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 

Recently Read

The Madness is Maddening

There is a lot that can be said about the state of college athletics, particularly basketball. NIL has surely shaken the foundation that once grounded college sports for the product that we see today. There is a lot that can be said, and lots of conversations that can be extended for hours of thoughtful dialogue (by the right people).  The current March Madness playing out - on both sides - has plenty of thoughts (and mostly feelings) bouncing around in my mind (and heart).  Just a few:  I really do love how much the Women's game has grown and improved. In various ways, the pureness of the game itself is often more enjoyable than the current men's game.  Despite the growth, the lopsided scores in the first two rounds are evident of a still top-end talent pool. Overall, there is room for growth in talent around the country. The "student-athlete" in this space is on life support. In many ways it's dead.  It's outright sad to see programs that have zero continuit...

Quick Ponder: My Island Vibes

I would love to have an island, of all the people,  who brought great vibes to my life - past and present.  My island would be amazing. 

Predictions and Wild Guesses for the 2025 MLB Season

Well, after that off-season where the Dodgers deferred enough money to build the Athletics a new ballpark, it's time for the remaining fanbases who don't have Guggenheim money to hope for the best. Even with Opening Day finally here, it's the only time of the year we can actually pretend everyone has a chance, and hope feels, well, somewhat authentic.  White Sox fans, how are we feeling?  As we do every year around these parts, I'm throwing out some predictions and wild guesses for the upcoming MLB 2025 season.  Good luck, White Sox.  --- STANDINGS (WIN) AL EAST  Yankees - 92 Red Sox - 90 Orioles - 88 Rays - 85 Blue Jays - 82 AL CENTRAL Royals - 90 Tigers - 90 Guardians - 88 Twins - 87 White Sox - 65 AL WEST Rangers - 92 Astros - 92 Athletics - 86 Mariners - 85 Angels - 77 NL EAST Phillies - 94 Mets - 92 Braves - 88 Nationals - 78 Marlins - 75 NL CENTRAL Cubs - 88 Brewers - 88 Reds - 87 Pirates - 83 Cardinals - 80 NL WEST Dodgers - 96 Diamondbacks - 90 Padres - ...