What else would I see while in Nebraska except Alexander Payne's Nebraska?

 I traveled to Nebraska a few weeks ago to visit my daughter, Tawni and my dear friend Scotty.  Of course I wanted to catch an Oscar Buzz while in town, so Scotty did his homework.  He suggested we see a movie at a wonderful theater in downtown Omaha called Film Stream.  If you haven't checked it out - I highly recommend you do - it is fantastic.  

What movie did Scotty find?  Alexander Payne's "Nebraska."  Can I get a Hell Ya!!  Why do you think I love him so much?  He has EXCELLENT taste!  

 

"NEBRASKA" is a father and son road trip, from Billings, Montana to Lincoln, Nebraska that gets waylaid at a small town in central Nebraska, where the father grew up and has scores to settle. Told with deadpan humor and a unique visual style, it's ultimately the story of a son trying to get through to a father he doesn't understand.  

Written by Anonymous

Rated R - 115 minutes

 Click to watch the Official Trailer for Nebraska

All three of us really enjoyed this movie.  Tawni's grandparents are from the Plainview area, so she was very familiar with the backdrop.  Scott and I are lifelong Midwesterners, so the movie really resonated with us both.  Every detail about Midwest life was perfectly portrayed. 

 Alexander Payne is quickly becoming one of my favorite directors.  He is brilliant at showing us life in the most simplistic of ways.  The black and white style made the film seem even more intimate.

Bruce Dern's performance is Oscar worthy for sure. I heard rumors early on that Jack Nicholson had been considered for this role.  I am glad it went to Dern.  He NAILED IT.  

June Squibb (playing opposite Dern as his crabby-ass wife, Kate) was also amazing in this movie.  She delivered her lines spot on - like a true Midwestern housewife.  She was the one who made as laugh:

Kate Grant: That's Ed Pegram singing.

[to Woody]

Kate Grant: Did you know that he was always trying to get in my bloomers?

David Grant: Jesus Mom! Was the whole town trying to seduce you?

Kate Grant: These boys grow up staring at the rear ends of cows and pigs, it's only natural that a real woman will get them chafing their pants.

Woody and Kate "Nebraska"

But she also taught us about unconditional love; always quick  to defend Woody when every else seems against him:

 

Kate with son Grant, and  Nephews Bart & Cole

There are many couples in the Midwest with the kind of love-hate relationship we see between Woody and Kate - but rarely do we get such an intimate look at the glue that holds them together.

At the end of the day, the movie really belongs to Bruce Dern's portrayal of Woody.  We are lucky enough to travel this journey with him,  never sure if he is really naive enough to think  he has won the million or if he is just becoming confused in his old age.

The final scene  (no Spoiler Alert here) allows Woody his own kind of redemption - while it may seem a small victory to the rest of us.  Whether or not you are from the Midwest is irrelevant.  Nebraska is writing and directing at its best.  It is a masterpiece from Alexander Payne, and a movie you don't want to miss.

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A couple of photos from our fun Omaha weekend:

 

Enjoying a yummy breakfast with Tawni at Wheatfields - Omaha

 

Me and Scotty at Jazz - talking about Nebraska - photo courtesy of Miss Tawni

We welcomed a new puppy to our lives last week.  

Meet Silas Andy Erdman - he "helped" me write this review.