Dome Pondering

What is it about? A close-knit group of Miami cops discovers a stash of millions in cash that creates distrust among themselves and outsiders.  Who is in it? Matt Damon - Lieutenant Dane Dumars Ben Affleck - Detective Sergeant J.D. Byrne Steven Yeun - Detective Mike Ro Favorite Scene: [spoiler alert] Byrne realizes something isn't right and confronts Dane about the protocol in play.  Favorite Quote: "Don't trust anyone." Review: The Rip is amazing.  Apparently it's based on a true story, which makes it even more compelling for me. Nonetheless, the absolute beauty in this film is that it keeps you guessing whether the characters are protagonists or antagonists, and in moments, as a viewer, you think through making a case for each.  I wish we had a bit more on some of the characters who became key contributors to the closing of the plot. There is a lot that goes into this film, as it is shot very well, as expected from a big-budget Netflix vehicle. The film has its ...

What is it about? A Navy SEAL set out to avenge his wife's murder, only to find himself amidst a much larger international conspiracy.  Who is in it? Michael B. Jordan - John Kelly Jodie Turner-Smith - Karen Greer Jamie Bell - Robert Ritter Favorite Scene:  [spoiler alert] After finally confronting Rykov, the team engages in an all-out confrontation with snipers and local police in an attempt to escape alive.  Favorite Quote: "I'll show them what a pawn can do to a king." Review: I finally watched Without Remorse. Because it's an Amazon original film, I may have taken its availability for granted. During a week I had some time off from the World, I finally watched it, and I wasn't disappointed.  For starters, I'm not a huge Tom Clancy aficionado, so my review is coming from a casual. But I do love a good thriller, especially from that of a rogue government official turned independent spy. Long live Jason Bourne.  Without Remorse, should there be a sequel, ...

What is it about?  A young woman, stumped by laziness, unaccountability, and a lack of guidance, comes of age through an encounter with a closed-off writer.  Who is in it? Grace Van Patten - Lillian Emily Mortimer - Julia Price Favorite Scene: Julia runs into Nate and his new girlfriend.  Favorite Quote: "Lillian, desperate for affirmation, how deep does it go? Review: Good Posture was an impulse add to my "Watch List" on Amazon Prime, and I finally got around to watching.  The film is a mixed bag, ripe for a deep connection through so many opportunities, yet shallow in other areas of character development and plot. Don't get me wrong, Good Posture is a decent film; for the nerds, you'll get "Finding Forrester" vibes but not quite the same impact. Good Posture leaves it up to the imagination regarding the characters, and in some aspects, how they truly connect. There are a lot of subtleties that are unexplained (intentional or not) that do make you wond...

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. COVID Rehashing Obviously, Dr. Anthony Fauci was a huge talking point this week. With that, was the rehashing of COVID and everything that came with it... or something like that.  Look, I'm not getting particularly political on Fauci, as it is very easy to fall into one of the dueling political sides on this. My truth is, I'm not educated enough on the reasons why Fauci was called before Congress. And much of the rhetoric and narratives that are out there - on both sides - don't make sense to me. Not the political kind of sense where the narrative fits the talking point of the party, but more so just truth. All of the narratives from every article and opinion section that I've reviewed make no sense in factual and logical terms.  If I had to take a political stance and respond, i...

I can't say I was excited about SummerSlam heading into the event. Some storylines have moved me, but, much like pro wrestling in 2026, it feels like yet another incomplete creative vehicle (some good, some bad), with the hope that the event itself will overcome the shortcomings of the hype.  Admittedly, WWE could pull this off this weekend with some memorable moments (and outcomes), specifically from the two main title matches and from Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar. Maybe a return or two as well. Chances are, they likely will.  Personally, I have Penta vs. Chad Gable circled. I might be the only one, I know.  Nonetheless, happy SummerSlam weekend, everyone.  --- Random Tidbits Is it me, or were the overall vibes going into this year's SummerSlam just...well, off? I've already cited build, but there was just something else...ah well.  I know attendance is always a discussion point, but 30K+ is still pretty dam impressive for each night.  The stage was VERY impr...

Is it the complexity of the stripes? Or, the remarkableness of the total blend?

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. The Last Decision Just when you think the discussion for "a new face of the NBA" has some legs, LeBron James - at 41 years old - drops a post on X and sends the sports world into chaos. Even at this stage, it's rather amazing to see how many talking pundits and heads make their career off of James, or the James vs. Jordan (tired) debate.  From a basketball standpoint, it's fun. He can still play! Which is widely missed in so many ridiculous takes, for the sake of taking a position on LeBron. I don't blame him at all for trying to win. Isn't that what everyone is trying to do? What's he supposed to do, sign with Sacramento?  Tornado Warnings It feels like we've seen more and more tornadoes as of late around the country, and in rare parts of the United States. I l...

What is it about?  Luke and Kate are coworkers who are close friends, flirt heavily, and have their relationship tested during a weekend away with their significant others.  Who is in it? Olivia Wilde - Kate Jake Johnson - Luke Anna Kendrick - Jill Ron Livingston - Chris Favorite Scene:  [spoiler alert] While attempting to help Kate move, Luke suffers a very bad cut. In that moment, Kate is struck with panic and doesn't help Luke, who needs the assistance.  Favorite Quote:  "You are not allowed to make me feel bad...because I am single and you are not." Review:  Drinking Buddies is not cliché. However, it's also a film that could have used a more resolute or definitive ending.  The relationship of Luke and Kate carries the film, and at times, you think it'll go the obvious way of them finding romance. However, as the film continues, especially near the end, I found myself very much hoping they never do get together. Luke and Kate are exactly that - dri...

Ivy at the Ivy (Princeton University)