LRA writes: "From the director of Sideways",...that is how they are selling this movie. Who are they advertising this to? I know it isn't the general public since most if not all common moviegoers could care less who made Sideways or even recall what movie that is. This movie is tailor made for critics and award show voters plain and simple. Have you ever heard the term 'Oscar Bait' before? That is what this movie is. It has all the pieces needed to stand out to those select few who decide what the best film of the year is. I find myself highly conflicted and unusually annoyed by The Descendants. It is a well made, well acted and generally a well meaning movie that in actuality does absolutely nothing wrong other than doing everything needed to win awards. I do have a few issues with the film but nothing damning enough for me to condemn it. Be prepared because for once I have no idea where this review will go.
ScreenDemon.com: "The cover of The Descendants proudly boasts that the film received ”3 BAFTA Nominations, 5 Oscar Nominations & Winner of Best Adapted Screenplay and the winner of 2 Golden Globes”. So, no pressure then. As with any film that has received such rapturous acclaim from film award bodies, I always edge on the side of caution. After all, while undoubtedly still seen in high regard, lest us not forget that Forrest Gump once beat off Pulp Fiction and The Shawshank Redemption to best film at the 1994 Oscars..."
Jeremy of We Got This Covered wrote, "Director Alexander Payne returns to cinema after a 7 year hiatus with The Descendants; a touching drama starring veteran George Clooney and newcomer Shailene Woodley. The Descendants is an effective family drama that isn’t afraid to shed humor on some of the worst situations life hands to us. It’s a sad and depressing film that hangs onto its central characters long enough to find joy and happiness in the simple things in life such as family and close friends. It’s trademark Payne filmmaking and it makes for one of 2011′s best."
Movies Hate You Too writes:
Another big week for Blu-ray with several Academy Award nominated films, three 3D movies, and a slew of catalog titles are being released including one of the most controversial films of all time being released via Criterion.
definitely will purchase blueray of the adventures of tintin. i dont know why this movie got snubbed in the academy for best animated movie? it was clearly the best.
C+? I guess it's no Sideways.
nice review,, even if it only gets a C+ i'll try to rent this one someday