Dome Pondering Movie Review: The Normal Heart (2014)

What is it about?

A group of gay activists attempt to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS during the early 1980's.

Who is in it?

Mark Ruffalo - Ned Weeks

Taylor Kitsch - Bruce Niles

Julia Roberts - Dr. Emma Brookner

Favorite Scene:

After weeks of attempting to break through main stream society, Mickey is called back from vacation in what he hopes was a meeting with the Mayor's only to be stood up. He eventually flips out and shares his fears and frustration with Ned and the rest of the group on their overall cause.

Favorite Quote:

"Don't need everybody's love and approval."

Review:

The Normal Heart is a very interesting film. Not one released to theaters, but developed and produced by HBO, the film is engaging, and progresses into a very powerful and thought provoking picture. There are times where The Normal Heart can be a bit graphic and over the top, but you learn that it was meant to describe exactly what was going, and why this group of activist were trying to change the behavior of a few. And even then, there were some scenes that were unnecessarily graphic. Hey, it's HBO.

Where The Normal Heart shines is the acting, specifically Mark Ruffalo. Holy smokes, Ruffalo was absolutely amazing. Terrific. All of those snippets of praise that make the movie reviews. Ruffalo has always been a favorite actor of mine as he's usually very good, and that carries over into a good film. The Normal Heart is no different as Ruffalo killed it in the role of Ned. Can't praise it enough.

If you're able to get through the extremely graphic and sexual scenes, The Normal Heart is a good film that takes you back to when AIDS hit the scene, and it's perspective from the gay community.

Review: 4/5

Recently Read Posts

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 11/20/22

3 Up 1. Bad Bunny - Congratulations (and major breakthrough props) are in order for Bad Bunny who made history with the first Spanish-Language Album of the Year nomination. The dude has been crushing it with major cross-over appeal - and yes, he's a helluva wrestler. 2. Taylor Swift - This could be a down because of the entire Ticketmaster ordeal, but Swift gets the "Up" solely because only she can break Ticketmaster like this. The star power continues to be amazing. 3. FIFA World Cup - Sure, there is plenty of negatives to get into here, but the event itself is amazing. I'm ready to get caught up in it all. 3 Down 1. Iran Protestors - The nation is in political unrest and many protesters being caught are being sentenced to harsh penalties, or worse, death. Just more instability 2. U.S. Mass Shootings - We just continue to give access to individuals who shouldn't have guns. We've become so numb to this. What have we become? Prayers, comfort, and positive

Reaction to Nike's Kaepernick Ad

So in shocking fashion, the juggernaut that is Nike has now backed Colin Kaepernick and all that is, was, and has become, in this on-going dilemma. And of course, has now added a new layer to it all. Interestingly enough, the company fully supports Kap, and has centered the 30th Anniversary of it's "Just Do It" campaign around him, continuing a clear divide of idealism and ridiculousness across the country. And shall I say, even more absurd rhetoric on defining patriotism in the good ol' United States of America. First things, first. If you're new to this blog, I'll catch you up to speed on my stance - I've been with Kap. And no, I'm not "anti-American". But I'm pretty sure you will jump to conclusions and tell me that I am.

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 12/13/20

3 Up 1. Vaccines - Well, it's here. The FDA approved emergency use of multiple vaccines (with more to come) and it now feels like there is a significant light at the end of this dark, scary tunnel. We're not out of it yet as the virus continues to rage, shutdown are pending, and vaccines distribution is sure to be polarizing. But at the very least, there is an answer forthcoming. Continue to stay safe, ya'll. 2. Rashinda Jones at MSNBC - This is small, but it is super cool. Rashida Jones - no, not that Rashida Jones of Ann Perkins...or Karen Filepelli fame - became the first black President of a major news network, taking over at MSNBC. The country needs a new shift in cable news in the worst way, and hopefully Jones can be a part of it. At the very least, it's nice to see the industry having representation at all levels.

Dome Pondering Movie Review: Coco (2018)

What is it about? A little boy aspiring to be a musician is baffled by his family's ban on the art form, thus, enters the land of the dead to find his great-great grandfather to get his blessing. Who is in it? Anthony Gonzalez - Miguel Gael Garcia Bernal - Hector Benjamin Bratt - Ernesto De La Cruz

Dome Pondering

Search This Blog