From the director of Sideways, comes a film about tragedy and isolation set on the beautiful island of Hawaii.
George Clooney plays a wealthy man called Matt, whose extended family own large amounts of land on Hawaii. Due to a clause, he must break up and sell this land within seven years, which will inevitably make his relatives extremely wealthy. Matt’s wife is in the hospital after a serious Jet Ski accident, where she lies in a coma, leaving him with his two daughters whom he feels disconnected from.
In true Alexander Payne style, the film takes a moving and sad approach to telling this tale, giving Clooney’s character a barrage of self-discovery as well as personal revelation, in which he explores the depressing nature of his life. This being said, the Payne style also does this in a remarkably engaging and compelling way, offering pathos and sympathy alongside large amounts of comedy. And while the story may be sad, there are moments where human kindness and affection enter, giving glimpses of humanity which save the film from being a depress-fest.
The film’s themes of heritage, isolation and family are well chosen, and grapple together well. Clooney’s performance is faultless, playing this serious/concerned land baron, who just wants to find out about his wife’s antics prior to the accident.
Not as good as Sideways, but worth a watch if you like black comedies, George Clooney, and spectacular tropical landscapes.
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