Tags
Awards, Black and White, Brilliant, Bruce Dern, Family, Films, Five Stars, Funny, Good, Great, June Squibb, Movies, Nebraska, Nominations, Nominees, Oscars, Sad, Will Forte
Going to see the matinée on Monday seems to be becoming my thing. I may have to rename my Mondays (and this category) to Matinée Monday. I kind of like that. I’ll consider it.
Anyway, today’s movie: Nebraska. That black and white film with a bunch of old people and that funny guy. I’m not the one describing it that way, other people are. I think that may also become a thing of mine; telling you all how movies have been badly summarized by people I know that don’t love good movies.
I would usually start by telling you what the film was about and who was in it and all of that good stuff, but (and I probably should have done this with Her as well since it’s also nominated) this film is nominated for six Oscars as well as plenty of other awards, some of which it’s won. It may not be some Michael Bay monstrosity with fighting robots or something, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a good movie. In fact, in my opinion, I think that makes it better, but that’s just me. And I have to say, I really liked this film and hope it wins at least a couple of those well deserved awards.
Nebraska tells the story of a father who’s lost his purpose and a son who however willing or unwilling ends up helping him figure it out. When Woody Grant (Bruce Dern) receives a letter in the mail saying he’s won a million dollars, he’s determined to get to Nebraska from Billings, Montana, to collect it. Both his son David (Will Forte) and his wife (June Squibb) know it’s a scam and a waste of time, but he refuses to listen, and David eventually gives in and says he’ll drive him there, mostly because David knows his own life is in the toilet and it wouldn’t hurt to help out his father. The film tells a funny story of life and family, and yes, the entire thing is in black and white. Unheard of these days, but one of those six Oscar nominees is for cinematography (the camera work, aka the black and white), so it can’t be all that bad.
If you haven’t been to see it yet, I’d suggest you get your butt up and leave behind whatever screen you’re reading this one to go see it. It’s only going to be in theaters a short while longer with the rest of the Oscar nominees.
And if what’s been said already hasn’t convinced you, then maybe this will. It’s Will Forte’s first dramatic role in a feature film, and I think he pulled it off brilliantly, especially for usually being the funny guy. I was originally interested in seeing the film just for that reason.
I’m honestly still processing this film. It was funny and sad and brilliant. It was a roller coaster ride in a black and white sea that would love to ride again if I get the chance.
Five stars.