[Movie Review] Nebraska (2013)

Posted on November 25, 2013 by thegrandshuckett in Movie Reviews // 0 Comments

Plot Summary: An aging, booze-addled father makes the trip from Montana to Nebraska with his estranged son in order to claim a million dollar Mega Sweepstakes Marketing prize.

Director: Alexander Payne

Writer: Bob Nelson

Runtime: 115 min

Main Cast:

Bruce Dern as Woody Grant
Will Forte as David Grant
June Squibb as Kate Grant
Bob Odenkirk as Ross Grant

Review: by Anthony and Lee

Neither of us knew anything about Nebraska going into it, so we were completely blank slates -- no expectations.

What We Liked:

The writing was really good, especially in the case of the elderly people in the movie. They spoke and interacted with one another like we’d imagine most elderly people would. It was particularly noticeable in June Squibb’s character, Kate Grant, who delivered her one liners with perfection and was comedic gold in almost every scene.

Not only were the dialogues believable, but the portrayal of greed was highly accurate. As soon as people think someone else has money, family and friends go to any length to conjure up reasons why they’re entitled to it.

The best thing about the movie, however, was watching Will Forte’s character, David Grant, care for his father, helping him into and out of chairs, holding his arm while they walked down the street or stairs. There were several small gestures like that throughout the film, and it was very nice to see how he chose to be there for his father, to worry about him and care for him. That type of thing isn’t seen often enough these days.

What We Didn’t Like:

The movie was very slow moving, especially in the beginning. Once the plot picks up, it doesn’t seem to drag as much, except in the long driving scenes without conversation. It was a part of the film, though, seeming to convey how bleak things were and the realism of interacting with people who rarely speak.

Continuing in the vein of dreariness, the movie was completely in black and white.