Skip to main content

Dome Pondering Movie Review: The Descendants (2011)

What it is it about? 

Matt King, a trustee who holds the fate of vital land in Hawaii, attempts to re-connect with his daughters and make sense of the last few years of his life after his wife is seriously injured in a boating accident. 

Who is in it? 

George Clooney - Matt King

Shailene Woodley - Alexandra King

Amara Miller - Scottie King

Favorite Scene: 

On their first visit to Elizabeth's parents to break the news of her impending death, Sid's personality and antics rubs the family the wrong way and eventually results in him being punched in the face. 

Favorite Quote: 

Matt King: I don't want my daughters growing up entitled and spoiled. And I agree with my father - you give your children enough money to do something but not enough to do nothing. 
---

Matt King: ...Do you get hit a lot? 
Sid: I don't know, I've had my share. 
Matt King: [to Alex] Your friend is retarded, you know that? 
Sid: Hey I've got a brother who's retarded! You don't have to get all derogatory. 

Review: 

All of the critics and reviews already out there are completely correct about this film. The Descendants is an absolutely terrific movie. Just out right fantastic. George Clooney is amazing as always, and really delivered his best work since Up in The Air in 2009. Shailene Woodley and Amara Miller were just as good in their supporting roles as well. However, Clooney, in his role as Matt King really hooks the viewer in with a transparent sense of the character's situation at hand, but also causes you to feel the mixed array of emotions he is in. 

And honestly, Nick Krause deserves at least a mention as the memorable Sid. You will get a kick out this character!

What really makes The Descendants a must-see film is it's ability of pacing and storytelling. The film does a great job of slowly giving you more and more to the point where you understand and feel what this transforming family of three is going through as they not only cope with the situation of a dying mother and wife, but becoming re-connected after this situation. 

The Descendants is the ultimate self-recovery story, and one that is highly enjoyable with moments of laughter, sadness, and intrigue all rolled into a great movie. 

Check this one out, for sure. 

Grade: 4/5

Recently Read

Dome Pondering Move Review: Say You Will (2017)

What is it about? A recent high school graduate cares for his mother while attempting to navigate his first relationship following his father's suicide.  Who is in it? Travis Tope - Sam Nimitz Katherine Hughes - Ellie Vaughn Favorite Scene: [spoiler alert] Sam plays his song for his mom. Favorite Quote: Ellie: "I wish we could have met down the road, maybe when we were like 27." Sam: "I think we needed each other now." Review:  Say You Will was an absolutely pleasant surprise of a watch from the Amazon Prime offerings.  I wasn't exactly sure what to expect with this one, but after the credits rolled, it was a movie that provided authentic characters and a great lesson on life. We don't always have to have everything figured out, and it's okay if you don't.  What makes Say You Will so beautiful is that all of the characters are carrying some inner struggle that connects them in the moment and time that helps them through whatever it is. The unlike...

Dome Pondering Movie Review: Friends With Kids (2011)

What is it about?  Two friends decide to have a child together without all of the strings attached of romantic emotion to avoid the changes that children can have on a relationship.  Who is in it?  Jennifer Westfeldt - Julie Keller Adam Scott - Jason Fryman

Trying to Stay Mellow on Melo and his "Brand"

(Courtesy: NYTimes/Richard Perry) Alright, fire up the rant machine after this one folks.  "What's understood doesn't need to be spoken upon" #DestiNY #TheFutureIsNow — Carmelo Anthony (@carmeloanthony) June 26, 2015 Carmelo Anthony really hasn't been winning any points with me lately. None. I've been indifferent on him even as the years have gone on and the Knicks fanbase continues to split on supporting him. Lately, I've been creeping over to the negative side. For me, a big deciding factor was when he decided to play in the Knicks game in London and in the meaningless All-Star Game to continue "building his brand", and thus delaying his needed knee surgery to the point of affecting his return for this upcoming 15-16 season.