Skip to main content

Dome Pondering Movie Review: The Spectacular Now (2013)

What is it about?

A hard partying high school senior has his philosophy on life change when he meets an unexpected girl who isn't exactly his type.

Who is in it?

Miles Teller - Sutter

Shailene Woodley - Aimee

Brie Larson - Cassidy

Kyle Chandler - Tommy

Favorite Scene:

After learning the truth about his father, Sutter sits in his car staring at the father who he defended and eagerly aniticipated meeting. His father continues to drink with friends, completely forgetting his obligation to Sutter and Aimee.

Favorite Quote:

"The best thing about now, is that there's another one tomorrow."

Review:

The Spectacular Now is really a profound film. It's one with the simplest of plots, you know, Person A meeting unexpected Person B, both changing their lives forever. Yet, the art, dialogue, and essence of the Spectacular Now sets it apart. I guess that's the difference in independent and big budget films, indy films have to rely on art and true creativity. Just bloggin'. 

Miles Teller was acceptable in his role, but Shailene Wodley as the loving, caring, "Aimee", was authentic and heartfelt. And of course, a huge shout out to the Friday Night Lights alumni (you knew that was coming, right?) in Kyle Chandler, whose performance really moved the film along in his short stint.

Really, this film presents the innocence, fears, and struggles of life as a teenager that hasn't been captured since John Hughes and his epic films. A time period we all can share and relate to, and quite frankly still apply today. The Spectacular Now leaves you with a life lesson about the struggle of living in the moment versus preparing for an unexpected future and how both play out in our lives. 

Al in all, a really solid film. Not epic, but simply solid and very much worth the 95 minute run time. 

Review: 3/5

Recent Favorites

DP Review of the Alternate Knicks Orange Jersey

One of the good aspects about having a blog and being truthful and honest about it, is the hindsight thought process it provides. DP devotees already know how much I love my New York Knicks, and how excited I was about their new jerseys last year. It was a new look that was desperately needed ( DP Review On Knicks New Uniforms ).  In reviewing those jerseys last year, I had the following comments in regards to then-rumors regarding the addition of an alternative orange jersey for the Knicks and overall NBA changes to the Christmas Day special jerseys:  "As long as we do not add an "alternative jersey" (I read rumors of an orange one - woof!) (and the league-wide Spanish jerseys are fine). And please, please - PLEASE - let's finally do away with the awful green jerseys we feel the need to wear on Christmas and St. Patrick's day! Pretty please!"

Quick Ponder: Daily Armor

Imagine, if we can see the dents and scratches, the smashes and chaos,  on the daily armor, each of us put on. Just imagine. 

Predictions and Wild Guesses for the 2024 MLB Season

Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports After an off-season where the Los Angeles Dodgers spent the equivalent of a nation's GDP to acquire talent - I'm not sure if that's factual, but it felt like it - the 2024 MLB Season is finally here.  Sure, this Yankees fan is not just annoyed with the big spending of the Dodgers, but yeah, secretly envious as well. That used to be us, man!  Regardless, baseball is back on the docket. While my beloved New York Knicks have my attention and all of my heart, including what has been a fun March Madness period for men's and women's basketball, it's soothing to have baseball back. I can't explain what it is, but baseball just does that for me.  Nonetheless, let's do what we do in this post every year. Here are my wacky predictions and wild guesses for the 2024 season.  --- STANDINGS (WINS) AL EAST Orioles - 93 Yankees - 90 Blue Jays - 85 Red Sox - 82 Rays - 80 AL CENTRAL Twins - 88 Tigers - 86 Guardians - 81 Royals - 70 White Sox -