Tugging at your heart strings, the movie Omaha will be released in theaters this weekend. Set in the Midwest the lives of one family are tested when a member of the family is no longer available to add to the finances. The emotional drama sets up the question “What would you do?”
It’s 2008 and America has taken a hit on the economy causing families to loose bank funds and jobs. Stocks are responding negatively and families across America are feeling the recession. Adding to the economic problem of losing their home to the bank, our central characters are Martin (Joe Magaro) a grieving widower, his two young children Ella (Molly Belle Wright) Charlie (Wyatt Solis) and Rags their dog. Tasked with the burden, Martin decides to take a cross country trip to Omaha for reasons unknown.
Working with children in any film takes a lot of patience and communication skills. Here Cole Webley, directing his first feature film makes like a well-seasoned filmmaker with a presentation that’s cleverly compelling, heartfelt and absorbing as he reveals his story one segment at time. The cross country trip gives the viewer a chance to think about the reasoning our protagonist Martin choses, the personalities of the children and the combined outlook that looks glum. His stab at power of the camera telling the story of Martin’s sense of helplessness, works here and penetrates.
Omaha has been rated PG-13 for thematic material. Young adults on up audiences should be enthralled with the defenselessness of the situation and be openly sympatric. If you have to bring young immature children along, they may not understand some of the power scenes, so keep them close.
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Joe Magaro, Molly Belle Wright, Wyatt Solis
Directed by: Cole Webley
Genre: Drama
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for thematic material
Running Time: 1 hr. 23 min.
Opening Date: May 8, 2026
Distributed by: Greenwich Entertainment
Released in: Theaters
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
