The Descendants is a two-pronged story about 1) A lawyer struggling with how to honor his family’s Hawaiian heritage and 2) A man struggling with how to deal with personal difficulties surrounding his wife and two daughters. George Clooney plays that man…

It’s a good story; unique. Matt King is the executor of his family’s estate and they have to collectively decide whether they want to sell the land that’s been in their family for decades and remains the only untouched land on one of the islands. But, Matt has the power to make the final decision.

Simultaneously, Matt’s wife is in a coma from a boating accident AND he finds out from his teenage daughter that she was having an affair. It’s a lot to deal with. I think that’s the draw with this movie. It’s very real. It’s not a feel-good film. The entire movie is about a man having to make a series of tough decisions at the same time.

Clooney did a great job with the role, but, I think he’s getting more credit for the role than the filmmakers are getting for the film. Shailene Woodley plays Clooney’s daughter in the movie and also delivers a great performance. But, the story, the scenery, the details are what should be getting the accolades. And my thought is that if I talked to Clooney about this, he’d say the same thing. No, I don’t talk to Clooney…

It reinforces family tradition and history. It also tests a family’s ability to do the right thing – whatever that may be. This is a time when family values are really important, so, the timing is just right. And it offers enough surprises and drama to be interesting. You get a real sense for the pride of the Hawaiian. I think that’s the beauty of this film.

I’m a Clooney fan; I’m on the Clooney train, but, I wonder if the awards aren’t partly because we’re all on the Clooney train. This film deserves to stand on its own and receive it’s due, but, I’m not sure it does. It has all the elements to be an Oscar contender – strong performances and a quality story, but, it’s got some really strong competition.

And I don’t think we’re done seeing the competition. We’ve got another couple of months before awards season begins and I’m just not convinced this is the one. I think this was a good movie, but, I’ve seen at least one other by which I feel more compelled and I hope something else comes along that pushes me even further on the impression spectrum.

Sorry George, don’t be offended. I am still on the Clooney train…