DVD Review: Nebraska

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I hear Nebraska's nice..

Woody (Bruce Dern) is an elderly man from Billings, MT who received a letter in the mail saying he won $1,000,000. It's an obvious scam, as his son David (Will Forte) points out. But Woody is determined to go to Nebraska to claim his price. After several attempts of walking there himself, David finally agrees to drive him, much to the disdain of his mother, Kate. (June Squibb)

Despite enjoying Alexander Payne's work, Nebraska wasn't something that caught my interest early on, but I'm happy to say that it was a very enjoyable film. I normally don't care for modern black and white movies. Yes, there are a few gems here and there, but when budget allows you to shoot in color and you shoot in black and white, you risk coming off as a hipster for lack of a better word. I think the reason it worked so well for me was because I'm from the Mid West. I'm used to seeing the rolling flat plains, they're boring as hell, but Payne shooting in black and white actually made them look more beautiful. I didn't think that was possible.

Dern and Squibb both got Oscar nominations for their roles, they were definitely deserved. Squibb makes the most of her small amount of screen time while Dern carries the film. I remember reading an interview with Will Forte where he said he felt out of his league acting along side the likes of Dern and Squibb. There was honestly only one scene towards the end where I think he looked overwhelmed. Otherwise, I thought Forte was a nice addition. It's great to see him do something a little more serious. Plus, this movie includes Stacey Keach getting punched in the face, and that NEVER gets old.

Recommended: Yes

Grade: B+

Memorable Quote: "I just wanted to leave you boys something." - Woody (Bruce Dern)

Comments

  1. DanApril 10, 2014 at 9:24 AM

    I have a real soft spot for road movies and have loved everything Alexander Payne has done since Sideways was Nebraska was always going to be a winner with me. Glad you enjoyed it too (yes, I wasn't overly thrilled about the use of black and white to begin with either).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamApril 10, 2014 at 2:00 PM

      Thank you! I get laughed at for not liking black and white half the time.

      Delete
  2. AnonymousApril 10, 2014 at 9:40 AM

    I just have so little interest in seeing this. I don't know why. Everything about it seems so bland and boring, even though so many have raved it.

    I feel I must see this, even though I don't know if I actually will.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamApril 10, 2014 at 1:59 PM

      I had zero interest in it as well, don't worry. I only saw it because it was a Best Picture nominee. It was worth it though.

      Delete
  3. thevoid99April 10, 2014 at 7:31 PM

    That scene of Stacy Keach getting punched in the face is the 2nd best moment of the film for me. That guy got what he deserved.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamApril 11, 2014 at 6:35 AM

      I saw a very long thread on IMDb where people were complaining that was out of character for David to do that. I'm like "Dude..just enjoy the fact that Keach got punched in the face." It was absolutely warranted in my opinion.

      Delete
    2. thevoid99April 12, 2014 at 6:16 PM

      Out of character? I disagree. He realized that his dad has been disrespected and his family has been disrespected so he finally grew some balls and whacked the son of a bitch.

      Delete
  4. m.brownApril 10, 2014 at 11:52 PM

    I liked this one. I can see that it's not everybody's cup of tea, but it was charming enough. And shit...if you can't enjoy Squibb...you's a cold mofo.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamApril 11, 2014 at 6:36 AM

      Squibb was great, I loved that she had no fliter.

      Delete
  5. JoshApril 16, 2014 at 7:53 PM

    I liked the film, though I don't see what was so great about Squibb, apart from a couple of funny lines. She gave a good performance, but I didn't see anything Oscar-worthy in it. :/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamApril 16, 2014 at 8:20 PM

      I think the academy has a thing for pissed off old ladies.

      Delete

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