Skip to main content

Dome Pondering Movie Review: Nebraska (2013)

What is it about? 

An aging, booze-riddled father believes he won a million dollars, and eventually gets his youngest son to take him to Lincoln, Nebraska to claim the "prize"

Who is in it? 

Bruce Dern - Woody Grant

Will Forte - David Grant

June Squibb - Kate Grant

Favorite Scene: 

[spoiler alert] 

The two Grant boys decide to steal what they think is a compression owed to their father from Ed Peagram. Instead, the Grant parents mistakenly identified the house, and then had to cover as the boys return the stolen compression. 

Favorite Quote: 

David Grant: Dad, why didn't you tell us that wasn't Ed's house?
Woody Grant: I didn't know what the hell you were doing.
Ross Grant: Have you ever seen us steal machinery before?
Woody Grant: I never know what you boys are up to.
Ross Grant: Why didn't you say it wasn't yours?
Woody Grant: I thought you wanted it.
Ross Grant: What would we want an old compressor for?
Woody Grant: That's what I couldn't figure out.

Review: 

Nebraska is a very charming and well-done film. However, truth be told, it isn't for everyone. It's slow moving, clever, and leaves a lot to the viewer for interpretation and what they plan to take away from it. Truly, that's what makes the film so great. 

Speaking of great, besides the clever writing, the scenery of small town USA, and the acting (especially Bruce Dern who was great as Woody Grant), Nebraska shines in the tale of it's character portrayals. All of the characters are unique, but rather strange enough that it is true and relative to most viewers. Also, you have to love how all of the characters have different dimensions and depths with most of them at one time seeming like bad people and at other times with truly good intentions. You see this the most in the immediate Grant family of Woody, Kate, and Ross. 

Overall, it's hard not to see what the Academy saw in Nebraska. It's a terrific film that teaches us about the past, the hidden story behind all of us, and the touch of redemption we all have inside. 

Again, a film not for everyone, but if you're into progressing story lines and deep characters that are left to the viewer to decide then you will really enjoy Nebraska. 

Review: 3.75/5
Labels:

Recently Read

Quick Ponder: Future Self

We always think,  what would we say  to our  younger self? However,  what would  our younger self say  if they met us, today?
Read more

Turning 40 - Grateful and Renewed

I became a forty-year-old individual yesterday.  The milestone is very significant for many and has its societal measures and benchmarks that carry some fear for those approaching its gates. Regardless of approach, turning 40 is filled with reflection, pondering (of course), and preparation for what should be a "new" stage of life. A life stage centered around "transitioning" into a stage seen as the "pre-senior" years.  Sure. Whatever.  I won't disagree that the new "4" digit that sits in front of your age feels encompassing even without understanding completely. Yet, as I stated last year when I turned 39 (going into my 40th year on this earth), I was ready for it. Ready for 40. Today, oddly enough, I am not filled with profound life lessons, ponderings, or reflections.  I sit here, punching the keys, filled with gratitude. I am 40, and I love it.   I carry my baggage of life and bear scars from it at 40. I am grateful for so many experien...
Read more

Knicks Trauma - Ugh Not Again

Well, that was a kick in the stomach.  Coming off a week where the word "catharsis" was used as the description for the euphoria and release of joy from two and a half decades of suffering, Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers brought about another word - trauma.  Watching the Knicks collapse was the kind of moments that come with these deep runs and moments. NBA Playoff basketball will do that. Yet, this loss - this one - feels about as bad as the 2004 ALCS when the Yankees collapsed in the series to the Boston Red Sox.  That one carries some serious trauma. Luckily, the series isn't over.  Some other quick thoughts from this awful, awful night, New York Knicks Basketball.  - Not to conjure up hyperbole, or even contribute to "hot take" sports reaction culture - but this might have been the worst loss in Knicks franchise history. I cannot think of another in my lifetime, or historically.  - Tyrese Haliburton's "choke"...
Read more