Nebraska: Movie Review

Director Alexander Payne (Sideways, The Descendants) delivers his finest film to date with “Nebraska”, but the truly special aspect of this outstanding piece of work, is that veteran actor Bruce Dern finally gets a chance to shine in a starring role after a fifty year career in front of the camera.  He was nominated for an Academy Award for a supporting role in “Coming Home” back in ’78, but “Nebraska” is the role the actor will be remembered for.

When the alcoholic Woody Grant (Bruce Dern), who is slowly losing his mind believes he won a million dollars, he begins to try and walk to Nebraska from Montana to claim his prize.   Every time he is brought back home from by the police, he heads right back out again.  Even though Woody’s wife Kate (June Squibb) and his son Ross (Bob Odenkirk) are against it, Ross’s brother David (Will Forte) decides to take Woody to Nebraska, just to get him to stop trying to walk there and finally shut up about the million dollars. 

Forte is actually quite good here in a dramatic role which is something new for the comedic actor, but it is Dern and Squibb who steal the film.  The best moments in “Nebraska” happen when Kate joins up with her husband and sons halfway through the trip during a family reunion of sorts.   Squibb is downright hilarious with some of the things that come out of her mouth.  Wait until you see her at a cemetery, paying her respects to an ex-boyfriend. You will lose it.   Dern’s performance is remarkable. If you have ever had a loved one suffer from alzheimer’s, then you know what a rough time it is for everyone involved.  Payne does a great job keeping things pretty upbeat despite the subject matter.  Shooting “Nebraska” in black & white is another element that works here as well.

“Nebraska” isn’t perfect though.  As good as it is, there are some pacing issues.  Aside from that, this is a trip you shouldn’t pass up on.

By: Marc Ferman