Nebraska

All of Alexander Payne’s best and worst attributes are on full display in Nebraska. As Woody (Dern) takes a road trip to collect the million-dollar prize that his son (Forte) doesn’t believe exists, the director has the opportunity to find moments of piercing insight along with instances of awkward, condescending comedy. It all feels very familiar and disappointingly flat, a feeling that isn’t alleviated by Phedon Papamichael’s unimaginative black-and-white cinematography.

The film’s greatest strength lies in its veteran performances. Bruce Dern’s cantankerous lead turn is tremendously enjoyable and he gets very funny support from June Squibb as his straight-talking wife, while Stacy Keach brings a welcome hard edge to his turn as an old acquaintance of Woody who still harbours a grudge. Sadly, these interesting characters are surrounded by cartoonish figures, who are often utilised as a source of one-note humour. Payne manages to bring the film to a close on a touching note with a neatly judged ending, but the problems found elsewhere make this one of his least satisfying films. [Philip Concannon]