Rites of passage can be tricky affairs. Aging can bring out all sorts of demons. One man’s pursuit of fortune turns a family on it’s ear in Nebraska. Fresh food for fodder from Paramount Vantage this soul searcher of a movie is now on tap at the Fifth Avenue Cinemas. Hailed by many a critic as one of 2013’s best flicks this smart film from director Alexander Payne weighs in heavily on both aging and greed. Naive in the extreme is Woody Grant.
Veteran actor Bruce Dern leaves no stone unturned as a cantankerous Billings Montana retiree having a tough time living. Married to the uproarious Kate the pair have two grown children. Actress June Squibb stalls this show as the much more saner wife who doesn’t quite buy into her senile husband’s belief that he’s won the lottery. Let the squabbles begin as the old man and one of their well-meaning sons set out to Nebraska to reel in the prize.
Road movies are popular among all ages though most cater to wild escapades. Here it’s a simple joy to see how this misguided pair come to terms with their potential new wealth and how this impacts on relationships both past and present. Cast as son David in a strong performance is Will Forte while Stacy Keach also comes on strong. Shot in black an white this 115 minute affair is bittersweet and a fairly convincing melodrama.
