Movie: Nebraska

First of all, the name just immediately makes me think of the Bruce Springsteen album of the same name.Secondly, if this is taste of small town America – as many of us imagine it – then that’s worrying but not altogether shocking.Much has been made of it been shot in black and white and it doesn’t really matter as it’s a joy to watch regardless. The dad and son story takes in a grumpy old man with not too many years left who believes he’s won a million dollars. We all know it’s a scam and he may do too but he wants to go to Lincoln, Nebraska to the company’s office to claim his money. Maybe he just wants to get away from wife and life for a bit, which is the reason his recently single son agrees to drive him. That and because he keeps finding him walking on the highway on his own, seemingly to walk the 800+ miles from Montana.The road trip looks like it’s just going to be the two of them in dialogue getting to know each other after a strained relationship but the open road scenes are littered with a large cast of family characters. The alcoholic Dad, Woody has a fall and has to stay in hospital for a couple of nights after which they spend the weekend with Aunt Martha and this is where we see the side of America mostly on daytime talk shows where the public decide to declare their inner most, embarrassing secrets.Their old-enough-to-know better sons are (probably) criminals and once talk of the million dollars comes out, everyone wants to be Woody’s friend and/or a piece of the action.With some great one-liners, especially from Woody’s somewhat stereotypical nagging wife the humour is littered with shimmerings of warmth throughout.A well-made film with brilliant performances that will work just as well on the small screen. And I don’t often say that.8/10Smile factor 8/10Coffee rating: Ristretto