The Descendants (2011) ***1/2 [Payne Train Pt. 5]

While it has a relatable sense of realism, a tangible feeling of loss, and a smattering of funny moments, The Descendants (2011) is my least favorite Alexander Payne film so far. I said the same thing regarding About Schmidt (2002) (review), which is telling, as that film also dealt with the death of a wife and is more dramatic than overtly comedic. The writing is well done but the filmmaking of The Descendants is rather unremarkable (outside of presenting Hawaiʻi as place of ordinary life rather than solely a vacation paradise). I do think this a really well made film; I just prefer the more satirical and laugh-inducing Payne material, such as Election (1999) (review), Sideways (2004) (review), and Citizen Ruth (1996) (review).

Alexander Payne Feature Films Ranked