Preview: The Descendants (2011)

Synopsis:

With his wife in the hospital, a father must confront his children not only about her condition about their behavior in her absence.

• Poster: C

Review:

George Clooney's films have a lackluster history of providing solid wall-based advertisements, so it comes as little surprise that this one seems a bit too minimalist for its own good.

• Trailer: B; B-

Review:

Clooney's performance doesn't look up to his prior and there are quite a few less-than-stellar moments in this trailer, but if anyone can elevate the material, it is he.

Playing up the comic aspects of the film more than the previous trailer, the film has some of the characteristic Alexander Payne flourishes, but doesn't really give us an idea of how emotionally involving the film will be, something that has been proven through screenings at various festivals.

Oscar Prospects:

Alexander Payne has a solid history with the Academy so, if nothing else, a writing nomination should be assured, but whether Sideways was a one-off event or not remains to be seen. Clooney should always be considered a contender.

Release Date:

• December 16, 2011

Full Review Synopsis:

I have not seen this film.

-Wesley Lovell (May 29, 2011) Original

-Wesley Lovell (October 23, 2011) New Trailer