Midnight in Paris (2011)

A typically oddball Woody Allen movie, Midnight in Paris is a fantasy-romance that follows Gil, a Hollywood writer, and his fiancee, Inez, when they travel to Paris. Gil quickly falls in love with the city and wants to live there while Inez is largely immune to its charms. On a midnight stroll, he is transported to 1920s Paris and meets classic writers of the 'Lost Generation' such as Hemingway and Fitzgerald. Inez, ever the realist, dismisses these fantasies and the couple learn that they are more different than they thought. While the scenery and notion are charming, the music and name-dropping comes across as stuffy and largely unenlightening. Owen Wilson is tolerable in a more serious role than usual while Rachel McAdams is left with little to work with in her two-dimensional character. In the end it's only worth one watch - unless you're a francophile.

6.5/10

The Descendants (2011)

A somewhat dying breed, The Descendants is a pure drama about a hands-off father who is forced to step up as a solo parent after his wife is injured in a boating accident. Set in Hawaii, it takes an interesting look at the beauty and eccentricities of the island state and gives insight into Hawaiian lifestyle from a top-down perspective. Accompanied by endearing ukelele singer-songwriter tunes that reminded me of Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, this is easily one of the more down-to-earth and accessible George Clooney films. However, the film has no real direction and lacks critical plot points to keep you wanting more. A lazy sunday kind of film that doesn't upset the waters and deserves a watch or two. 

7/10