I have a complicated relationship with Alexander Payne’s movies. Sometimes his misanthropy is suffocating, as in About Schmidt and his contribution to Paris, Je T’Aime; sometimes it’s hysterical, as in Citizen Ruth and Election. And sometimes it gives way to something deeper and more compassionate.

We saw that happen in Sideways, and again in The Descendants, which I’ll be introducing at Harbourfront tonight at 8:45pm. (Note the early start time.) It’s free!

Here’s my NOW review, if you need a refresher. It’s a really great movie, and George Clooney and Shailene Woodley are terrific in it … but Judy Greer is spectacular.