A Prairie Home Companion

I should start out with this disclaimer: I love Robert Altman movies. Love love love them! So, my opinions are a bit skewed.

But, for real, A Prairie Home Companion was really wonderful. I grew up listening to this radio show because my Dad loved it. I hate the show so much, but sort of grew to like it a bit more as I got older. But never really a fan of Keiller or his show.

The movie version is about so much more than the radio show. It deals with death, religion, family relationships, all wrapped up in this story of the shows last time airing. Just like most Altman movies, there is lots of overlapping chatter, dialogue that seems so casual and unscripted, and everyone playing a supporting role. Meryl Stree shines and Lindsay Lohan impresses. The pacing is low key, nothing is too in your face, and it really is the perfect movie for a Sunday afternoon. I found myself grinning from ear to ear a few times at the dumb jokes and charming performances.

I would love to see this movie glide through to award season and get lots of recognition, but I don't know that it will make it that far. Streep deserves a Best Supporting Actress nomination, Altmand a Director nomination and the movie a Best Picture nomination, but I doubt any of that will happen.

Grade: A+