Alexander Payne

Home Entertainment Round-Up: 3/9/14

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As we dig out from under the pile of Blu-Ray and DVD releases that have come into the office this month, we take a look at Criterion editions of Soderbergh's underrated King of the Hill and Truffaut's Jules and Jim , Blu-rays for Thor: The Dark World , Nebraska , Wadjda , and Blue is the Warmest Color , and a DVD of the found footage thriller Banshee Chapter .

Nebraska Review

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Alexander Payne's Nebraska is a film with a down home vibe that feels ripped straight from the pages of dog-eared Reader’s Digest that’s been read countless times by various patrons in a waiting room while their oil gets changed. And I mean that as a compliment. It’s downright charming, and devoid of condescension towards the dreamers, uneducated schemers, and old timers that move its protagonist's journey along.

Interview: Jim Rash & Nat Faxon

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We talk to the Oscar winning writing team behind The Descendants - Nat Faxon and Community actor Jim Rash - about their directorial debut, The Way, Way Back , the deeply personal journey to get it made, what it takes to craft a believable coming of age story, and looking back on the real life inspirations, themes, and moments that made the film what it is.

The Descendants Review

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In Alexander Payne’s The Descendants , the most catastrophic events that befall the main characters happen off screen, making it a kind of glossy kindred spirit to the more youth oriented romance Like Crazy and the much beloved cult drama Martha Marcy May Marlene . Payne creates a story about privileged people dealing with real world issues without a sense of detachment or boredom. Sofia Coppola should see this film and take notes.