Skip to main content

Dome Pondering Movie Review: Monster (2018)

What is it about? 

A young black boy with a bright future experiences his world thrown upside down as he is put on trial for murder. We follow his journey through the complex trial. 

Who is in it? 

Kelvin Harrison Jr. - Steve Harmon 

ASAP Rocky - James King

John David Washington - Richard "Bobo" Evans

Favorite Scene: 

Steve and his lawyer discuss his options after it is apparent that he needs to tell his truth. 

Favorite Quote: 

"You want to know the difference between innocent and guilty? Standing on your own truth."

Review: 

Monster was another "My List" watch from Netflix, and one that I have honestly overlooked for a while. Why? Simply because movies about young black boys who can have their lives upended for no fault of their own, or mere circumstance, can at times feel too close to home for me.

Regardless, I'm glad I allowed myself to be immersed in this story because Monster is a film that encapsulates so much within our society. The young black kid who is talented comes from a good home and has a bright future stereotyped and judged. The innocence of kids and the neighborhoods of strife. And a system that doesn't do much for them in due process. 

The label of calling the suspects "Monsters" based on nothing more than allegations is a provoking point for the film. 

The best part about the film are the flashbacks mixed with the narration from Steve.

Kelvin Harrison - first time seeing him in anything - was really good. And let's give ASAP Rocky his due as well - very believable. 

A good film if you want to feel, and have some inner discussion on the real world. 

Grade: 3/5

Labels:

Recently Read

Dome Pondering Move Review: Say You Will (2017)

What is it about? A recent high school graduate cares for his mother while attempting to navigate his first relationship following his father's suicide.  Who is in it? Travis Tope - Sam Nimitz Katherine Hughes - Ellie Vaughn Favorite Scene: [spoiler alert] Sam plays his song for his mom. Favorite Quote: Ellie: "I wish we could have met down the road, maybe when we were like 27." Sam: "I think we needed each other now." Review:  Say You Will was an absolutely pleasant surprise of a watch from the Amazon Prime offerings.  I wasn't exactly sure what to expect with this one, but after the credits rolled, it was a movie that provided authentic characters and a great lesson on life. We don't always have to have everything figured out, and it's okay if you don't.  What makes Say You Will so beautiful is that all of the characters are carrying some inner struggle that connects them in the moment and time that helps them through whatever it is. The unlike...
Read more

TNA Slammiversary 2025 Review: "One of the best TNA shows that I've ever attended"

One of the best TNA shows that I've ever attended.  That has been the bottom line regarding my immediate my thoughts on TNA Slammiversary 2025 since it my son and I walked away from UBS Arena. I attended the - the - record-breaking show for the company this past weekend in Long Island, NY, and it brought back so many feelings that I had for this company in the past, as well as created new ones in the process.  I've been fortunate enough to attend many TNA shows throughout the company's existence, including all the turbulent years. From barns, small theaters, convention halls, and historic, but smaller, venues like the Manhattan Center, there was a very surreal aura about sitting in an area for a TNA show.  In the words of Real1 (who made an appearance on the Countdown to Slammiversary)... Well, well, well...whatta we got here!  For this long-time fan, the aura and environment were pretty cool. Being part of a record-breaking night was pretty cool. Sharing that momen...
Read more

Remembering Hulkamania

What a complicated mess this news leaves me in. Hulk Hogan. Dead. At 71. I was never a fan of Hogan (in the world of pro wrestling)…I was a Macho Man Randy Savage guy, and later on, a Bret Hart guy (and still am). But like every other wrestling fan from the ’80s through now, Hulk Hogan’s presence and legend are undeniable.  Terry Bolea transcended wrestling as Hulk Hogan and helped the art form take its first step into the mainstream of pop culture.  He later reinvented the business once again with the greatest heel turn ever at Bash at the Beach 1996. Many have changed the business once, but twice? Significantly?! Hogan’s run as Hulkamania and as Hollywood makes a case for the best to ever do it - I can't think of anyone on such a high level on both sides of the pro wrestling coin as a babyface and heel. Every pro wrestling Mount Rushmore (as dumb as these lists have become) includes Hulk Hogan, period. But Hogan is also so instrumental in my ever-evolving ability to separate...
Read more