Customer Ratings & Reviews

Directed by the creator of the Oscar-winning SIDEWAYS, The Descendants starts when Matt King, a "back-up" father (his words) must slow down his career to take care of his two daughters (17 and 11) while his wife is in the hospital in a comma caused by a boat accident. Soon we learn, his wife, spurned by Matt's long absences and indifference, was having an affair. Matt and his older daughter decide to search for this man they never met dragging along the younger girl and the oldest girl's boyfriend, and, of course, the viewer. The Descendants has many things going for it. George Clooney, for one, beautiful views of two of the islands of Hawaii, a strong story that does not shy away from reality and avoids the sugarcoating so prevalent in Hollywood movies, and great acting from all the actors including the aforementioned Mr. Clooney. Yet, I cannot say I loved it. Why? Because it is a realistic take on fatherhood and marriage and, after watching the trailer, I expected something lighter. This is not the movie's fault. The Descendants is a serious movie and that's perfectly all right. I like serious movies. But not when I am expecting something else. So, now that you know, please go and enjoy. It's worth seeing. Just don't go for the laughs.

Was a good movie overall, I would definitely recommend this movie to another human.

Some actors simply show up for the check. Some slide on image. George Clooney is always watchable; even when he seems to be coasting. Then he'll knock a curve over the fence. You see the star billing but he reminds the audience that behind the Ocean's is a fine actor. He does have an Oscar after all. Clooney disappears in The Descendants . His portrayal of a clueless man shocked into reality by tragedy ,forced to reconnect with fatherhood & family responsibilities, is faultless. Ranking with The Perfect Storm, The American, Michael Clayton & The Ides of March. He's given stellar support by Shailene Woodley (Divergent) as his oldest, resentful daughter who must verbally slap him with the fact that the life he thought he knew never existed. Beau Bridges is on hand a greedy brother. And Judy Greer is moving as a wife whose life becomes ensnared with Clooney's family. Whether in front of the camera or behind as director (Good Night & Good Luck) or producer (Argo) George Clooney rarely disappoints. As for that check? He earns it, then quietly recycles it into positive projects.

The Descendants was nominated for Best Picture in 2011 at the Academy Awards, and rightly so. George Clooney does an amazing job playing the part of a "part-time dad", as his character (Matt King) calls it, in the film. Going through a tough time and facing a tough decision, King's family comes together to help overcome their obstacles. Directed by Alexander Payne (who also directed Sideways), this film is sure to take the viewer on an emotional roller coaster. I found that I could relate to some of the hardships the characters went through, and found the film to be a true masterpiece. Also, this film is Shailene Woodley's coming out party and she did everything but disappoint. I highly recommend watching it. If you aren't pleased with the plot, at the very least you will find the cinematography enjoyable - because it takes place in Hawaii.

I was attracted to the movie because it is set in Hawaii (which we love) and it appears to be a good story that contains real life emotions as well as a dose of humor. George Clooney can be a bit full of himself but is a good actor. Best Buy wanted a completed survey right away so here it is -- sorry I can't give you a meaningful review -- but I'm optimistic you will like it if you like good stories without all the usual violence, bombs and surreal graphics.

this interesting George clooney movie situated in beautiful Hawaii, depicts many gorgeous views of the islands. interesting story about an attorney's family dealing with a large land settlement of scenic undisturbed native land, while his wife was seriously injured while out with another man, not known by husband. he tries to reconnect with his daughters in this sweet and sometimes sad, easy to follow story.

A great movie as George Clooney is dealing with two major pressing issues at one time. One is his wife is in a coma that is irreversible and the other dealing with the sale or no sale of a family trust of land his family has inherited from years ago. He also is dealing with being a father instead of a kind of absent father to his young daughter and his rebellious daughter as well. Through the movie it proves in times of need family can unite and make it through the tough times.

Who can resist George Clooney in Hawaii? He learns that his injured wife (in a coma) was unfaithful and must deal with their two daughters. Also on tap is a multi-million dollar land deal that will sell off the last of his family's pristine land. High drama, a bit of intrigue, and then picture George running in flip-flops....

I knew that George Clooney is well respected as an actor--this is probably the first film of his that I've seen. He was really really good, and not only was he good, but Alexa and Scotty were excellent in the roles of his daughters. It didn't drip with sorrow, had its funny moments, but reflected the sadness they felt. I bought it and will watch it again and again.

This movie dealt with the unpleasantness of disease and early death of a spouse/parent. Also infidelity, and relationships with close family members, including teenagers. It showed how people react to changing situations and relationships of close family members and friends.

This is a movie that missed a lot of eyeballs. It is a beautiful film about the complexities of family and mortality. Surprise great performance from George Clooney. I'd never believed he was that great of an actor until I saw this movie.

I finally got around to watching The Descendants about a week ago. I was pleasantly surprised by how deep this film is. It's got so many different things going on and takes the main characters through a myriad of different emotions. I now understand why Payne, Rash & Faxon won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.

Well portrayed characters. Sometimes I am surprised of how good George Clooney can be in a comedy/drama even action with this one touching and moving character he portrayed. I have not seen a bad movie that he is in it. The young actress Shailene Woodley is becoming Hollywood big young hot shot after this one for sure.

The Descendants is a good family drama. It involves a dad connecting with his daughters while their mother is in a coma. He is also dealing with personal and professional issues. The cast had good chemistry and the storyline was interesting.

This is a welcome switch from the usual Clooney role that gives him a chance to be a real person, rather than a comic book character. He shows real-life tensions and vulnerability with his family, where he actually needed to act.

Good drama about a dad that was bot too involved with his kids but because of his wife's accident, had to be "the dad". Presented a very real situation that can happen. Vey enjoyable and good acting. It had a slow start but picked up quickly.

Good movie to watch when you just want to veg out and not think too much....although it does give you food for thought. It's good for most ages, however younger ones (7 and under) might be disturbed by the "loss" of the mother.

Everything in george clooneys character life goes to pot in this drama. Between his wife in a coma, His kids he doesnt relate to to his extended family he works through these tough challenges as best he can Great story

Not that there's anything wrong with being a chick flick, unless you're not a chick. I'm not, and still the plot and acting kept my interest, once it caught it anyway. Besides, who doesn't like George Clooney, chick or dude?

Alexander Payne isn't the most consistent director but he really did a great job on this one. Clooney and Woodley carry the film with their performances and the story does a great job of not resorting to typical results.