Rating of
3/4
A Different Kind of Road Trip
Chris Kavan - wrote on 03/23/14
Although I think the depiction of small-town Nebrasaka life is taken a tad bit too far (the black and white makes it seem all that more bleak) - it's not that far off the mark (and I should know, I'm pretty much a life-long Nebraskan here). What Alexander Payne always gets right is his characters - and he hits another home run here. Bruce Dern is simply perfect as the elderly, somewhat confused and alcoholic Woody Grant. He has received and (obviously scam) notice in the mail that he has won $1 million - and he only has to get to Lincoln, NE to claim his prize. His wife, Kate (an equally impressive June Squibb) is fed up - as he has been leaving the house and trying to walk his way from his home in Billings, Montana to the Cornhusker state.
His quiet son David (Will Forte - proving he has range beyond comedy) finally takes it upon himself to drive the old man to Lincon - he realizes this is a good chance to spend some time with his father - who is probably not long for this world - even if it means supporting this crazy notion. Before reaching Lincoln, they stop in Hawthorne - where most of his extended family lives - a dreary little community that is aging away to nothing - where old rivalries and family discord eventually come out.
The film is a slow-burner - this is about character - the dialogue is short and terse for the most part. There is comedy to be found - Squibb's cemetery visit is a hoot and a half - but that comedy even has an edge to it. These are not exactly happy people - and though you want to feel good about things, it paints a pretty bleak picture. But if you're a fan of drama, this reaches all the good notes and the end will leave you with a smile on your face. It's not my favorite Payne film, but he continues to excel.
