NEBRASKA (Cannes Film Festival Cannes France 2013)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.5|5.0 Stars ììì

Nebraska—one of the best 2013 films for authenticity and fresh storyline—provides unique mixtures of comedy and compassion as history and long unresolved conflicts between friends, relatives, and business partners are re-opened. The film is a terrific black and white celebration of the comedic elements that make up the structure and patchwork of life as it is lived in rural, small town America. Bruce Dern lends his amazing acting talent for the part of the aging Woody Grant which part is beautifully complimented by Will Forte as son David Grant, June Squibb as nagging wife Kate Grant, and Bob Odenkirk as son Ross Grant. This is not a family film as sexual references and language place this film into the mature adult category.

Movie Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Two sons endeavor to help their aging father, who believes he has won a million dollar sweepstakes from a scam award letter, reconcile his belief with the reality. 

Additional Thanks

Good Work for Director Alexander Payne. Thank you to Executive Producers Doug Mankoff, Neil Tabatznik, Julie M. Thompson, and George Parra for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Ed Pegram (Stacy Keach), Uncle Ray (Rance Howard), Bart Grant (Tim Driscoll), Aunt Martha (Mary Louise Wilson), Peg Nagy (Angela McEwan), Cole Grant (Devin Ratray), and Aunt Betty (Glendora Stitt).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The script is skillfully written with well-seasoned, flavorful dialogue.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers