Nebraska

Actors:  Bruce Dern, Will Forte, June Squibb, Bob Odenkirk, Stacey Keach

Rating:  8 out of 10, A very simple story lovingly told in simple stark, black and white.  The issues at play (within the object family) aren’t as clear though.  Dern is magnificent as a befuddled old man on a quest to claim one of those mythical million dollar sweepstakes awards.  He ends up on a road trip back through his life with a loving son.  I’m usually not that much into “message” type films but this one touched me, probably because I’m getting older.  The subtle humor at the social gaffes that form the fabric of the extended family is incredible.  If you haven’t seen it yet, I’ll give you a quick piece of advice – don’t give up on the character of the wife too early.  The final ride back through Hawthorne was priceless.

MVP:  Squibb as the long suffering but wise wife who you’d want on your side in any fight