Tonight we kept a family tradition. We see a movie every Thanksgiving Eve. Some years: Batman or some pre-Christmas blockbuster, but when possible we try to see a very good movie. I'm sure the new 3D movies like "Arthur Christmas", "Happy Feet 2" or "Hugo" are great family flicks. Tonight, however, we witnessed "Descendants" starring George Clooney. This may be the best movie I have seen this year.
It is possible that this is the best acting job of Clooney's career to date. He comes across as a truly "Average" guy. He walks, acts, and talks average. He is For George Clooney: That's acting!
The story is opens with a family (Clooney's) dealing with his wife on life support following a boating accident. Clooney plays an attorney who is also the trustee for his family's trust. The family members are descendants of one of Hawaii's oldest families who holds the last prime ocean front property valued at 500 Million! He has the final say for the sale. Both stories intertwine as the movie unfolds. George is trying to hang on. He is pulled in every direction. he has two daughters that he can't seem to handle. He is a wealthy person who chooses not to live like it. He has people keeping secrets from him. And more.
He is doing the best he knows how and feels totally inadequate. This is a VERY real story.
It is sometimes humorous and sometimes very emotional. Just like life.
It is not a downer movie but if you want Adam Sandler, this isn't for you.
Some of the acting made me see myself and made me think, "There except for the Grace of GOD......." and other times I would think, "Could I hold up through that." I have also not witnessed a telling of a story concerning family health crisis as real and as human as this.
Yes, This is a PG50 movie. Most of the people in the theater were Baby Boomers even though most of the actors weren't. It is "R" for cursing and because it keeps out all the ages that would not "get it". The cast was perfect.
It may be the best movie I have seen this year (so far). And, yes, it is ***** (5 star) in my world.
2011 movie #52
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