha!
I have never even heard of this film. George Clooney has a decent on-screen presence from what I remember seeing him in.
Sweary kids make my hand itch to slap them.
Snickers are under appreciated.
I’m sure it will show up in your theaters pretty soon because it’s been nominated for many awards, George Clooney for best actor, etc.
I felt refreshed when the movie ended, like I had been on vacation for two hours.
I’m sick of kids and their foul mouths, it’s not cute or funny anymore.
What candy would you be, Michael…hmmm?
Maybe a blog for another day…?
I’m probably going to the movies this week for the first time since True Grit. I have way too many gift certificates. Is this the one I should see? I’ve heard rave reviews.
I figured the daughter was named after F. Scott Fitzgerald’s daughter, Scottie. I’ve no idea why I came up with that one.
The actor who plays the ‘boyfriend’ said his greatest accomplishment in life is that a woman (albeit a character) preferred him over George Clooney.
That’s funny about the actor who plays the boyfriend. He’s not even in the same league, though I’m sure he’s nice?
Yes. Lily and I both liked it. Lily liked it more than me. It’s definitely original and keeps you interested. At the very least you feel like you’ve been on vacation when you finish the movie. (Your girl friend will probably like it.)
Another movie that might be good, if you like action, is “Safe House” with Denzel Washington and Ryan Reynolds. That just came out this weekend.
Go on Moviefone and watch the preview to make sure it looks okay.
Have Fun!!!
Elizabeth and Craig saw “The Descendants.” I couldn’t go. It’s George Clooney. He royally bugs. It’s the continually raised eyebrow he sports 24/7. He fancies himself the sexy prankster. That bugs. It bugs more than a sailor mouthed 10-year-old. Elizabeth and Craig convinced me that George is not vintage George in this movie. Hummmm. Still a no.
Don’t move to Hawaii. See a few episodes of, “Dog the Bounty Hunter,” and it will convince you that Hawaii is not so Royal.
hahaha! I had no idea that Mr. Clooney gives you such a rash. I can see it, though. I like him, but agree that when he’s off camera he does his little schtick of, “Gosh, I’m just a regular, nice guy, who likes a good laugh” routine. You don’t suppose he knows he looks better when he smiles, do you?
A regular nice guy who changes blonde armcandy like most men change their shirts. Only the shirts aren’t taunt and wear makeup. Or, maybe they do. The other guy is swell, I’m sure. *cough*
I love Hawaii and I’ve never actually seen a movie that George Clooney was in. I’ve always had a feeling he would be a boring actor. This sounds like a good one for tv though.
I’ve never been to Hawaii. For some reason it’s been coming up a lot in my conversations. I think that means it’s time for me to check it out. Right?
George Clooney has a certain intensity about him and a likability factor that comes across in his “work.” He can run hot and cold, though. I know what you mean, that he looks boring. I’m guessing you’re not a movie person?
I’ve made this confession before… I really just go for the popcorn and to get out of my house! haha! (That’s why my reviews are pretty light weight.)
Well we are living parallel lives…on Friday night we had a ‘date’ night. I was dragged kicking and screaming from the warmth of my house, only on the understanding that we went to see a George movie and that we went to a cinema that served wine. Actually I had a beer (one) and very enjoyable it was. So…the movie. Well I just loved it, though I’m not sure it’s Oscar worthy and it did make my mascara run all down my face – ha! Who am I kidding? I don’t have time to wear mascara these days…By the way, you’re ‘See it’ list really made me smile and I have been hatching a plan to Hawaii all weekend 🙂
Haha! Maybe we can rendezvous?
I totally agree that it was a very good, entertaining movie, but probably not Oscar material. I think they’re just desperate to come up with some decent films this year since it’s been so dismal.
That sounds like a great theater, very sophisticated, indeed.
That scene at the end when he’s saying good bye was sort of sad, wasn’t it? I felt my eyes well up, too.
I’m glad you enjoyed my little “See It” list. It’s very cut and dry, very skimpy. It’s amazing how so few words can really give you the gist of the movie. Haha!
I have a cousin who virtually commutes between a beautiful home on the Garden Route in the Cape, Hawaii, and a peaceful stretch of the Thames River not far out of London. I am insanely jealous.
‘Fraid I would tackle the ten-year-old’s problem with an old-fashioned hairbrush. Far better than carbolic soap, although that was an effective solution of my era.
Ha Ha! Yes, a good hairbrush goes a long way!
I’m insanely jealous of your cousin and I barely know him or her? That sounds like a lifestyle I could get use to. Would your cousin be interested in adopting a 49 year old?