The Descendants Review - 4 Stars

“The Descendants” tells the story of a family crisis with humor and humanity and never does what you expect.  It also features one of George Clooney’s best performances.  Clooney plays a hapless father trying to pull his family together when his wife has a boating accident that puts her into a coma.  Early in the story Clooney’s teenage daughter spills the beans:  the wife was having an affair and planning to leave him. Not long after doctors tell Clooney she won’t improve and by her directive must be taken off life support.  Now he must prepare his daughters for their mother’s death and try to solve the mystery of her affair and why the marriage unraveled.  Alexander Payne directed and adapted this story with the same flair that made “Sideways” so enjoyable.  “The Descendants” has a wonderful script which seems to bring the best out of its cast.  Clooney captures our attention and holds it.  “The Descendants” never turns sentimental or ordinary.  I think its an Oscar contender and one of the best films I’ve seen this year.  Does it deliver what it promises?  Surprising family comedy drama.  Is it entertaining?  Never ordinary.  Is it worth the price of admission?  Definitely.