Sunday, November 17, 2013

Nebraska is, well, home

It's only natural that someone living in Nebraska (Omaha) should review Alexander Payne's newest movie, Nebraska. Who knows the vibe better than a longtime resident?

Did I mention that Payne grew up in Omaha as well?

Nebraska is opened this weekend in "selected cities," including Omaha (at Film Streams). Judging from the reaction of the preview crowd, people are going to love this movie. (early reviews of both critics and audiences are very, very good.) The crowd applauded at the end and left the theater smiling and happy. Me too.

In the front seat, Bob Odenkirk as Ross Grant and June Squibb as Kate Grant. Riding in the back are Bruce Dern as Woody and Will Forte as David.

Payne made the choice to shoot the film in black and white, which is entirely appropriate at setting the right mood for this melancholy, sometimes sad, and sometimes hilarious film. What is not "sometimes" is the quality of this film, its actors, and its uncanny ability to capture the feel of small town mid-America.

It stars Bruce Dern as an aging, delusional father – with some wild hair! – who is convinced he has won a $1 million sweepstakes. The movie takes us on the odyssey undertaken by Woody Grant (Dern) and his son David (SNL's Will Forte) from Billings, Montana to Lincoln, Nebraska. (Dern turns in the performance of his career and is a sure Oscar nominee. Forte delivers a nuanced performance for which I would gladly give him an Oscar  nod.)

After trying to convince his irascible father that he had not won anything, David decides to humor him and drive him to Nebraska – especially after Woody tries over and over to walk there, in the winter, by himself. They leave despite the adamant disapproval of Woody's very funny wife Kate (June Squibb) and son Ross (Bob Odenkirk). Ross has just landed as a fill-in news anchor in Billings. David sells stereo systems. The parents' home is a very modest house in a lower middle class neighborhood. Life has not been financially kind to Woody, who used to live and work in the fictional small town of Hawthorne, Nebraska.

Woody is not only suffering from just a touch of dementia, but is an unrepentant alcoholic. He's painfully thin and has an empty stare and speaks in monosyllables. His last wish is to pick up his million dollars so he can buy a new pickup truck (despite no longer having a driver's license) and a new air compressor to replace the one he insists his onetime business partner Ed Pegram (Stacey Keach) stole from him when they owned a garage in Hawthorne. In fact, that's their first stop (after a hilarious quick visit to Mt. Rushmore).

Woody and David make the rounds of Woody's old haunts – mostly bars – including his former garage. They visit Woody's brother Uncle Ray (Rance Howard – yup, Ron's dad), where Aunt Martha (Mary Louis Wilson) flits around and her two slobby sons Bart (Tim Driscoll) and Cole (Devin Ratray) get to work baiting their cousin David. The two dissolve into hysterics every time they think that it took David more than a day to drive from Montana to Hawthorne. It is clear that they were way back in line when the Good Lord handed out smarts.

When Woody blabs that he has won a million dollars, some of the hometown crowd reveal their greed and try to collect past "debts" from him. This despite David's repeated explanations that Woody has not won anything. If anyone is the "villain" of this tale, it is Ed (Keach).

But this story is to be enjoyed for its small details, not necessarily the plot (for which writer Bob Nelson earns kudos). Rich performances by the principal cast are only part of the story. Actors in small roles, like that of former Omaha sportscaster Ray Stevens, also shine.

It is a talent of director Payne that he coaxes such subtle performances out of his actors. Although Woody and David exchange a minimum of words, we learn volumes about them. We come to view Woody with affection, despite his character flaws, especially as a father. While never articulated, David's love for his dad becomes evident, especially in the final heartwarming scenes.

This movie is more than the sum of its parts. You leave with a deeper understanding of people you might have dismissed. Your faith in mankind, while shaken, is ultimately renewed. And you get to see small town and rural Nebraska in amazing detail, like the blades of grass in an Andrew Wyeth painting.

A scene in a cemetery is at once sad and gloriously funny. A search for missing teeth is genius. In fact, you'll take many indelible memories with you after you see this gem. Unlike most releases, this one takes you on a journey during which you think, and feel, and laugh, and perhaps shed a tear, then leave satisfied, with that feeling of fullness you'll enjoy after Thanksgiving's dinner. So, I give thanks for this movie and to all who had a hand in it.

See you at the Oscars, Nebraska.

Three and a half stars!



Thursday, October 17, 2013

The Book of Mormon

Despite the song "Turn It Off," they really know how to turn it on in the Tony Award-winning musical, The Book of Mormon, now on stage at the Orpheum.

As you walk past the souvenirs in the lobby, you begin to get an idea of what's to come. Besides the usual coffee cups and key chains (and of course T-shirts) there are boxer shorts and umbrellas with crude messages that only become fully understandable when you hear the lyrics. Funny, if cringe-inducing, stuff.

The totally irreverent, off-color, in-your-face musical is not for the faint-of-heart, but it definitely delivers the laughs. So turn off your PC filter and your inhibitions, and sit back for a wild ride with Elder Kevin Price (Nic Rouleau) and Elder Arnold Cunningham (A.J. Holmes) to their mission in Uganda. It's a long, long way from "Sal Tlay Ka Siti," and Orlando for that matter.

Elder Price dreamed of doing something amazing during his two-year mission. And he wanted to do it in Orlando. But he learns that the self-absorbed young man ["You and Me (But Mostly Me)"] has been paired with Elder Cunningham on a two-year stint in the poverty-stricken country in Africa.

Elder Cunningham is a bumbling, incompetent follower who is excited with his posting and his "new best friend."

Their arrival in Uganda begins with being robbed at gunpoint by the local warload, General Butt F-ing Naked, who shoots people just to make a point. (Interestingly enough, I learned that his namesake, General Butt Naked, an African warlord, actually exists and was every bit as evil as the play's villain until his conversion to Christianity. Art imitates life!)

Joining the other missionary young men posted there, the two learn how difficult their mission will be. The people are being terrorized by the warlord and his followers, are suffering from extreme poverty and most of them have AIDS. Men are killed, women are being circumcised, and virgins (mostly babies) sacrificed. Hope is elusive and the villagers sing a song ("Hasa Diga Eebowa!") to cheer themselves up. When the missionaries learn that the translation is profane and blasphemous, they see what they are up against.

Okay, long story short, Elder Price tries and fails to capture the minds and hearts of the villagers – in fact he gets himself kidnapped by the warlord. Encouraged by the beautiful young villager Nabulungi (Syesha Mercado), Elder Cunningham takes over ("Man Up"). Because of his fragile grip on the Mormon teachings and his propensity to lie, he tells some whoppers to relate to the villagers' needs. But his motives are pure; he really wants the people to have hope and a better life.

And, praise be, it works! He baptizes her and the rest of the village follows, to the delight of the church hierarchy. In a hilarious scene, the villages put on a play to demonstrate what they have learned and Elder Cunningham's lies are revealed. The hierarchy, furious, sends all of the missionary elders packing.

Is that the end of it? Go see for yourself ... there are still six performances left, tonight,Friday night, and twice on Saturday and Sunday.

Okay, so this reads more like a synopsis than a review. That's because I am reluctant to reveal too much with details of the very clever songs. Running gags like Elder Cunningham's inability to get the beautiful Nabulungi's name right are laugh-out-loud funny ... some scatological, many drawn from other Broadway musicals ("Nala" for instance). I'd love to write a list of the names, but this is a family-friendly blog.

Who takes a hit during this show, in words and visuals? Just about everyone: Besides the Mormons, Catholics, Jews, homosexuals (especially homosexuals), even Jesus. And many more.

Penned by the writers of “South Park” (Trey Parker, Matt Stone) and “Avenue Q” (Robert Lopez, they comically pay homage to musicals, When you go, see if you can match the musical to the song:
Tomorrow is a Latter Day, The Lion King, The King and I, A Chorus Line and Les Miz.

Show highlights include Rouleau's singing of "I Believe," a song which is both funny and inspirational and sincere. It's a beautiful song with an infectious rhythm that will stay stuck in your head long after you leave the theater.

In fact, all of the songs are catchy ... I'm sure the soundtrack CD sounds great. And the songs lend themselves to some great production numbers and fantastic choreography (by Casey Nicholaw, who also co-directed). There are no weak links in the cast: all possess great skill at singing, dancing and acting.

Sets are very effective and draw us right in to the action.

The star's fellow missionaries – outfitted in the familiar short-sleeve white shirt, black tie and sans-a-belt, are hilarious (loved looking at each one in turn during the song and dance numbers), especially Pierce Cassedy as Elder McKinley who has learned to switch his homosexual desires and sings about it ("Turn It Off").

The villagers, especially the guy with the intestinal problem, are equally effective.The end result of the show is a message of hope and surprising faith. While not endorsing a specific religion, it does endorse a belief system ... something you may not have expected from the naughty lyrics.

I often say that the touring cast is just as good as Broadway's. In this case, it's more than true. Lead actor Nic Rouleau came from the role in Broadway. He understudied Omaha's own Andrew Rannells, who won a Tony nomination for his original role. Another star in the cast is Syesha Mercado, whom you may have voted for in season seven of "American Idol." She came in third (behind winner Dave Cook and Dave Archuleta). After seeing her performance here, she probably should have won!

So ... short story long, The Book of Mormon is highly infectious and surprisingly uplifting. I found myself smiling until it hurt. I loved getting permission to laugh at very un-PC things. If you are the tolerant sort who is not too easily offended, and you are over 18 (21 is better), then go see this clever musical – THIS WEEK. Some tickets are still available, but I wouldn't wait too long. Go "Two by Two" or more ... just GO!

Visit http://omaha.broadway.com/shows/book-mormon-baa/ for information and tickets.


Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Lion King Roars!!!!

This is the final week of The Lion King at the Orpheum Theater.
If you haven't seen it yet, bribe someone for a ticket and get there asap! Seats were flying out of the box office from the start of the show's four-week run.
And rightly so.
This is the second time I've seen the show, and it has not lost any of its luster. In fact, it was better than ever!
It's hard to pick a favorite character, but I really, really liked Scar, played by the incredible Timothy Carter. The villain manages to evoke both disgust and sympathy for his complicated character. At the cast party, where I was fortunate enough to meet many of the the wonderful cast and crew members, I spoke to Mr. Carter, leaving me even more impressed! What a bright, insightful actor!
Likewise Simba (grown up), a gorgeous young man with a great voice, and a wonderful personality as well. Jelani Remy reminded me of Shemar Moore in Criminal Minds, and there's nothing bad about that!
The children who played the young Simba (Zavion Hill that night) and Nala were adorable (oh, the boys would kill me for saying that!) and so sweet and talented. Little Kailah McFadden came over to my husband at the cast party and introduced herself and asked if she could sit with him. What a lovely little lady who just turned 12.
I had the pleasure of visiting with the dance captains Jason Lewis and Kendra Moore. They both serve as "swing" performers as well, filling in for just about any part. Smart, friendly, and – there's that word again – talented people! I am so grateful I was able to meet and visit with them.
I'm sure I will be leaving out many wonderful performers, but I certainly need to talk about four in particular: Timon (Nick Cordilleone), Pumbaa (Ben Lipitz), Mark David Kaplan (Zazu), and Rafiki (Nteliseng Mkhela)! The first two are of course the characters known for "Hakuna Matata." They are hilarious. They have to be seen to be believed!! LOL
Zazu, who is Scar's very funny right-hand-bird, injects some really smart humor throughout the show. Ah, and Rafiki is the character (a baboon) who holds the plot together as narrator and more. And she is the most surprising in person. This tiny little young woman wears a large and heavy costume, rendering her unrecognizable in person.
I can't say enough about the music and voices. Simply spectacular.
Then there are the rest of the animals, including my favorites, the giraffes. I got to meet both of them and we had a great time comparing notes about walking (and dancing and prancing) on stilts. Both of them (I'd write their names if I could read their autographs on my poster that they signed!) were funny and very brave. It takes ladders to get them on and off their costumes but they are fantastic to watch.
We all know the story, so I won't even bother (rent the Disney movie!) to recap it. But it is at once funny, moving, inspirational, and most of all, perfect entertainment for the whole family. Everywhere I go, when I talk to people who have seen it and have brought their children, they can't stop raving. Or should I say ROARING?
Go. You'll love it!

Sunday, February 24, 2013

The Oscars have arrived!

As usual, I am posting my picks. My confidence is only moderately high, since this is SUCH a competitive year. I have not see every nominee, but have seen quite a few, and I think all the major contenders. So, here goes:

Best Picture: Argo   (Lincoln is so close that it's almost a toss-up. Lincoln does hold the slight edge of having its director nominated as well. They are usually selected together. So, we'll see! I liked them both and perhaps even liked Zero Dark Thirty more, so I have not real preference.)

Best Actor: Daniel Day Lewis  (Personally, I thought Hugh Jackman's performance was amazing, but Day Lewis was phenomenal too. Still, Day Lewis is the closest thing to a lock this year!)

Best Actress: Jennifer Lawrence (A really tight race, with amazing performances all-round. If Jennifer doesn't get it, I believe Jessica Chastain will. There has been renewed interest in the performance of Emmanuelle Riva in Amour -- and she was terrific, but I think it goes to one of the younger actresses. At first I thought Naomi Watts would win, but there's no buzz there anymore.

Best Supporting Actor: Tommy Lee Jones   Another tough category, with Christoph Waltz winning some earlier awards, and Robert De Niro always a favorite. But I think I'll stick to Jones, who was such a key player in Lincoln.

Best Supporting Actress: Anne Hathaway  Early buzz was for Sally Field, but that faded. And after I saw Les Miserable, I saw why Hathaway was the favorite. She (and the movie) was marvelous.

Best Director: Steven Spielberg for Lincoln. I haven't yet seen it, but I've read quite a bit of sentiment for Ang Lee for Life of Pi. But I'm betting the academy will want to spread the love for Lincoln by giving this to Spielberg.

Best Song: Skyfall by Adele. At least the Bond movie will get something for one of the best pictures of the year!! (Should have gotten a nomination for best picture!)

Cinematography: Hoping it's Roger Deakins for Skyfall, but will most likely go to Caludio Miranda for Life of Pi. And where is the nomination for cinematographer for The Impossible?

Best Original Screenplay: Mark Boal, Zero Dark Thirty

Best Adapted Screenplay: I'm going with Chris Terrio for Argo, but it could be Tony Kushner for Lincoln.

Foreign Language Film: Amour (oddly enough, from Austria) A slam dunk. And a very depressing movie, by the way!

Sound Editing: I'm going to agree (again) with the World Herald reviewer and pick my favorite movie -- Zero Dark Thirty.

I'm not going to pick "Visual Effects" because I'm ticked off that Skyfall isn't nominated! (Life of Pi should win.)

So there you have it. I don't know enough to pick in the other categories. May the best man, or woman, win!!!




Friday, January 11, 2013

10 … 20 … Zero Dark 30

It finally opened wide, after an agonizing wait. The wait was worth it.
Zero Dark Thirty, the controversial movie about the killing of bin Laden, turned up the suspense (a remarkable feat in a story in which we all know the end) and never let it wane.
The movie covers the 10 year span after 9/11 when the CIA embarked on a long and tedious search for the al-Qaeda kingpin. At the center of the search is the character Maya (Jessica Chastain), the agent who becomes obsessed with finding him. Maya is based on a real person (and is also said to be part compilation). Director Kathryn Bigelow (outrageously passed over for an Oscar nomination) has said the movie is based on the first-hand accounts of unnamed persons. That the government is trying to unearth names tells me that Bigelow got close. And that flap about the use of torture? C'mon, who doesn't believe it was employed in the early hunt, especially when Obama expressly forbid it after taking office? I, for one, think the movie makers got this pretty darn close to the truth. And the final assault on the compound was probably as close as we're ever going to get to the truth. It rang true and showed us just how treacherous and dangerous the mission was and how brave and well-equipped those Seals were. But I'm getting ahead of myself.

There is a gritty reality to the whole film. I'm still spitting dust and sand out of my mouth.
I've come to admire not only the people who spent years of frustration running down thousands of leads and coming up short most of the time, and the talented cast who portrayed them. We get a unique insight into how the CIA works and how incredibly tedious their work is. People rotate in and out of the Middle East, while Maya stays the course. Her first co-worker, Dan, played to perfection by Jason Clarke, is an expert at torture, but there's very little payoff in terms of information. Those being "interrogated" – in a blisteringly hot, bleak bunker, chained in a standing position for hours when they aren't lying face-up being water-boarded – are either hardcore terrorists or small frys who don't know anything. Either way, information leading anywhere is hard to come by. And while he's tough, Clarke's character shows his softer side in surprising ways.
The CIA does know (probably) that a very elusive carrier may be the key, but finding him is proving as hard as finding bin Laden. Clue after clue dries up. And still Maya persists.
Chastain is supported by a terrific cast, including Kyle Chandler as the CIA station chief, Jennifer Ehle as another colleague, James Gandolfini in a small but pivotal role as the head of the CIA, and Chris Pratt and Joel Edgerton as Navy Seals, and many more.
The action is often quiet, but always tense. Throughout the movie's two and a half hours, no one left the auditorium, remaining riveted on the screen. My only quibble with the movie is the length … I think a little bit could have been trimmed in the early going. But Chastain makes up for that by being a constant luminous presence. She certainly deserves her Oscar nomination.
The violent scenes, including torture and killing, are handled with restraint. The language is what you would imagine if you were working under the conditions they were. Even Chastain joins in as "one of the boys."
One of the pluses of the film is getting the recent history we all know (or think we know) presented to us visually, putting everything into context. How many times have we said: Why can't they find that guy? What's taking so long? This helps to answer those questions. It also gives us a close-up look at the conditions our military have been enduring.
This is a meticulously-crafted film about an important topic. Never over-the-top, it feels real at all times. And the final raid is a real nail-biter, as we move right alongside those Seals, seeing the action through night-goggles just as they are. Fascinating.
I highly recommend this powerful movie. While it may have taken a few liberties, it's about as close to a history lesson as we're going to get.
Four reels for this one.