Skip to main content

Dome Pondering Movie Review: About Alex (2014)

What is it about? 

A group of college friends reunite for a weekend when one of them attempts to commit suicide. What ends up happening are old truths, revealed emotional baggage, and breakthroughs that needed to happen for each to continue on in life. 

Who is in it? 

Nate Parker - Ben

Maggie Grace - Siri

Max Greenfield - Josh

Aubrey Plaza - Sarah

Favorite Scene: 

After longing for Isaac the past few years, Sarah was able to resist the temptation of what her twenty year old self wanted, and realize what was best for her moving forward as an individual. 

Favorite Quote: 

"Let me tell you something about Bruce Springsteen, okay? Never trust anyone who is that passionate about the state of New Jersey."

Review: 

I really enjoyed About Alex. Despite reminding me of a variation of the book, "This is Where I Leave You" by Jonathan Tropper (also later made into a movie), anyone with close school friends can relate to this.  

The film does a great job of raising the issue of true friendship in the age of social media, and whether the connection is strong enough and real enough, or if it simply stagnates us into holding onto relationships or different versions of ourselves. 

The cast is actually a good one lead by Nate Parker, who really shocked me in his performance. Very solid. Diddo for Maggie Grace who earned many eye rolls in her performances in the Taken series from me, but that was mostly from the writing in those films. Also, it was very, very cool to see Aubrey Plaza and Max Greenfield play off of one another, who definitely met the anticipation.

All in all, this film is an interesting one and a good watch for its 94 minute runtime. 

Grade: 3/5

Recent Favorites

50 Wins and the #2 Seed

The New York Knicks are the #2 Seed in the Eastern Conference Playoffs.  Unbelievable.  Oh yeah, they also put together an unbelievable fifty-win season to do so.  I've already expressed some thoughts on this season - from the trade of RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to Julius Randle's injury and obvious absence to the brilliance that was Jalen Brunson - there has been so much to take in, and appreciate.  I can't say it enough - I love this team. THIS team.  Just a few other quick thoughts as we reflect on 50 wins and the #2 seed before heading into a tough first-round series with either the Miami Heat or Philadelphia 76ers:  I know Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the hot narrative for MVP and there is a big-time Serbian in Denver who easily makes a claim for the award once again, but damn it, Jalen Brunson deserves recognition and some lower-place votes. That's all I'm asking for... Speaking of giving flowers to Jalen Brunson, it's about time a real basketball dis

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 4/14/24

3 Up 1. Gun Control? - Wow. We have somewhat new gun legislation - so it is possible?! Of course, I'm being a bit cheeky in regards to the recent new plan to offer background checks for gun purchases, which really is a big part of the gun control debate. No?  2. Solar Eclipse - I didn't get a chance to experience it, but the idea of it is rather cool. Our world - and universe - is a remarkable experience and thought.  3. Women's Basketball Ratings - The boost continues as women's hoops continue its surge in ratings, interest, and overall star power. It will likely continue next week with the WNBA Draft.  3 Down  1. Iran Missiles on Israel - The entire saga in Gaza continues to get more complex. Throwing Iran into the mix, and now the US intercepting drones and missiles, the entire thing is super sad as innocent people continue to be killed.  2. Tennessee Teachers Carry - Well, just when we thought the gun debate was moving toward a reasonable decision, we get the sta

Exorcising Demons with a Breen "Double Bang!"

These sorts of moments feel like they don't happen to us.  Well, they happen VERY rarely - I'm talking Larry Johnson's 4-point play-rare. Yeah, it's been THAT long.  But watching this New York Knicks team score eight points in less than thirty-five seconds, including a sequence that will forever live in my fandom, sits right with that LJ garden-rocking shot.  I sat on my couch in absolute shock at what I just saw.  "How the hell did they just win that game?!"  It's the kind of moment this fanbase deserves. It's the moment that releases and exorcises some demons that haunt us from the trauma of experiences.  Namely you, Reggie Miller.  I loved it. And the icing on the cake was Mike Breen - Oh, Mike Breen, the loveable man with the most epic voice that has narrated so much of my basketball-loving fandom - with not one, but two signature "Bang!" calls.  I'll never let this one down. Ever.  I'm not sure where this team will wrap up the se