Review of Nebraska (2013) by Tommy 'See The Treasure' S — 15 Mar 2014

So I think Nebraska is the funniest movie of 2013, edging out worthy contenders such as Wolf of Wall Street and The World's End. Directed by Alexander Payne and written by Bob Nelson, It's a very simple story but is so charming and well-written that it's hard not to love. Although it's been billed by some as a very 'dark' comedy, it's actually a pretty light-hearted fable on father-son relationships and small-town greed and gossip. True, it is a little sad and but it's also consistently funny throughout. It also manages to achieve moments of poignant sweetness, without ever swerving into the territory of mawkish sentimentality.

In a great performance, for which he was rightfully nominated for an Oscar, Bruce Dern plays Woody Grant, a curmudgeonly yet naïve old drunk who has, by years of alcoholism, sullied his relationship with his two sons and his eccentric wife. Woody thinks he's hit the jackpot when he receives a blatant scam letter telling him he's won a $1 million prize. Despite the reasonable arguments of his family, Woody remains stubborn in his conviction that he has in fact won the money. Eventually, his youngest son, David(Will Forte) who is somewhat disillusioned with his own life, agrees to take his father to Lincoln where he must collect his ''winnings.'' Thus, an eccentric, existential and frequently hilarious journey begins. Things take an interesting turn as the pair make a stop at Hawthorne, Nebraska, (where Woody grew up) and the news spreads of Woody's recent fortune. Meanwhile, David sees the opportunity to learn about his fathers past and to mend their distant relationship.

The movie is shot in brilliant black and white, representing a sort of post-recession gloom that is ever-present. In it's comical portrayal of human greed and small-town gossip, the movie is spot-on. Everyone in Nebraska has a friendly smile for Woody and congratulates him on his imaginary winnings, but it isn't long before they start pestering him for hand-outs. Stacy Keach gives a good performance as a snakey local claiming that Woody owes him money from years previous. The comedy in the movie is derived from a sheer truth and sharp observation that Alexander Payne's movies are known for. For example,when David asks his father why he ever decided to have children in the first place, he earns a prompt reply:

'Cause I liked to screw and your mother's a catholic. You figure it out.'.

The performances are solid throughout. Will Forte is good as a kind son who remains loyal to his stubborn and often very unlikeable father. June Squibb gives a hilarious performance as Woody's badgering, emasculating wife and she has some really great one-liners herself. The star of the show is of course Bruce Dern, who makes us sympathize with a character who's not always very easy to sympathize with.