ViewGuide

Created Dec 17, 2011 11:34AM PST • Edited Dec 17, 2011 11:37AM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   Very Good 3.5

   Descendants was a bit of a pleasant surprise. Not knowing what to expect, I went in blind and was rewarded with a heart-touching tale of family. And although it was set in Idyllic Hawaii, it was remarkably easy to identify with: loss of a loved one, infidelity, troubled teens, and politics with an extended family. Despite what would normally be identified with intense drama, this movie infuses humor by taking a lighter-side view of events. There is after all, humor in everything, and this film’s ability to take that blend of drama and humor, above-par acting, and a great back-story to result in a tale that keeps your interest until the end.

4. Acting

   Great 4.0

   Clooney is Clooney. It’s all about the formation of a tale that suits his acting style – and this was a perfect fit. Notables like Beau Bridges, Laird Hamilton, Robert Foster, Patricia Hastie, and Mattew Lillard all put in a great showing in their supporting roles. Newcomer Nick Krause was a natural as the slightly doofish friend, and Shailene Woodley does a great job as the first rebellious, then apparently supportive daughter.

5. Male Stars Great 4.0

6. Female Stars Great 4.0

7. Female Costars Great 4.0

8. Male Costars Great 4.0

10. Film

    Very Good 3.5

    Great back-story with the Hawaiian old-family lineage thing, splendid scenery, great blend of drama and humor – and top notch acting. What more could you ask for?

11. Direction Very Good 3.5

12. Play Very Good 3.5

13. Music Very Good 3.5

14. Visuals Very Good 3.5
15. Content

16. Edge

    Tame 1.3

17. Sex Innocent 1.3

18. Violence Gentle 1.3

19. Rudeness Polite 1.3

21. Reality

    Natural 1.0

22. Circumstantial Natural 1.0

23. Biological Natural 1.0

24. Physical Natural 1.0