Matt King (George Clooney) is suddenly dad to two girls when his wife has a tragic accident which renders her helpless in a hospital bed.  So much so that the family have to consider pulling the plug, as she is beyond help.

Matt, a very successful estate agent, has previously been a little wrapped up in business and, consequently, his relationship with his daughters has suffered.  As we watch him trying to build bridges with them, and also finding out en route that his wife had been having an affair with a rival estate agent, his world is turned upside down.  Not only that, he’s about to sign off an island beauty spot to commercial use; a parcel of land that he owns with his cousins.  The thing is, will he do it or not?

This very human drama reveals Clooney’s greatness as an actor.  As he grapples with all the issues he faces, we see the real face of a man in turmoil.  A beautiful performance and more than likely an Oscar winner.

The other great star is Hawaii where the film is set.  Having been there myself, it reminded me of a wonderful time, spent in paradise.

Director, Alexander Payne, has a knack for capturing family situations on film, especially those with a middle aged man at the centre, and this piece successfully continues the theme.