ARCHIVES

One of the most affecting films of 2023; “THE HOLDOVERS” | MOVIE REVIEW

Alexander Payne Payne has crafted a poignant tale of human connection that breathes with realism
Starring Paul Giamatti, Dominic Sessa and Da'Vine Joy Randolph
Directed by Alexander Payne

The seventies were a glorious time for filmmakers. From one film to the next, directors such as Hal Ashby, Jerry Schatzberg, Bob Rafelson (and more) made intoxicating works full of honesty and truth, achieving powerful emotion through rich characters and relatable situations. Through a career of mostly fantastic films, writer/director Alexander Payne has proven he paid close attention to the great ... more >

NEBRASKA: We had more to say about it

Available in Blu-ray / DVD / Digital HD
Starring Bruce Dern, June Squibb and Will Forte

(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 >

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 >