Big Screen Blurb: The Descendants

It's tough to roll with life's punches. It's also difficult to realize who you really are in life; and, equally tough to realize one's role in his own life. In short, it's tough being Matt King (George Clooney). Yeah--on the surface that might not seem to be the case. But, as usual, the story is always below the surface.

For Matt, the surface reveals a successful lawyer living in Oahu. Paradise, right? He's got a wife and two daughters. Further, he is the controlling trustee in a historic land trust involving generations of family and more than a billion dollars. Looking below the surface, however, is far more revealing. Matt's wife is in a coma stemming from a boating accident. This leaves him as the primary parent, which he is quick to admit that his parenting role has always been that of an understudy. Matt then learns that his comatose wife has been cheating on him. Fuel added to that fire is this looming land deal, of which his numerous cousins are counting on him to make them millionaires. Yadayadayada Matt tries to cope with a very tough stretch while growing into his role as a father and his new life.

It's good. I'll go with 4.0 Stars. Make no mistake, this is not a high energy story. It's a meaningful tale that effectively covers life's ups and downs, with a strong focus on a few very tough valleys. With that in mind, it's a story that will drag at times, but never loses you. Clooney is outstanding and may well get a nomination for this one when Oscar time approaches.

Further, the three kids in this flick are great and solidify the story. There's Scottie (Amarie Miller), the youngest daughter. She's ten with a ton of pre-pubescent 'tude. The eldest daughter is Alexandra (Shailene Woodley), who takes attitude to new and self-destructive heights. She's recently had all kinds of problems with mom, which the ole parents had hoped boarding school would cure. Wrong answer. Finally, is Alex's friend, Sid (Nick Krause). He's the wild card in the group. He's a typical teenager who is dealing with some atypical problems himself. As with every other 16 year old, Sid has times in which he displays wisdom beyond his years, while at other times, displaying baffling stupidity.  Overall, each actor supported Clooney very well and pushed the story along very meaningfully.

It's a good flick that simultaneously showcases life in all it's trouble and glory. It's worth a view, and a BIG view at that--unless meaningful dramas and lessons in life aren't your gig. (If that's the case...skip it altogether and get an oil change...you ROBOT!) Just one small piece of advice: Don't see this flick as a matinee. Go late...maybe a 10PM showing. It drew a lot of old farts to the matinee and old people talk very LOUDLY during a movie. Actually, on several ocassions I would have yelled "Shut the hell up!" But considering the numerous couples engaging in high-volume chatter, there's no way they would have heard me. Just sayin'.

True...OUT!