"Parkland"
The film looks at those tragic events that occured in Dallas in November 1963. It looks specifically at what happened when President Kennedy was taken to the Parkland Hospital, in a valiant effort to save his life. It looks at how those events affected not only the medical staff, but also those assigned to protect the President and those who came to Dallas to cheer and wave.
The main problem with the film is that it tells us nothing new, the majority of what is documented in the film is well known.
It was a nice idea, but one cannot help but think that the sole purpose of the movie was to cash in on the 50th anniversary of the death of President Kennedy.......6 out of 10.
"The Butler"
Not having seen a trailer, I still thought I had a rough idea as to what this film was about, in that it was based on the true story of Cecil Gaines, who worked as butler for numerous US Presidents. Yes this partly true, but it also looks at the race issue during the 1960's mainly told through the eyes of Gaine's son, Louis. And it is this story that seems to take over the film. I have always had a fascination with the US Presidency, and thought that this is where the bulk of the story would lie, alas this was not the case. The race story is well told, but was not the film story that I wanted to see.
A lot of people have been surprised as to why the film has been overlooked at The Golden Globes. The answer to that is simple. Whilst it is a good film, it is not a great film, and that is its downfall. A nice performance from Forest Whitaker in the title role, but for me the film is dominated by an all too brief appearance by Jane Fonda, on dazzling form as Nancy Reagan. Funnily enough both this and "Parkland" were viewed on the same day, and neither film could find an actress that bore even a slight resemblence to Jackie Kennedy.
Good but could have been much improved with a better look at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.......6 out of 10
"Nebraska"
Woody Grant is the new talk of the town, as he has become a millionaire, or so he thinks. Like so many people of a mature age, they have a flyer coming through the post, promising that they have won a huge sum of money, and they believe it to be true, but sadly this is not the case, but Woody is adamant that he has won, and sets off to collect his winnings, despite the protestations from his Son, Will and his long suffering Wife, Kate.
Wanting to keep a keen eye on his father, son Will accompanies his Dad on their little road trip, during which they visit their old home town, they meet old friends and acquaintances, and family members all keen to share in Woody's new found wealth, and although Will tries to assure them that he has won diddley squat, they just believe it to be a lie, so to deny what they believe to be their share of the money.
The filkm is wonderfully multi-layered, as mentioned its a road movie, a comedy, a father / son film, and at times is wickedly funny. The reclaiming of a piece of farming equipment is a highlight of the film.
There is a career high performance from Bruce Dern, and equally brilliant is the wonderful June Squibb as his speak it as it wife Kate. A delight to watch the two of them at work together.
Director Alexander Payne seems to have periods of making a hit and a miss movie, this is definitely a hit. If you loved "About Schmidt", then this is one to watch.
A real gem of a movie......8 out of 10
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