The Descendants
199 user reviews
7.0
/10
| Average votes grouped by age and by sex: | |||||||
| Age: | 1-12 | 13-17 | 18-25 | 26-35 | 36-49 | 50+ | Total |
| Men: Votes: |
- 0 |
9 1 |
10 1 |
7.7 8 |
6.7 18 |
7.1 43 |
7.1 71 |
| Women: Votes: |
7 1 |
7 5 |
6 1 |
7.5 15 |
6.8 32 |
7.1 63 |
7 121 |
| Total: Votes: |
7 1 |
6.9 7 |
7.3 3 |
7.6 23 |
6.8 53 |
7.1 107 |
7 199 |
| Total includes those who didn't specify sex. | |||||||
Reviews from 1 to 50 (total: 199)
Great scenery and well acted. This movie has realistic, well-developed characters which is somewhat refreshing. Clooney, Forster (the Grandfather), Woodley (older daughter) really shine. Directed and co-written by the person who directed " Sideways " which is another pretty good movie.
| 7/10 | mwhal@ - 109 reviews 10.5.2012 - age: 36-49 |
Can't say I enjoyed this movie. Clooney did not deserve an Oscar nod. Disappointed with this one.
| 3/10 | avat60@ - 3 reviews 4.5.2012 - age: 50+ |
When it’s over, I think this is one of Actor George Clooney’s best roles, where he doesn’t resort to charm, sophistication, or sex appeal to sell his character. I think I rather like this new Clooney, who plays Matt King, a man on the verge of physically losing his wife and who must find a way to re-connect with his two daughters while trying to come to terms with a family secret. That’s a lot for one character to go through in a 2 hour film, but Clooney pulled it off with silent heroism. I was surprised by his ability to embody this normal guy, who spent much of his married life clueless and detached. I think this film will appeal to a wide audience in varying age groups, and it will touch each viewer differently, depending on the person’s life situation, experiences, and age. For some people this film may be about death, acceptance, and self discovery. To a younger audience, it may be about rebellion, acknowledgement and attention. For me, the film was about:(1) Forgiveness - the importance of it even when our hearts don’t desire it, (2) Secrets - the lies and betrayals that bind them, and (3) Family - the important bond that keeps everything in perspective.
| 8/10 | aleneis@ - 7 reviews 29.4.2012 - age: 36-49 |
Setting was beautiful. Story was depressing and very sad. It seemed as if it was a TV movie.
| 4/10 | so-sweet13@ - 41 reviews 8.4.2012 - age: 13-17 |
Loved the setting. Great family dynamics. George Clooney did a fine job!!!
| 8/10 | bmcnally@ - 2 reviews 6.4.2012 - age: 50+ |
I was very disappointed that George Clooney could play in a slow, uninteresting movie like this. Sorry...
| 4/10 | seakay@ - first review 6.4.2012 |
This movie is far from a comedy; but I did enjoy it (it is sad though!)
| 7/10 | drappesh@ - first review 2.4.2012 - age: 50+ |
I don't understand the big hype around this movie. Yes, Hawaii is beautiful, but Clooney is way over-rated. It was an ok movie for me, nothing special. "We need to talk about Kevin" was a much deeper drama and wasn't even nominated... unbelievable...
| 5/10 | pantal@ - 72 reviews 2.4.2012 - age: 36-49 |
Felt like a "b" grade "1970's made for tv movie" that you would switch channels away from after a few minutes. Acting was pooor. I give it a -10. Is only for people who like to watch really really bad movies. Sad for George Clooney, I enjoyed Up in the Air.
| 1/10 | sol_delight@ - 3 reviews 30.3.2012 - age: 26-35 |
It was okay. Yes the movie was moving but that was that... really.
| 7/10 | shazjoao@ - 1748 reviews 27.3.2012 |
I can't believe no one made the comparison with Little Miss sunshine... It's exactly the same formula, same kind of characters, so predictable... All it needed was a family dance at the end... don't waste your money.
| 4/10 | thierrygd@ - 2 reviews 25.3.2012 - age: 26-35 |
I really liked everything about this movie. It had a good storyline, I tend to like dysfunctional family dramas. Some really funny parts and some touching ones as well. A real gem.
| 9/10 | dennyduguay@ - 10 reviews 22.3.2012 - age: 26-35 |
Clooney in the role of an average guy faced with the challenge of integrity. Most families can easily identify with the characters. Scenes of Hawaii are beautiful.
| 8/10 | garyglobal@ - 11 reviews 20.3.2012 - age: 50+ |
I loved every minute of the movie. It had me laughing and crying at various parts and I'm usually not a huge Clooney fan but I liked his character in this movie - not such a heart throb, more like a normal human being. Definitely recommend this movie!
| 9/10 | sarahsaddy@ - 155 reviews 19.3.2012 - age: 26-35 |
I laughed; I cried. A subtlely, intense movie about family relationships and how they change to overcome crises and resolve complex issues. George Clooney is at his best, as his REAL portral of his fatherly role of two female daughters. In his struggle to face the challenges and ethical dilemmas awaiting him, the movie displays all the important things in life; health, love and family. And there is comedy relief to balance the sense of loss, sadness, pain, tenderness, adversity and deceit. The characters are likeable and real and a concurrent story, helps to decide the fate of the other, each one faced with great dilemmas. This real, unique family drama draws us in with each twist and turn leading us to a not so over the top climax for each concurrent story; one that is satisfying, ethical and influenced by the lessons learned in the other. The dialogue is honest, fresh and frought with humanity. It's a magnificent story of healing.
| 8/10 | elwalker48@ - 25 reviews 16.3.2012 - age: 50+ |
[ATTENTION: This review reveals content of the movie.]
How in the world does someone ever thing about calling this movie a comedy. If a movie about dealing with the infidelity and death of your wife is funny then I must have the sense of humor of a goldfish. I think I laughed about 3 times during the whole movie. This movie is a drama and not a very good one either.
| 2/10 | johnnyflier@ - 2 reviews 14.3.2012 - age: 36-49 |
Really stupid movie, you should see the Lorax or Journey 2.
| 4/10 | momina_canada@ - first review 13.3.2012 - age: 13-17 |
Slow / Bored me to tears... fell asleep, pointless movie.
| 1/10 | bondable@ - 2 reviews 8.3.2012 - age: 36-49 |
George Clooney's nomination for the Oscar brought this film into spotlight, something that I for one appreciated. A credible family drama with characters that you end up liking, because they are shown in a realistic light, warts and all. There are some predictable turns of plot, but the dialogue works over all and the relationships hold our attention. Perhaps the film is less "successful" because it is a bit too realistic and we are used to being jerked around. It was good to have something that was not over-the-top and manipulative coming from Hollywood, for a change. Billing it a comedy is a misnomer though.
| 7/10 | veenago@ - first review 5.3.2012 - age: 50+ |
Great acting. The pace is slow though! Not so much happens during the movie. It's more like the visualization of a personal transition in the 1st character of the movie. But very well made. It makes you think.
| 7/10 | ngm@ - 6 reviews 3.3.2012 - age: 26-35 |
Slow moving... watched it at home and couldn't sit through the whole thing at once... had to stop and keep coming back to it... I only kept watching because I thought by some miracle the ending would be worth it. Not recommended.
| 4/10 | carina_rsm@ - 15 reviews 2.3.2012 - age: 26-35 |
So not worth it, I'm not crazy about watching someone else dirty mouth, and dirty laundry. So not worth the $$$
| 3/10 | myeddie123@ - 21 reviews 29.2.2012 - age: 50+ |
Common. Not provocative of anything. Grossly over-rated and definitely not Oscar worthy.
| 5/10 | basilpie@ - 10 reviews 29.2.2012 |
Good story but could be so much better with the right director. George Clooney is a poseur and the ending is typical Hollywood feel-good.
| 6/10 | carovu@ - 22 reviews 27.2.2012 - age: 50+ |
Great movie - kept my full attention throughout. Great acting by all, especially George Clooney. It is so refreshing to see a movie without raw sexual content, or continuous frames of violence. Also enjoyed the music interspersed throughout. Tasteful movie, interesting content and good acting.
| 9/10 | lilief@ - first review 25.2.2012 - age: 50+ |
I read the book, and it was much better - more detailed characters. I thought the movie was kind of boring, there was a bit more light comical moments in the book. I only saw it, because I like to see as many nominated movies as I can (have seen 5) - but I would be very surprised if this won best picture. George Clooney was the only good thing about it.
| 6/10 | cden@ - 55 reviews 25.2.2012 |
The Descendants has reasonably well-developed characters, especially the role of the daughter, "Alex". This young actress is an up-and-comer. The story, however, was weak. I was somewhat disappointed in a movie which garnished Oscar nominations.
| 6/10 | dobadforver@ - first review 24.2.2012 - age: 36-49 |
Loved this movie, so reminded me of my younger years. For once it wasn't the typical hollywood family on flim. Really enjoyed the storyline. Filmed in Hawaii and having George Clooney in it doesn't hurt either.
| 9/10 | lauraandbrian@ - first review 24.2.2012 - age: 50+ |
Gorgeous scenery of Hawaii, that's the only good thing I can say about this movie!!! If George Clooney is awarded best actor, I know the Academy Awards are a farce... I think choosing him for this part was a big mistake... the story was good, but he was shallow... sorry. Guess he's too good looking... or something?
| 4/10 | twizzlertime@ - 3 reviews 23.2.2012 - age: 50+ |
[ATTENTION: This review reveals content of the movie.]
Life in Hawaii is paradise, the sun never sets over the deep, explosive colours of the ocean, hills, street or flowers and all that beauty embraces and soothes Matt King's family facing the tragic loss of the mother now in a coma, waiting for them to hurry and pull the plug on her heavy breathing. The girls are fabulous, George Clooney more irresistible than ever... Personal charm and honest effort have always made Clooney's characters attractive, attaching, but less credible, authentic... There is a humanity of the actor, but less of the protagonist, and this makes the movie regretfully just a melodrama, a pretty one to boot. Don't miss it, it's pleasure to the eyes!
| 7/10 | michelle-paris333@ - first review 23.2.2012 - age: 50+ |
George's part is just extraordinary, and the children were amazing. A great story, very emotional and realistic. Would see it again.
| 10/10 | channis@ - first review 21.2.2012 - age: 36-49 |
Good Stuff: Wonderful scenery, great music, the odd nice cameo, George Clooney. Bad News: Depressing, unsympathetic, shallow characters, foul-mouthed kids (always a treat).. I've seen it once, I'll never have to see it again.
| 6/10 | randy_barnhart@ - 31 reviews 20.2.2012 - age: 50+ |
This film relied on good solid acting, a lot of whom were quite unknown or from very different genres. But there are some superb cameos including Beau Bridges. The plot slowly builds as the storyline unfolds and the family has to deal with a lot of unpleasant issues whilst learning how to live together as the wife and mother lies in a coma. I think George Clooney did a wonderfully believable performance and as the workaholic father who was very disconnected from his dysfunctional family and having to become the main caretaker and rally them together whilst unraveling events and mastering his own feelings. There is some comic relief to this fairly sad tale and the ultimate message of the film is one you can never hear to often. It is beautifully interwoven between the generations and their quirks and a little insight to how they all deal with things in their own ways. There is also a concurrent story about his extended family and their plans for the future or a prime piece of Hawaii and how the experiences gained in the story mould his outlook. His perspective is altered some would say for the better. There are no car chases or CGI, just a great cast, a superb story and film that will suck you in if you want it to.
| 9/10 | moo-car@ - 6 reviews 18.2.2012 - age: 36-49 |
I have seen George Clooney work hard in bad movies before this was the worst. I don't know the Academy work it out this was badly directed, badly edited with good cinematography and good music, don't waste your money.
| 2/10 | jetah@ - first review 18.2.2012 - age: 50+ |
George Clooney is amazing in it. So are the other actors! Go freakin see it!
| 10/10 | poopu@ - first review 17.2.2012 - age: 26-35 |
Shallow, unrealistic, poor acting. Clooney is a better director than actor. I had no feelings for any of the characters.
| 3/10 | jazz2467@ - first review 17.2.2012 - age: 50+ |
Layers of emotions! A great performance by George Clooney. It's a story about loss and renewal, about miscommunication and pain. It's also a story about love and appreciation for a new found balance. Although you suspect what's coming, you don't suspect its execution. Brilliant!
| 8/10 | ferling100@ - 47 reviews 15.2.2012 - age: 26-35 |
I thought this was suppose to be a comedy - I have never watched a more depressing movie in my life, especially since my friend who I was with had just went [through] the same scenario with her husband - what a lousy evening!!!
| 2/10 | sandrahussey@ - first review 15.2.2012 - age: 50+ |
George Clooney plays an amazing role in this movie! I know he's going to be nominated for an Academy for his role in this movie and I hope he wins it because he was great in this one. I also have to give huge credit to Alexander Payne he did a beautiful job writing and directing this movie, I hope he wins some awards too.
| 10/10 | lil_shorty_69er@ - 391 reviews 14.2.2012 - age: 18-25 - One reply |
A very emotional movie with some wonderful acting in it. The Hawaiian scenes and music were great. At times it was very sad but overall a really enjoyable picture.
| 9/10 | uniqueblendzzz@ - 9 reviews 13.2.2012 - age: 50+ |
Good acting, good story, fabulous scenery. Gave me the itch to go back to Hawaii and with George Clooney thrown in - hey life would be great!!!
| 9/10 | mew53@ - 24 reviews 12.2.2012 - age: 50+ |
It was darker than the trailer led me to believe and all in all, I was disappointed - which surprised me.
| 7/10 | sandi.home@ - first review 12.2.2012 - age: 50+ |
It was a great movie. Shailen Woodley is a great actress!!!
| 9/10 | lexiepereira@ - first review 11.2.2012 - age: 13-17 |
[ATTENTION: This review reveals content of the movie.]
I agree with many others here: the movie couldn't quite decide if it was a comedy or a drama. And while it definitely had its funny and comic scenes, it definitely is not a comedy overall. Bring Kleenex. Lots of it. The "descendant" side of the story was almost incidental and subtle in how it related to the rest of the story other than superficially. I suspect the book it's based on probably weaves it all together in a clearer way, and in that sense might be one of those stories that loses a lot in the translation from print to screen. That said, I really loved the evolution of the family; how they healed their wounds and came together despite the terrible tragedy they were dealing with (and in many ways because of it.) I discovered that I'm not a big fan of Hawaiian music; I like the idea of it more than the music itself. Do go see this movie to watch a healing process unfold in a family, but don't expect a light, fluffy, fun or primarily funny story.
| 7/10 | scorpio_mystique@ - 64 reviews 11.2.2012 - age: 50+ |
Excellent movie... Not really a comedy, but it does have its funny moments... It gets very "real" at times and manages to walk a fine line between entertainment and moral diatribe... Well acted... Solid plot... I love movies that induce crowd reactions... Sincere laughter and sobbing from the audience at times...
| 9/10 | ms0233@ - first review 11.2.2012 - age: 26-35 |
I am not sure why this movie is considered a comedy. The content, a woman taken off life support and a husband forced into relationships with his neglected daughters funny? I liked the forming of the relationships, but not the sight of a young vibrant woman who couldn't form a relationship with her own children before her death, sad. The setting and scenery, plus being a fan of George Clooney, was worth it for me, but not for my husband. All in all I am glad I saw it. Oh yes, the title was very deceiving as the descendant part played a very small part in the plot of the story.
| 7/10 | secarmichael@ - first review 10.2.2012 - age: 50+ |
Totally awesome, moved me!!! Made me laugh, made me cry... and made me wish to go to Hawaii!
| 9/10 | tstewart@ - first review 10.2.2012 - age: 26-35 |
I like this movie, lots of laughs (I laughed a lot). good story and George, is well, George... nice on the big screen..
| 8/10 | lezah05@ - 24 reviews 9.2.2012 - age: 50+ |
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