June Squibb – We Are Movie Geeks

ELEANOR THE GREAT – Review

This weekend, moviegoers will get to savor another wonderful performance from a veteran actor who has been enjoying a remarkable “second act”. That curtain rose almost a dozen years ago when director Alexander Payne realized, to the delight of her new fans, that she was his “secret weapon” in the character “dramedy” NEBRASKA. In it, she earned raves and was frequently referred to as a “scene-stealer”. If that’s a crime, well, she was so “guilty” that she was “sentenced” to. her first Oscar nomination for Supporting Actress (note that I said “first”). Last year, she garnered more accolades in her first lead performance in the “sleeper hit” THELMA (and she even did some stunt work). Pretty nice for somebody who’s been in small TV and movie roles for the last 40 years (while still working on the stage, going all the way back to the original touring company of “Gypsy” with Ethel Merman). Now, she returns as another title character. And this time she’s guided by a current screen star who makes her feature directing debut with ELEANOR THE GREAT.

The royal “moniker” is given to the story’s main focus, the irascible 94-year-old widow Eleanor Morganstern (June Squibb), who is living a quiet life in a retirement apartment complex, sharing a unit with another widow, her BFF Bessie (Rita Zohar). Aside from her recurring nightmares about her time in a WWII concentration camp (Eleanor has always lived in the States), the two enjoy a quiet life in Florida. But the clouds form over the Sunshine State when Bessie unexpectedly passes. Rathing than wallowing in her grief, Eleanor decides to make a bold move. She’s relocating to NYC, and spending her last years with her divorced daughter Lisa (Jessica Hecht) and her college-aged son Max (Will Price). It’s a significant change for Eleanor, as she occupies a spare bedroom in Lisa’s place while contemplating another move, possibly to a retirement community. Lisa nudges her to go out and meet folks her own age. Initially resistant, Eleanor finally heads down to the nearby Jewish adult education facility to look into their “senior singing” classes. After a quick peek, she decides this isn’t for her and is headed back home until a friendly lady leads her into another room where her “group” is about to begin. After it starts, Eleanor realizes that this is a “support” meeting for Holocaust survivors. Though embarrassed at first, she decides to stay, perhaps getting some comfort after the loss of her old friend. But things soon take an “odd” turn when Eleanor is asked to “share”, and haltingly repeats a memory from the late Bessie. The heartbreaking tale captures the attention of a young journalism student who is “sitting in”, Nina (Erin Kellyman). She and Eleanor strike up a friendship as the “little white lie” grows and grows, with Nina sharing her story with her newscaster father, Roger (Chiwetel Ejiofor), who wants to do a feature piece on Eleanor’s desire to finally have her own bat mitzvah. Can Eleanor keep this all from her family before her “fib” is broadcast and she is “found out”?

At the “forefront” of this engaging character study is that “force of nature”, Ms. Squibb. As with her other recent work, she captures our hearts with her incredible “can-do” spirit and deft comic timing (not since the much-missed Betty White has a nonagenarian launched scalding insults with such precise accuracy). But her Eleanor is more than a sharp-tongued white-haired sprite. She’s had to put up a tough-as-nails exterior to cope with the loss of loved ones, especially Bessie, along with her own impending mortality. Plus, there’s also her panic as she scrambles to try and charm her way out of her own web of well-intentioned deceit. Happily, though, this isn’t a one-woman “showcase” (which would still be very entertaining), as Squibb proves to be an excellent screen “partner” to the talented Ms. Kellyman (I recall her interesting villainess in “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier”) as the much-younger woman also dealing with a major loss. Nina, despite her own tough outer “shell”, still mourns her own deceased mom, so her connection to Eleanor seems to fulfill her yearning for a matronly connection (though Eleanor may be more of a surrogate grandmother). Kellyman shows how she beams under the elder lady’s lifeforce, while her homelife is far less nurturing due to her now-strained interaction with her father. Ejiofor as Roger, also seems to be wearing a mask of strength, as he seems to be denying and “pushing down” his own grief while trying to find a way to reach out and connect to his drifting child. Hecht balances the delicate balance of an adult daughter who must also act as parent to her “prodigal” mama as she strains to retain her own freedom. In the pivotal role of beloved Bessie, Zohar is a most resilient survivor, a woman who has lost so much but pushes on, despite those demons of a distant past.

Oh, the big screen star that’s now behind the camera for this? None other than Scarlett Johansson, fresh off helming a couple of short films. And it appears she’s got another talent in her considerable “arsenal” (she’s been acting for over thirty years now). Ms. J brings a quiet sensitivity to this modern morality tale, gently pacing the plot points and set pieces, eschewing any flashy narrative tricks, though she smartly dissolves to Bessie telling her past horrors during Eleanor’s support group sequences. Johansson also shows us how the new friendship between E and Nina really helps them move forward while attempting to manage their shared grief. Much of the film’s power derives from the script by another feature film newcomer, Tory Kamen. She has a keen ear for family conversation, while still squeezing in humor to balance the pathos. And it all looks and sounds great courtesy of cinematographer Helene Louvart (the NYC neighborhoods look most inviting) and the score by Dustin O’ Halloran. as the summer of loud action blockbusters begins to recede, it’s great to have a sweet, funny, and compassionate visit from Ms. Squibb who has us worried and rooting, and a bit smitten, as ELEANOR THE GREAT.

3.5 Out of 4

ELEANOR THE GREAT opens in select theatres on Friday, September 26, 2025

GODMOTHERED – Review

So, who could use a little magic? This year, who couldn’t, even with just a few weeks left in 2020? We’re not talking about luck or “good fortune”, but rather the sprinkly, sparkly spells that come straight from witches, pixies, and wizards. Sure, that’s the stuff of faerie tales, but wouldn’t it be great if that mythology had some real-life basis? Sweet, huh? Now other than big blue “motor-mouthed” genies, who’s the big “wish-granter”? Just ask the dazzling blonde rockin’ those glass slippers. She’ll tell you from first-hand knowledge that it’s pretty great to be GODMOTHERED. But would that “fly” today, even using lotsa’ pixie dust?

That question is answered in the new film by taking a trip to another dimension. Where do faerie godmothers come from? Why Motherland, of course. But things are pretty dismal there, as 21^st century Earth folk just don’t believe like they used to. The “GMs’ in the magic classes are pretty downbeat, except for the youngest one “in training”, the bubbly smiling Eleanor (Jillian Bell). But she’s even dismayed by the unexpected appearance in class by the “queen mum” and ruler of the land Moira (Jane Curtin). Unless some human is helped, the whole place will shut down and cease to exist. Things seem hopeless, but Eleanor won’t give up. Scouring the “request files” she finds one lonely letter, from little Mackenzie Walsh in Boston, USA. Without Moira’s knowing (she wouldn’t approve), Eleanor, with the aid of her roomie Agnes (June Squibb), dashes through a mystical portal to our world. Thing is, she’s still getting the hang of her wand, so she hitchhikes to “Bean-town” only to discover that her last chance isn’t a child (that letter had been there a while). Mackenzie (Isla Fisher) is the single mother of two young women, Jane (Jillian Shea Spaeder) and Mia (Willa Skye) who’s working as a news segment producer for a struggling TV station. Of course, she thinks Eleanor, in her frilly pink ball gown, is a tad “touched” in the head. Can Eleanor possibly get her “spell-casting act” together and get the Walsh family to believe in magic before that portal closes and Motherland is no more?

After stealing scenes in several studio ensemble comedies (22 JUMP STREET, ROUGH NIGHT, THE NIGHT BEFORE) and headlining an indie (BRITTANY RUNS A MARATHON), Bell looks to expand into family flicks as the simple sunny Eleanor. She succeeds for the most part, due to her fearless comic commitment (getting pelted with pumpkin mush while in that pink hoop dress) and slapstick skills (trying to control a wand that seems to have a mind of its own). It’s a smooth stroll from the hard-partying gal-pal to the sweet, clueless, and clumsy conjuror. Luckily the character has a superb straight-man, er…woman, and “reality buffer” in Fisher as the sour, cynical Mackenzie whose tough “outer layer” is slowly melted away by Eleanor’s optimism. She’s got great support at home with the two talented young actresses playing her daughters. Skye’s Mia hasn’t quite shaken her sense of joy and wonder, while Spaeder as big sis Jane is still haunted by the family’s past tragedy which almost stifles her creative musical talents (she’s been given the big solo at the holiday pageant). As for “Mack’s” work “fam”, Santiago Cabrera is an affable encouraging “chum’, who may become something more, as her “roving reporter” Hugh Prince (hmmm…that last name). Much of that applies to Mack’s BFF Duff played with a subtle sense of snark by Artemis Pebdani. Of course, not everybody can be nice and helpful (although both certainly apply to the always fun Squibb as Agnes). Bell’s BRITTANY love interest Utkarsh Ambudkar provides a smidge of comic villainy as Mack’s rating and publicity (“Gotta’ go viral!”) desperate boss Grant. And though she’s tart and intimidating, Curtin as Moira proves to be the “tough love” matriarch that Eleanor needs, though she has a real scary regal vibe about her.

A veteran of two BRIDGET JONES films, director Sharon Maguire does a fairly good job of keeping the story from collapsing under excess whimsy while eliciting great comic work from the cast (would love to see Bell and Fisher teamed again for a more adult romp). Unfortunately, her efforts are often undone by a script that begs too many comparisons to the superior fantasy /modern-day comedy mash-ups ELF and ENCHANTED. Some of the plot machinations are predictable (somehow the station’s ratings skyrocket due to Eleanor’s mishaps) and inconsistent (that wand seems to work correctly when needed for the story). And the attempts at pathos are somewhat heavy-handed, especially in the big musical finale. The various locales around Boston are lovely, as is the “faerie-world” of Motherland (still too many historical problems with that word, though). Big kudos however for the charming “2-D” animated prologue which would be a great medium for a modest follow-up (a bit of a long-shot). Though it’s doubtful that this film could become a perennial fave like the aforementioned flicks, the smallest tykes may be entertained for a bit as their folks indulge in some “cyber-shopping” rather than getting GODMOTHERED.

2 Out of 4

GODMOTHERED streams exclusively on Disney+ beginning December 4^th, 2020.

Win Passes To The Advance Screening Of TABLE 19 In St. Louis

Ex-maid of honor Eloise (Anna Kendrick) – having been relieved of her duties after being unceremoniously dumped by the best man via text – decides to hold her head up high and attend her oldest friend’s wedding anyway. She finds herself seated at the ‘random’ table in the back of the ballroom with a disparate group of strangers, most of whom should have known to just send regrets (but not before sending something nice off the registry).

As everyone’s secrets are revealed, Eloise learns a thing or two from the denizens of Table 19. Friendships – and even a little romance – can happen under the most unlikely circumstances.

Starring Anna Kendrick, Craig Robinson, June Squibb, Lisa Kudrow, Tony Revolori, Wyatt Russell, Amanda Crew and Stephen Merchant, the film opens March 3rd in theaters.

WAMG invites you to enter for the chance to win TWO (2) seats to the advance screening of TABLE 19 on FEBRUARY 28th at 7PM in the St. Louis area.

Answer the following about actress Anna Kendrick:

Her first prominent role was in which 1998 Broadway musical?
She made her film debut in which musical comedy?

TO ENTER, ADD YOUR NAME, ANSWERS AND EMAIL IN OUR COMMENTS SECTION BELOW.

OFFICIAL RULES:

1. YOU MUST BE IN THE ST. LOUIS AREA THE DAY OF THE SCREENING.

2. No purchase necessary. A pass does not guarantee a seat at a screening. Seating is on a first-come, first served basis. The theater is overbooked to assure a full house. The theater is not responsible for overbooking.

Visit the website: http://www.foxsearchlight.com/table19/

Rated PG-13 for thematic elements, sexual content, drug use, language and some brief nudity.

Anna Kendrick Stars In The New Trailer For TABLE 19

Fox Searchlight Pictures has released the first trailer and poster for their upcoming film TABLE 19.

The film is directed by Jeffrey Blitz, with a story by Mark Duplass, Jay Duplass and Jeffrey Blitz.

Friendships – and even a little romance – can happen under the most unlikely circumstances.

TABLE 19 opens in cinemas January 20, 2017.

Visit the official site: http://www.foxsearchlight.com/table19/

LOVE THE COOPERS – The Review

Social media is filled with complaints about retailers jumping the gun on Christmas. Hey the jack-o-lantern’s not yet ripe when the tinsel and wreaths go on sale. Well at least this inspired one of the great double holiday flicks, THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS. So, if the mall starts early, why not the attached (usually) multiplex theatres. Hollywood loves sending out movies at the end of the year set around the staples of the season. So, before you even think about grabbing the turkey (let’s not get ahead of this piece) for Thanksgiving, here’s a flick about a big, big family getting things set for the big Christmas Eve shindig. Now Mom’s a perfectionist, so everything has to be plotted out and just right. Of course, like most families, things are far from perfect. Doesn’t mean they can’t try their darndest in the new star-packed cinema stocking, LOVE THE COOPERS.

It’s early morning, December 24 (CE Day if you will) and Charlotte (Diane Keaton) and Sam (John Cooper) are on the road. Things aren’t going well in their marriage (they plan to separate in the new year), but they don’t want the family to find out. First, it’s off to son Hank’s (Ed Helms) home to pick up his pre-K daughter Madison (Blake Baumgartner) ,but oh oh, she’s repeating a naughty phrase! Hank has separated from his wife Angie (Alex Borstein), but his folks don’t know that he’s actually spending his days looking for work. His teenage son Charlie (Timothee Chalament) is not handling the break-up well, so he’s taking his little brother Bo (Maxwell Simkins) to the mall to shop (and flirt with a gal working there). Sam and Charlotte with Madison go to a senior center to sing carols and pick up Sam’s daffy Aunt ‘Fishy’ (June Squibb) , who also says (and does) naughty stuff, too! Charlotte’s father Bucky (Alan Arkin) heads into his usual diner for breakfast, unaware that his favorite waitress Ruby (Amanda Seyfried) is going to drop a bombshell on him: she’s leaving town. Back at the mall, his other daughter, the divorced adrift Emma (Marisa Tomei) is busted for shoplifting and is being transported to the station by Officer Williams (Anthony Mackie). Meanwhile at the airport, Hank’s sister Eleanor (Olivia Wilde) is hiding out in the pub, dreading the disapproval from Mom over her still single status. She strikes up a rapport with a cute soldier, Joe (Jake Lacy) whose flight has been delayed a day. Hmm, maybe he’d agree to play her fella’ for the night? Man, now that’s one frenzied family circus (no offense Mr. Keane)!

Oy, where to begin! First off, I’ve enjoyed the work of the cast so much, but really…really. All of you show know better. Talk about having to flail about without a net! Diane Keaton, You’ll always be Annie Hall, so why do you take on such a shrill character, constantly trying fix everything and everyone when not giving an earful to both your on-screen hubby and sis. At least she has a bit of a personality which is more than be said for the sad sack role Goodman has been saddled with. His appearance in films, in even the briefest cameos (see what he does in TRUMBO, for gosh sake) can spring the story to life. Helms is doing a riff on the put-upon schlubs from the HANGOVER trilogy and VACATION and TV’s “The Office” with little else to do, besides looking anxious. Arkin only seems to bounce from befuddled to indignant. And who thought he could be Keaton’s father (there’s just a dozen years difference). Tomei’s pop I can believe. She’s stuck spewing vapid psycho-babble in the back of a police cruiser on the loooooongest ride to the station ever (there’s no sub station?)! Mackie isn’t allowed any of the energy he often brings to the screen as he’s stuck as another uptight guy with a secret (much like his role in WHAT’S YOUR NUMBER?). Speaking of “The Office”, another alum, Lacy, does hold on to a bit of dignity, and can be a good leading man. His scene-mate Wilde is still dazzling and a delightful comic talent, though her character is mind-numbingly silly, even for a bit of froth like this. Seyfried, the film’s other beauty, can’t spark life into this immature twenty-something who hasn’t any semblance of a game plan (oh, just gonna’ pick a town at random, eh? Uh huh). Can it be just two years ago when Squibb stole every scene in NEBRASKA? Now she’s playing the crutch of lazy screenwriters, the unpredictable senior, always good for a cut-away gag or a scene ender. She is so much better than that.

Director Jessie Nelson (I AM SAM and CORRINA, CORRINA-that explains a lot) hammers us with every manner of forced whimsy. From slow-motion dancing to fantasy flash forwards, even some CGI as characters turn to ice and shatter (that was clever on “Ally McBeal” a decade ago). But nothing fails to revive this cliché filled script from Steven Rogers (no relation to the star-spangled avenger, I should hope!). Do we really need a dream sequence of Joe and Eleanor frolicking in the airport (where’s the TSA when ya’ really need them?)? And who in the world brings their soon-to-be ex-wife to the big family Christmas Eve event? Why the better to have a big argument followed by a heartfelt plea from the kiddos, naturally! The only thing that perked me up was when I realized this was all set in Pittsburgh. Could one of these shopping centers be the legendary Monroeville Mall from the 1978 DAWN OF THE DEAD? That’s what happens during drek like this. You think about much better films, and I had a lot to think about. The narrator of this film was part of a true holiday classic, one that can be watched and enjoyed any time of the year. At the screening of this, many viewers wanted to give this flick a pass, since, well it’s a Christmas movie and it’s got nice decorations and festive foods and lights. No, much like the old thought “it’s only a kids’ movie”, a “holiday movie” should not be given a free pass. That’s an affront to all the wonderful flicks that have become annual viewing favorites. Not so with this cloying, precious mess. You want to see Christmas-y stuff. Go to your local mall instead or, better yet, stroll down main street or downtown. That’s a much better way to get in the “Noel” mood since LOVE THE COOPERS goes down like a cold glass of egg nog…from a carton that’s been sitting at the back of the fridge since last Christmas. Now that’s a lump of coal in yer’ stocking!

1/2 Out of 5

Win Passes To The Advance Screening Of LOVE THE COOPERS In St. Louis

LOVE THE COOPERS follows the Cooper clan as four generations of extended family come together for their annual Christmas Eve celebration. As the evening unfolds, a series of unexpected visitors and unlikely events turn the night upside down, leading them all toward a surprising rediscovery of family bonds and the spirit of the holiday.

From CBS Films, the movie stars Alan Arkin, John Goodman, Ed Helms, Diane Keaton, Jake Lacy, Anthony Mackie, Amanda Seyfried, June Squibb, Marisa Tomei & Olivia Wilde.

Directed by Jessie Nelson, LOVE THE COOPERS opens in theaters nationwide on November 13, 2015.

WAMG invites you to enter for a chance to win a pass (Good for 2) to the advance screening of LOVE THE COOPERS on Tuesday, November 10 at 7PM in the St. Louis area.

We will contact the winners by email.

Answer the following:

Some holiday themed movies originally had different titles or were based on various stories. What are the “Christmas films” listed below better known as?

“Big Heart”
“The Greatest Gift”
“Black Christmas”
“Nothing Lasts Forever”

TO ENTER, ADD YOUR NAME, ANSWERS AND EMAIL IN OUR COMMENTS SECTION BELOW.

OFFICIAL RULES:

1. YOU MUST BE IN THE ST. LOUIS AREA THE DAY OF THE SCREENING.

2. A pass does not guarantee a seat at a screening. Seating is on a first-come, first served basis. The theater is overbooked to assure a full house. The theater is not responsible for overbooking.

3. No purchase necessary.

PG-13 for thematic elements, language and some sexuality.

lovethecoopers.com

Get Into The Holiday Spirit With New LOVE THE COOPERS Trailer And Poster

There’s nothing like a family comedy movie to get you into the holiday spirit!

CBS Films has released a new poster for director Jessie Nelson’s LOVE THE COOPERS.

Starring Alan Arkin, John Goodman, Ed Helms, Diane Keaton, Jake Lacy, Anthony Mackie, Amanda Seyfried, June Squibb, Marisa Tomei and Olivia Wilde, check out the latest trailer now.

The film follows the Cooper clan as four generations of extended family come together for their annual Christmas Eve celebration.

As the evening unfolds, a series of unexpected visitors and unlikely events turn the night upside down, leading them all toward a surprising rediscovery of family bonds and the spirit of the holiday.

LOVE THE COOPERS opens this holiday season on November 13.

Visit the film’s official site: lovethecoopers.com

LOVE THE COOPERS Trailer Stars Diane Keaton, John Goodman, Amanda Seyfried, Ed Helms, Anthony Mackie and Olivia Wilde

Just in time for the holidays comes a new family film featuring a huge cast with a Christmas theme.

Directed by Jessie Nelson and written by Steven Rogers, LOVE THE COOPERS follows the Cooper clan as four generations of extended family come together for their annual Christmas Eve celebration.

As the evening unfolds, a series of unexpected visitors and unlikely events turn to night upside down, leading them all toward a surprising rediscovery of family bonds and the spirit of the holiday.

Starring Alan Arkin, John Goodman, Ed Helms, Diane Keaton, Jake Lacy, Anthony Mackie, Amanda Seyfried, June Squibb, Marisa Tomei and Olivia Wilde, watch the first trailer for the upcoming holiday film, LOVE THE COOPERS.

How fun does this look – big stars, holiday theme. Count me in!

Yahoo Movies interviewed director Jessie Nelson about the film.

Highlights include Nelson’s comments on:

How Love the Coopers might remind you of other festive movies with big ensembles: We’re in the spirit of Love Actually or The Family Stone…We’ve got a lot of comedy but we also have a lot of warmth and heart – that embraces the painful insanity of the holidays.

John Goodman playing the role of the family patriarch after 20 years: He was really excited to get a role like this…He had that dream dad vibe and Diana had always wanted to work him.

The scene that impressed Nelson the most – when the family goes Christmas caroling: I had no idea of the level of musicianship from some of my actors. Alan Arkin is an amazing ukulele player. John Goodman plays the harmonica beautifully. Ed Helms can play the guitar so well. Diane sings beautifully, and June Squibb has a beautiful voice. It was amazing what they did with that scene.

CBS Films will release LOVE THE COOPERS in theaters on November 2015.

https://twitter.com/lovethecoopers
https://www.facebook.com/cbsfilms
http://www.cbsfilms.com/love-the-coopers/

I’LL SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS (2015) – The Review

Into the noisy chaos of summertime at the multiplex, offering a quiet diversion from the super-heroes and natural disasters, is a gentle comedy/drama/romance aimed at a most neglected movie audience: the seniors. Or, the AARP crowd, if you will. Their favored flicks usually arrive in the later part of the year (for Oscar noms), or in the early Spring/late Winter. The studio execs are often stunned when this demographic embraces a film. Such was the case with THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL, which even inspired a recent sequel in addition to several US mature pairings like AND SO IT GOES. And in TV-land, those “Golden Girls” continue their popularity in endless reruns. This new film zeroes in on one such “golden gal” (well, she does have three BFFs) and provides a veteran actress of stage, screen, and TV with the role of a lifetime as the main focus of I’LL SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS.

The film begins early in the morning as sixty-something widow Carol Peterson (Blythe Danner) awakens in the bedroom of her comfy suburban California home, pushing aside her beloved old pooch. We see her routine in quick succession, until one morning the pup is not sharing her bed. And not responding to her call. Her canine companion’s time is up. Returning home from the vet, Carol is horrified by the site of a rat scurrying through her kitchen. So horrified, that she sleeps outside that night, bundled on some pool furniture. This startles the new pool cleaner Lloyd (Martin Starr), but Carol’s explanation begins a new friendship with the young man. Later Carol re-joins her three girlfriends, frisky Sally (Rhea Perlman), focused Rona (Mary Kay Palace) and staid Georgina (June Squibb) for their weekly poker game. Rona thinks that Carol should join them and live at the country club/retirement complex, while Sally thinks she should jump into the dating scene. After a fruitless afternoon “speed-dating” seminar, Carol is approached in the parking lot by the club’s resident “catch” Bill (Sam Elliot), who had flirted with her at a pharmacy recently. Should she take another chance at romanc

As mentioned earlier, Danner grabs up this role like a football and runs it in for an acting touchdown. In recent years, she’s been best known as the mother of Gwyneth along with many grandmother screen roles (in THE LUCKY ONE and the FOCKERS series) and for being a TV commercial “spokeswoman” , but here she’s finally front and center, proving she’s still got the “chops” to carry a story. As Carol, she runs the gamut of emotions from overwhelming grief to giddy, blossoming infatuation. And we even get treated to her superb musical skills. Thankfully. Danner’s given an exceptional supporting cast, particularly her “poker sisters”. Perlman has a mischievous grin to match the sparkle in her eyes as she prods her pal into amorous action. Place is a delightfully prim “straight woman” to the antics of that frisky duo (a scene of her surprised during an early morning visit to Carol is priceless). Squibb is nearly the polar opposite of her Oscar nominated NEBRASKA character, but is equally engaging as the more reserved widow, who’s still up for the occasional adventure. In the film’s last act, Malin Akerman, an actress best known these days for her comedic TV roles, has a great rapport with Paltrow in her role as Carol’s visiting, very supportive, East Coast-based only daughter. The two are terrific especially as daughter Katherine assumes the more parental figure in the final scenes. As for the fellas’, Elliot exudes his usual silver-fox, crinkly charm as Carol’s persistant suitor. The guy is the embodiment of “laid back”, especially as he introduces carol to the relaxing joys of cruising (on the ocean). Unfortunately the writers have saddled him with an annoying affectation. With his always unlit cigar, I was reminded of the irksome male lead of THE FAULT IN OUR STARS. The best addition of the film may be the wonderful turn by the splendid Starr who gained TV immortality as the lanky, loony Bill Haverchuck in the cult classic “Freaks and Geeks” and followed up with regular gigs on “Party Down” and the current HBO hit “Silicon Valley” in addition to being one of the Apatow supporting players (KNOCKED UP, SUPERBAD, and others). Here he gets to explore his dramatic side, while still being funny, as the somewhat lost thirty-something who somehow discovers a kindred spirit in Carol. Their conversations have a warm, natural rhythm, as they begin to guide each other in order to get back on their respective paths. Kudos also to the many veteran actors playing the “speed-daters” who elicit laughs and inspire sympathy.

In just his second feature film (THE NEW YEAR), director Brett Haley gives the film a real slice-of-life, easy-going vibe, never resorting to the melodramatic or grotesque. The film does make an ill-advised trip to dopey (pun intended) farce when the ladies very impulsively decide to toke up on some medical weed (lotsa’ munchies jokes), but otherwise the script by Haley and Marc Basch avoids any false notes. The cinematography by Rob Givens envelops the film in a warm, hazy glow while the music by Keegan DeWitt never telegraphs or overwhelms the emotions. It’s a great story to share with your mothers or aunties, but anyone can get something from Carol’s journey in I’LL SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS.

4 Out of 5

I’LL SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS opens everywhere and screens exclusively in the St. Louis area at Landmark’s Plaza Frontenac Cinemas

AMPAS Members: NEBRASKA’s June Squibb Needs Your Oscar Votes

Every once in a while, a supporting performance comes along that overshadows the lead characters of a film. In the case of filmmaker Alexander Payne’s latest tale, and in once unforgettable scene, this would be the remarkable June Squibb.

Get to know the Best Supporting Actress Oscar Nominee in a funny video from Jimmy Kimmel Live.

NEBRASKA received six Oscar nominations including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Bruce Dern), Best Supporting Actress, Best Cinematography (brilliantly shot in B&W by Phedon Papamicheal) and Best Original Screenplay (Bob Nelson).

“I don’t doubt myself when it comes to work,” said Squibb during her pre-Golden Globe interview on CBS Sunday Morning.

NEBRASKA makes its Blu-ray, DVD and VOD debut on February 25, 2014 from Paramount Home Media Distribution. The film is available now on Digital and Digital HD.

Hailed as “an American masterpiece” (Richard Roeper, Chicago Sun-Times), the film was also named one of the best movies of the year by the AFI, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Vanity Fair, Rolling Stone, New York Times, The New Yorker, Los Angeles Times, Variety, Huffington Post, Slate, the National Board of Review and numerous critics associations.

From Academy Award-winner Alexander Payne, the director of Sideways and The Descendants, comes the captivating story of a father (Bruce Dern) and his adult son (Will Forte) who embark on a journey to claim a million-dollar prize; what begins as a fool’s errand becomes a search for the road to redemption.

Screen legend Bruce Dern gives “a career crowning performance” (Scott Foundas, Variety) that has earned him widespread critical praise, as well as the Best Actor award from the Cannes Film Festival, the National Board of Review and the Los Angeles Film Critics and Oscar, Golden Globe, SAG, Spirit and Satellite award nominations. NEBRASKA also features an outstanding supporting cast including Stacy Keach, Oscar nominee June Squibb and a “revelatory” (Peter Travers, Rolling Stone) Will Forte.

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