Saturday, March 8, 2014

Nebraska

We saw the six Academy Award nominated movie, "Nebraska," last night - but it wasn't easy.  Earlier in the week it was playing at only one theater in the Orlando area but they dropped it because, apparently due to being filmed in black and white and being filmed in Nebraska, movie goers complained that they couldn't see it.  Too dark.

So, for the first time ever, I figured out how to order the movie from iTunes.  And it took me only two hours and a call to my computer guru, Ryan, to get it done.

Bruce Dern
The movie is dark.  And depressing.  But sharp and funny.  Dave and I loved this latest film from director Alexander Payne.  By the way Payne was born in Nebraska and lives in Nebraska.

"Nebraska" is a road movie.  Some of the other Payne movies I've loved are:


  • "About Schmidt" - a road movie set in Nebraska
  • "Sideways" - a road movie
  • "Election" - set in Nebraska
  • "Cedar Rapids" - a road movie set in Nebraska
  • "The Descendants" - not a road movie, not set in Nebraska 
Will Forte
June Squibb
"Nebraska" stars 78 year old Bruce Dern.  His wife is played by 84 year old June Squibb.  "Nebraska," Bruce,  June and Alexander were all nominated for Academy Awards.  

The son is played by 43 year old Will Forte.  I think he's nearly perfect in his roll.  This particular road trip is about a crazy old man obsessed with the idea he's won a million dollars but he has to get from his home in Billings Montana to Lincoln Nebraska to claim it.  But, deep down, it's about family.  It's about a son caring for his father even when his father hasn't cared for his son.  

The movie is very funny and raw and real.  Figure out how to order "Nebraska" from iTunes.  Then order the other five Alexander Payne movies I've listed.  You'll like all of them. 


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