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

Would You Rather: Questions 121-130

This edition of "Would You Rather" is credited to the NBA Would You Rather NBA Account on Instagram ( See Here ). Adding to the fun, this edition (and possibly future ones) are all NBA basketball questions.  121. Who would you rather have on your favorite NBA team - Giannis Antetokounpo or James Harden?  Seeing how I'm a lifelong suffering Knicks fan, the thought of any of these guys in blue and orange is hard to believe. With that said, I'm taking the Greek Freak for this reason - I enjoy watching him play a bit more. Nothing against Harden who is amazing as well, but at times, the ball sticks and that isn't always fun. Plus, I feel like we haven't yet seen a finished Giannis. 122. Would you rather have Giannis Antetokounpo with no driving ability or James Harden with no Three-Point shooting ability?  This is definitely a weird and unique one, but I'll take Harden. Giannis without his strength doesn't offer much. However, if Harden's d...
Read more

Yankees Postseason 2026, ALDS vs. Rays

This is easily the most anticipated series (and most expected?) for the New York Yankees. The two best teams during the regular season were expected to clash to determine American League prominence.  And yes, I agree that this upcoming series says a lot about the broken playoff structure in MLB. Allow me to step onto my soapbox for a mere moment... Up we go... I've never been a fan of the expansion to six teams per league. I understand that it keeps more markets in the playoff picture come September, and it is more revenue for all (likely, the biggest reason for the expansion). Still, all it did was create a scenario where division winners were at a disadvantage, and what we're getting here is the two best teams in the league facing off in a five-game series.  Ultimately, the Tampa Bay Rays, the top seed in the American League, are given the second-best record in their first-round, in a best-of-five?  None of this makes sense.  Stepping off now... Nonetheless, fellow...
Read more

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 9/13/26

The Sunday Sundown Rundown (formerly in the format of "3 Up and 3 Down") is where I share thoughts on three topics that piqued my interest, along with my favorite photo from the week. 25th Anniversary of 9/11 It is sort of hard to imagine that it has been twenty-five years since that awful day. It's been fifteen years since I've shared my experience as a High Schooler in Brooklyn, NY , and everything that came with that day (and the many to follow afterwards).  The world changed, and to this day, it still feels hard to grasp what happened (and what transpired with the health of so many afterwards). The lives lost, and the damage done. My son learned about 9/11, and his questions around it ignite some of that struggle with thought around it.  Daddy, how did they get the planes?  Did the building just, like, fall over?  On this 25th anniversary, it is even more concerning to see how the day is also politicized and sometimes weaponized in culture wars. I remember Americ...
Read more