(this is Screen Comment's second review of "Nebraska") American indie cinema also has its giants. Just like his compadres Wes Anderson and Jason Reitman Alexander Payne has, after directing only a few movies, spearheaded this other cinema in which America, and its history, fill the whole screen. As it were, in “Nebraska” America is hiding in plain sight. Not the one where superheroes save humanity ... more >
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NEBRASKA: We had more to say about it
Available in Blu-ray / DVD / Digital HD
Starring Bruce Dern, June Squibb and Will Forte
NEBRASKA
Today's his lucky day
Bruce Dern and Will Forte
Directed by Alexander Payne
In “Nebraska” Omaha-born director Alexander Payne is right back where he belongs. His last film, “The Descendants,” (REVIEW) aimed to capture the secret turmoil of seemingly-zen Hawaiians—misery in paradise—but it registered more like picture-perfect George Clooney sulking through a picture-perfect vacation. Even at its most poignant, the tropical setting made the pathos feel forced. Here, the ... more >
NEBRASKA-ON-CANNES
Road tripping in the heartland
Bruce Dern, Will Forte and Stacy Keach
Directed by Alexander Payne
Alexander Payne's new film "Nebraska," a melancholy road movie shot in black and white with some hilarious moments, is a worthy contender for a Grand Prix or a Jury prize. And yet, to say that I was less than enthusiastic going to the 8:30 screening of this film is an understatement: I wasn't a fan of "The Descendants" and a black and white movie, well, it's a risky proposition for any ... more >
The Descendants
Taking inventory of hard-earned lessons
George Clooney, Shailene Woodley and Beau Bridges
Directed by Alexander Payne
Pauline Kael famously stated that great films are rarely perfect films. Do we ever wonder about the opposite? Are perfect films rarely great films? As the ultimate easy swallow, The Descendants, the latest release from Sideways writer/director Alexander Payne, has been practically pieced together by magical gold statuettes in the advanced laboratory of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and ... more >