THE DESCENDANTS
CAROLINE: The Descendants was one of my most anticipated movies of the year, and I’m so thrilled to say it doesn’t disappoint. It stars Clooney and it’s from director Alexander Payne who hasn’t done a feature since Sideways.
RYAN: It’s about time, Mr. Payne! I too, was excited for this movie and really liked it. There has been much ado about this film this awards season and I have to admit, amidst the hype, it strongly holds up.
CAROLINE: OMG it was so moving! I cried early and often. It’s such a weeper. But there are so many things to love about this movie.
RYAN: Starting with the George himself. I’m not the ginormous Clooney fan many are, but he’s fabulous in this. He gives a fantastic, nuanced, tender and modest performance.
CAROLINE: He’s so natural and effortless in this. I totally bought him as a dad, even though we know he’s not one in real life. He gives a really great, understated performance here. I’m impressed.
RYAN: I also adored Judy Greer. She doesn’t have a huge role, but when she’s on screen, she’s perfect. I know we’ve adored her for many years now, but she usually gets stuck with the BFF roles in rom coms and here’s the first time we can see her actually flex some acting muscle.
CAROLINE: I love her too. Everyone in this movie blew me away; not to mention the two daughters! Both were great, but the older one, Shailene Woodley, already has several nominations and major Oscar buzz. She was as good as everyone says she is. She actually reminded me of Lindsay Lohan a bit… hopefully minus the drug addiction.
RYAN: I thought she was good but I don’t really see her as best supporting actress. I don’t think she gave the performance of the year but, clearly, I’m in the minority on this one.
CAROLINE: It’s just such a poignant movie. So many topics are covered between infidelity, family values, absentee fathering, death, money, all of it. It made me feel very deeply.
RYAN: Easy, honey. I do like movies with multi-issues, see Carnage; and this is another good one.
CAROLINE: I know I sound lame. I’m just trying to convey the emotional impact the movie had on me. It was major. This is definitely one of my favorites of the year.
RYAN: Let’s talk about the gorge scenery. When are we goin’ to Hawaii?
CAROLINE: Oh, any time! It’s amazing and just naturally stunning. And it makes you wonder if people really live like this. Living there seems like a permanent vacation!
RYAN: Well, lest we forget, Clooney’s character is beyond loaded so that helps. And in real life, he lives much of the time in Lake Como, so he certainly knows how to live la vita bella.
— BOTTOM LINE —
CAROLINE: This movie made me feel so many different things, and it covers so many human emotions. You want to hate certain characters for what they’re doing, but sometimes you can’t, and it just really runs the gamut of so many different feelings. I don’t want to ruin the story so the less said the better; but suffice it to say, I loved it.
RYAN: The through-line of this film adds a bit of suspense and keeps you engaged for sure. I agree it’s one of the year’s best films even though I wasn’t as emotional as you were; but truth be told, I did tear up once. So it got me too.
— RATING —
