Look Up in the Air…It’s a coma
The Descendants is a film starring George Clooney, Shailene Woodley, Judy Greer, Beau Bridges and Matthew Lillard (yes you heard me correctly). It’s directed by Alexander Payne (Sideways, Election, etc) and based off of a novel of the same name. With all the hoopla surrounding the film and all the accolades it’s been getting, I thought I would check it out for myself (albeit reluctantly because I have yet to take the “George Clooney is awesome” pill).
Let me give you the jist of what it’s about: Matt- A busy lawyer and partial absentee father, who’s the sole trustee that controls land on the island of Kaua’i. He has to decide either to sell it or to keep it, all while dealing with his family’s meddling and opinions. They to are trustees, but ultimately it’s Matt’s decision and everyone, including the whole town, questions his every move . Then there’s his wife Elizabeth who’s in a coma after a boating accident. In typical fashion, Matt suddenly realizes all the things he should have been before her accident (fyi, I hate that in movies and in real life. It takes a wife to be in a coma before the man realizes her importance?? Come on). That leaves Matt suddenly in charge of being a sole parent to his rambunctious 10 year old daughter Scottie and his hellion of a teenager, 17 year old Alex.
See how quickly I gave you that synopsis? Well that’s how quickly you get it in the film. We are thrust into this family’s life, during a very emotional time, but I never quite feel the pain they are going through. The reason being? Maybe because I never got to know their characters. Every person in this film seems to just pop up when it’s there time, and give an emotional performance, but excuse me? I don’t know you, don’t give me 5 minutes of your time and expect me to feel your sadness. I understand this movie wasn’t about his wife’s accident and more about him suddenly having to raise 2 girls and be more of a father, but at least give me something a bit more profound then your generic tale of a man who works too hard to make time for his family, leaving his wife lonely and seeking other means to fulfill her desires. I don’t think either of the girl’s are bad actresses but I’ve seen more father-children bonding in the movie Mr Mom.
You discover in the film (and in the movie trailer-so don’t call me a spoiler), that the reason his daughter is so angry and confused is because she knew all along that his wife was cheating on him. He decides he must track down her lover, but it’s not for the reasons you might think. I still find it quite ridiculous that NOW he’s angry and wants answers? Well I hate to tell you Matt, but it’s too late, she’s never waking up. The subplot of to sell or not to sell his land, is really just forced and awkward throughout the film, and quite frankly just a way to show the beautiful surroundings of Hawaii. There’s a “surprise” (if you really want to call it that) twist in the plot, but by the time it’s discovered you simply don’t care.
I agree with a friend when he said that Clooney was miscast for this role. The issue I have with him is, he’s a likable guy, but an actor? I don’t think so. Viewers like nostalgia (hence why the silent film The Artist is sweeping awards season) and George Clooney personifies the modern day Cary Grant. There are some actors that are versatile and others that are just themselves. Think about it! I love Sarah Jessica Parker, but she is literally SJP in every role (or maybe it’s Carrie Bradshaw). Jennifer Aniston’s movies are not awful but she’s playing Jennifer Aniston. Sandra Bullock and Julia Roberts are 2 others (in my opinion) My point is though, Clooney isn’t bad, but he’s just not good at doing anything else that isn’t “Clooney”. This role is exactly what his character would be in Up in the Air if he got married and had kids. His schtick is getting old and this movie made me realize it completely.
