February 26, 2014 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 23 ‘Nebraska’ features Bruce Dern in rich character study contemplative, and is not afraid of allow- ing an extra few seconds in close-ups to let viewers read what the characters are thinking. He also lightens the mood peri- odically, particularly with Squibb’s out- rageous one-liners and the portrayals of Woody’s extended family. “Nebraska” has been nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, by Dennis Seuling “Nebraska” (Paramount) is the story of an aging man looking back on an undistin- guished life in the flat expanse of Ameri- ca’s Midwest. Elderly alcoholic Woody Grant (Dern) has received a sweepstakes notice in the mail. Everyone tries to explain that the letter is worthless but, convinced he has won a million dollars, Woody sets out on foot to claim his prize. Concerned for his father’s health, Woody’s younger son David (Will Forte) drives him on his quest. Their road trip takes them as much through Woody’s personal history as through phys- ical distance. Woody is not the type to voice dis- appointment or much of anything else, but his hunched shoulders, sad eyes, and lumbering walk tell all. This is a superb performance from an actor who has been around a long time but never had a role this substantial. Forte is sympathetic as the son with mixed feelings toward his father. Woody’s wife, Kate (June Squibb), who has been married to him for decades, is resentful of his longtime alcohol depen- Academy Award nominees Bruce Dern and June Squibb in ‘Nebraska.’ dence and short of patience with his stub- bornness and encroaching dementia. Both Forte and Squibb turn in strong perfor- mances. Director Alexander Payne (“The Descendants,” “Sideways”) shot “Nebraska” in black and white primarily to convey the dullness and starkness of the Midwestern locations. He keeps the pace Best Actor (Bruce Dern), Best Supporting Actress (June Squibb), and Best Original Screenplay. The two-disc Blu-ray/DVD combo pack contains a making-of fea- turette. “Gravity” (Warner Home Video) is per- haps the first feature-length film that takes place entirely in outer space. Dr. Ryan (continued on Crossword page) Blue Moon Mexican Café updates menu selections The Blue Moon Mexican Café has updated its menu to keep up with popu- lar demand. The restaurant, located in the Boulder Run Shopping Center at 327 Franklin Avenue in Wyckoff, has added some Mexican specialties, including authentic “Street Tacos.” “We listened to our guests and as always we try and give them what they want,” owner Howie Felixbrod said. In addition to the tacos, the restaurant also introduced a tarta assortment to its lunch menu. Tartas are traditional Mexi- can sandwiches that are garnished with refried beans and a lime cilantro aioli. “Once you try one of these, you won’t be able to resist coming back for more,” Felixbrod added. The Blue Moon Mexican Café, voted “Best Mexican” by several local maga- zines, is already making plans for Mardi Gras and Cinco de Mayo celebrations. The restaurant traditionally features music, giveaways, and specialty drinks and menu items. In addition to the Wyckoff location, which is celebrating its 14 th Anniversary, Blue Moon has restaurants in Englewood, Woodcliff Lake, and in Bronxville, New York. For more information, call (201) 848-4088 or visit http://www.bluemoon- mexicancafe.com.