Based on Kaui Hart Hemmings debut novel of the same name, The Descendants was adapted by Jim Rash (Community), Nat Faxon (Reno 911) and director Alexander Payne (Nebraska). The movie stars George Clooney, Shailene Woodley, & Amara Miller.

Premise: A land baron tries to reconnect with his two daughters after his wife is seriously injured in a boating accident.

Review: I watched the Oscars and other award shows so when The Descendants got all these accolades it piqued my interest but I never got around to watching the film. I now have, and let me tell you I was not particularly impressed, I didn’t connect with the movie. But watching it I understood that people would easily connect with The Descendants. I mean, if you’ve been through or going through something similar this movie could really move you, and touch you like Still Alice did for me this year.

So while part of me does not really understand why George Clooney scored an Oscar nomination for this – I’d have to check out who the other contenders were but I don’t care that much – I have to admit that it is a decent film. It’s simple, doesn’t take itself too seriously, and is a bit raw. The characters are easy to relate to, in some way, they’re kind of stripped down and feel like regular people going through some tough times. 

Like I said, I couldn’t really relate to the film because so far I’ve been lucky enough not to have lost anyone close to me. I know, I’m lucky I am and I do feel like I’ll experience this movie very differently when I eventually go power through a big loss. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not waiting for a tragedy to watch this movie again. All I’m saying is that The Descendants is everything to faithfully depict the aftermath of a tragedy, the frustration, the emotions, the humor, and the relief.

Let me know in the comment section below or on Twitter what did you think of the movie?