Muddling through life

I watched The Descendants, starring George Clooney in an uncharacteristically "uncool" role, as a struggling father and husband.
I enjoyed it but do find myself uncomfortable being a "voyeur" watching other people's pain and family problems, particularly when they are believable.

Unlike most Hollywood movies, it portrayed marriage, family, and fidelity in a positive light. At end I thought there was a strong message about the need for forgiveness.

An interesting review by Roger Ebert highlights the connections between the development of Clooney's character as a father and a custodian of the land.