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Here's a look at the new movies I saw this week!

The Descendants

Starring: George Clooney, Shailene Woodley. Amara Miller, Matthew Lillard, Beau Bridges, Nick Krause, Robert Forester, and Judy Greer

Synopsis: Any discussion of the best actor working today comes up with a short list of the usual suspects. There’s Tom Hanks, a perennial favorite, and veterans like Jeff Bridges, Denzel Washington and Al Pacino. Some may even take a younger route and go with stars like Will Smith, Matt Damon, Johnny Depp, or Ryan Gosling. Then there’s George Clooney. He may not be the first actor that leaps to mind in a discussion of the best working actor today. In fact, he’s arguably better known as a sex symbol and philanthropist. But watching his body of work in recent years, one can’t help but be impressed by his range and proficiency. Clooney deftly moves between comedy and drama, demonstrating range and depth of emotion in his characters. Two years ago I thought he offered the best performance with his work in “Up In The Air.” In that film, he offered a beautiful blend of light, sweet, and emotional moments. Clooney brings that same effort to his latest film, “The Descendants,” a beautiful, moving, and charming drama about a man trying to come to grips with a tragedy. Nothing is ever easy in Alexander Payne films, but the journey through forgiveness, grief, anger, and sadness is often beautiful to watch. Payne is best known for his work on the Academy Award nominated film “Sideways,” which was released in 2004 and was the last feature film Payne directed prior to “The Descendants.” Payne also offered a beautiful film that covers some similar themes in 2002’s “About Schmidt.” Payne, who worked on the screenplay with Nat Faxon and Jim Rash, has a good feel for telling these types of stories. The beautiful beats between comedic moments and poignant moments are expertly crafted and add to the overall impact of the story. Of course, the film is boosted by some great performances, chief among them Clooney. There has been talk about Clooney earning another Academy Award nomination as Best Actor, and it’s all well deserved. There are few actors that are as gifted in terms of comic timing as Clooney, skills he puts on display here, but it’s a handful of deeply emotional scenes where he shows his talent and range. And, unlike most of the roles he takes, this isn’t a polished character. Stripped of all the trappings of a polished, professional look, Clooney lays his talent bare on the screen and really drives the beauty of the storytelling home. Clooney has some fine actors to play off of as well. Woodley, best known for her work in the lead role on the teen drama “The Secret Life of the American Teenager,” does some great work as Alex. She is also able to mix comedy and drama, adding depth to her character and the story. Several other actors add to the feel of the film too. Matthew Lillard, Judy Greer, Robert Forester, and Beau Bridges all do a nice job in supporting parts. Additionally, Nick Krause, who plays Alex’s friend, does a nice adding some humor and drama to the film as well. “The Descendants” is a complex story about family. It deals with tragedy, loss, anger, betrayal, and, most importantly, forgiveness. It’s a beautiful mix of humor and drama, with warm, rich performances and great storytelling. “The Descendants” may be Payne’s best film yet, and one that is certainly worthy of many accolades this awards’ season.

Rating:R for language including some sexual references. Enter with caution.

Verdict: Four stars out of four.

The Sitter

Starring: Jonah Hill, Method Man, Ari Graynor, Max Records, Landry Bender, Kevin Hernandez, JB Smoove, and Sam Rockwell

Synopsis: If "The Descendants" was a wonderful cinematic treat, this is the lump of coal. Anyone who saw the trailer probably acknowledged that the movie wouldn't be great. The movie actually underwhelms... Jonah Hill can be funny and can be a good performer. Look, he got a Golden Globe nomination for his work in "Moneyball." But this film just feels like a fail in so many ways. It's a very self-satisfied effort from Hill and director David Gordon Green, who almost seemed to be trying to see how far they could push the story and still have people watch. The "bonding" between Hill's character and the three kids seems a bit forced and not really earned. There are a few funny sequences, but for the most part the film seems wildly inappropriate. From the very opening sequence, which basically tells you all you need to know about the characters and where the film is going. And it stays that way the whole way through. This film is, at times, painful to watch, and it's only 80 minutes. It's not good, it's not funny, and it's not really worth you time to see. That's about all I can say for this film.

Rating: R for crude and sexual content, pervasive language, drug material and some violence. Enter with caution.

Verdict: One star out of four.

Upcoming Releases:

Dec. 16 — "Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows," "Carnage," "Alvin & The Chipmunks: Chipwrecked"

Dec. 21 — "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo," "Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol," "Tintin"

Dec. 25 — "War Horse," "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close," "The Darkest Hour," "We Bought A Zoo"