George Clooney as 'Matt King' and Shailene Woodley as 'Alexandra' star in THE DESCENDANTS

By Jayam RUTNAM

From Alexander Payne, the creator of the Oscar-winning SIDEWAYS, set in Hawaii, THE DESCENDANTS is sometimes humorous, sometimes tragic journey for Matt King (George Clooney) an indifferent husband and father of two girls, who is forced to re-examine his past and embrace his future when his wife suffers a boating accident off of Waikiki. The event leads to a rapprochement with his young daughters while Matt wrestles with a decision to sell the family's land handed down from Hawaiian royalty and missionaries.

Be prepared to be shocked by Matt King's two daughters who have always been problem children. Their disrespect for their parents is portrayed in stark reality.

It is amazing how they end up showing their love for their parents and changing their outlook on life, when they side with their Dad and go after the man who was having an affair with their mother.

At the Golden Globe Awards, the Descendants won the Best Picture Award with George Clooney being awarded the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor.

The Best Actress Award went to Meryl Streep who played British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in the Iron Lady.

The Descendants is nominated for Best Picture for the Academy Awards and George Clooney is nominated for Best Actor. The Academy Awards will be presented on February 26 at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood.