Has any film ever more whole-heartedly and precisely captured the essence of this place? Or, for that matter, of any American place? Jack Nicholson and Omaha would seem, as the British say, like cheese and chalk. But as an uncool everyman of a certain age—an actuary retiring from Woodmen of the World, suddenly widowed, with a daughter about to marry a loser—Nicholson is astoundingly pitch-perfect. (Kurt Andersen)

Awards

Academy Award Nominee: Best Actor (Jack Nicholson)
Academy Award Nominee: Best Supporting Actress (Kathy Bates)