Skip to main content

Dome Pondering Movie Review: Short Term 12 (2013)

What is it about? 

A young member of a residential treatment facility juggles the issues and concerns of that world alongside the personal occurrences and struggles of her own.

Who is in it? 

Brie Larson - Grace

John Gallagher Jr. - Mason

Favorite Scene: 

After the issue facing Jayden forces her to deal with her own problems, Grace takes off for Jayden Dad's house in hopes of saving her, all while restraining from taking out her own issues in the situation. 

Favorite Quote: 

Sammy: Can we play Big and Small?
Grace: Is that a real game, or is that a game you just made up?
Sammy: It's a real game that I just made up.

Review: 

In selecting this film, I did what I'm sure many people have done on a weeknight, flipped through some films on Netflix and came across this hidden gem of a film. Of course, I cross referenced it with IMDB, Rotten Tomatoes, etc...and decided to give it a go. Boy, am I glad I did! I'm not sure what it is with me and indie films, possibly the raw emotion and simplicity, or just the development of the characters, but Short Term 12 was really, really, good. 

What hooked me is exactly what I said above, the depth of the characters and the life issue it brings to a front when it comes to "underprivileged" kids (love how the movie attacks this term), foster children, and many other issues we vilify children with. In Short Term 12, there really aren't any heroes or any coming of age stories, just a lot people dealing with real life issues, and how they are all connected to a deeper meaning of the baggage we carry. 

Brie Larson was absolutely fantastic in her role as Grace, and it's a character you find yourself rooting for because of her connection with the kids, as well as the inner struggles she carries from her relationship with her dad. 

Short Term 12 is a fantastic film that is absolutely worth the watch, especially considering the 90 minute running time. 

Grade: 4/5 

Recent Favorites

Dome Pondering Movie Review: The Incredibles 2 (2018)

What is it about? The Parr family returns to take on a new mission which involves a change in family roles as well as a new villain. Who is in it? Craig T. Nelson - Bob Parr/Mr. Incredible Holly Hunter - Helen Parr/Elastagirl Sarah Powell - Violet Parr Favorite Scene: After trying to contain Jack-Jack, his constant battle with a backyard rodent opens up the family to the multitude of powers that he possesses, or even, can develop. Favorite Quote: "If you wanna get out of the hole, first you gotta put down the shovel." Review: Like many, I LOVED the original Incredibles film. And yes, I too was annoyed whenever a sequel wasn't announced. After all, there were many franchises that debuted, got a sequel, and even moved straight to release on their third installment before our lovable heroic family got their turn! But I digress... Nonetheless, it finally arrived. And if I'm being honest, The Incredibles 2 was good. It just wasn't what I wa

AEW All IN: London (2023) Review: "This large of a crowd for an event that wasn't the WWE!"

I'm obviously registering these thoughts incredibly late, but such is the current state of pro wrestling right now - there is just so much going on, and so much to enjoy. It's a great time to be a fan, regardless of where your tribalism fandom falls - if you carry such allegiances.  I'm sure no matter what product you find entertaining, you circled AEW's All In event from Wembley Stadium as a must-watch. I don't care about someone else's "take" on the attendance total - I couldn't care less if it was the record for a pro wrestling event or not - what AEW was able to accomplish is absolutely amazing! Four years in, and the company produced an event on the levels of Wrestlemania in terms of attendance and business - that's damn impressive! Tony Khan and the entire company deserve loads of credit for taking that leap because it very much could have failed. They took a chance, and absolutely delivered (and so much more), and proved there is a subs

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 9/10/23

3 Up 1. Coco Gauf & Novak Djokovic - The US Open wrapped up this weekend and tennis crowned some deserving champions. Djokovic continues to add to a remarkable career with his 24th (!!) grand slam title win. And of course, Coco Gauff won over America with her win. It's impressive to see the effect that the Williams sisters have had on tennis - wow. Looking forward to seeing the star Gauff will become.  2. Olivia Rodrigo - Her first album was fire. Even this late-thirties male enjoyed it. The sophomore album is always the toughest and Rodrigo apparently (haven't listened to it myself, yet) dropped an absolute banger in "Guts". So much so, that it broke records for debut stream with over 60 million streams!  3. Deion Sanders - There's way to much dialogue around Sanders that isn't needed. Here is what it boils down to for me - Sanders took over a program that was 1-11. He brought in 80+ players. His team is currently 2-0, including victories over a ranked op