If you only like action-packed movies, skip this one. But if you want something more thought-provoking and visually beautiful, do yourself a favor and see this on a big screen. Colony isn't the only actor putting in the performance of his career here, either.

This rises above the usual Hollywood holiday fare. It drips authenticity, and handles the difficult subject of a dying family member in a deft and realistic way. Honest performances from Clooney and his two onscreen kids, sensitive and surefooted direction from Alexander Payne and a mature appreciation of the ways in which the impending death of a wife and mother change those around her "The Descendants" one of 2011's finest films. This is not to say there are not moments of laughter, joy and sheer entertainment. Beer is drunk, punches are thrown, curse words abound. And of course, tears are shed, onscreen and in the audience. I recommend it wholeheartedly.

To me, the movie was excruciatingly slow. That being said, the acting was fine, there were a few funny/poignant moments and having Hawaii as a backdrop - gorgeous. My BF did enjoy it a lot more and the woman next to me was in tears - hopefully she was moved by the movie and not the thought that she just wasted all this time at the movie. You'll have to see and judge for yourself.

It was one of the best movie I saw this year. The subject matter was sad, but it had so many funny humorous parts in it that I laughed so hard. George Clooney was spectacular in this role, he was very classy, funny, compassionate and a great father. The father-in-law was a bit of a jack ass. The daughter did a fabulous job of being a rebellious teenager. Overall, we all loved it.

I was never a great fan of George Clooney, but here he gives an Oscar caliber performance potraying a man whose wife is lying in a coma, due to a motor boat accident. The King family lives in Hawaii and the setting and photography are both beautiful and breath-taking. The movie is a real "tear-jerker" and I must admit I shed quite a few tears during the couse of the film. What makes it so very real are the performances and the director and screenplay. You feel as if you're going through all this sturm und drang with good friends or maybe even members of your own family. There are many levels to this film, too numerous to mention in this review. But within the course of the two hour running time, there is something for all members of all ages of the audience to identify with. The supporting cast is exemplary, with special mention to the young actresses who portray Clooney's daughters, Robert Forster as his father-in-law and Judy Greer in a rare dramatic role. **** 4 out of five stars