Review of Nebraska (2013) by Spencer S — 05 Oct 2014

This is the most brutal, maudlin, pathetic film to come from the House of Payne since "About Schmidt" and this has the same mood and somewhat the same premise. The film follows an elderly man (Dern) who believes he has won a million dollars, and travels all over Nebraska with his son, and later his family, trying to collect it.

The ending is one of the most empathetic, tearjerker moments in recent film history. Payne builds up this decrepit old man throughout the film, showing that he is lost, self-destructive, and giving, but that no one gives him credit.

His son realizes the true history of his family, and how he has treated his father thus far. That is a clearly life changing revelation, and Payne handles this transformation with aplomb. Forte's performance is also very nuanced and sincere in its sentimentality.

Odenkirk is great as well, as the concerned older brother who has his own view of the world. June Squibb reminds me of every older woman I have ever met, and yet she's so original in her lewdness and likeability.

This is a very deliberate and complex story that revolves around amazing characters played by thoughtful actors.