Skip to main content

Dome Pondering Movie Review: Grandma (2015)

What is it about? 

A teenager facing an unplanned pregnancy seeks help from her bold Grandmother who eventually must face some of her past issues in order to help her daughter. 

Who is in it? 

Lily Tomlin - Elle

Julia Garner - Sage

Judy Greer - Olivia


Favorite Scene: 

After going to  an establishment that Elle figured used to be an old abortion clinic, now a coffee shop, she throws a tantrum inside of the coffee shop, forcing the manager to throw her out. 

Favorite Quote: 

"I like being old, young people are stupid."

"I don't have an anger problem, I have an a--hole problem. I get angry when I have to deal with a--holes."

Review: 

Grandma is such an interesting movie. On the surface and from the trailer, it looks like a film that uses age and the idea of an "older" character who is bold and full of character for cheap humor and entertainment. However, as the film moves, you learn that the film has a deeper meaning in regards to life and the past we all have. 

The character of Elle is fantastic, and quite frankly, Lily Tomlin is tremendous in this role. The character will make you laugh, and at times, feel sorry for her. There are also many other parts of the film that touch on women's issues which may have not connected with me for obvious reasons.

The film is tremendously short at one hour and nineteen minutes, and is a very interesting watch should you find it. Not exactly a bad one, or a great one, but surely a unique film. 

Grade: 2.75/5

Recently Read

Quick Ponder: Future Self

We always think,  what would we say  to our  younger self? However,  what would  our younger self say  if they met us, today?

Knicks Trauma - Ugh Not Again

Well, that was a kick in the stomach.  Coming off a week where the word "catharsis" was used as the description for the euphoria and release of joy from two and a half decades of suffering, Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers brought about another word - trauma.  Watching the Knicks collapse was the kind of moments that come with these deep runs and moments. NBA Playoff basketball will do that. Yet, this loss - this one - feels about as bad as the 2004 ALCS when the Yankees collapsed in the series to the Boston Red Sox.  That one carries some serious trauma. Luckily, the series isn't over.  Some other quick thoughts from this awful, awful night, New York Knicks Basketball.  - Not to conjure up hyperbole, or even contribute to "hot take" sports reaction culture - but this might have been the worst loss in Knicks franchise history. I cannot think of another in my lifetime, or historically.  - Tyrese Haliburton's "choke"...

Turning 40 - Grateful and Renewed

I became a forty-year-old individual yesterday.  The milestone is very significant for many and has its societal measures and benchmarks that carry some fear for those approaching its gates. Regardless of approach, turning 40 is filled with reflection, pondering (of course), and preparation for what should be a "new" stage of life. A life stage centered around "transitioning" into a stage seen as the "pre-senior" years.  Sure. Whatever.  I won't disagree that the new "4" digit that sits in front of your age feels encompassing even without understanding completely. Yet, as I stated last year when I turned 39 (going into my 40th year on this earth), I was ready for it. Ready for 40. Today, oddly enough, I am not filled with profound life lessons, ponderings, or reflections.  I sit here, punching the keys, filled with gratitude. I am 40, and I love it.   I carry my baggage of life and bear scars from it at 40. I am grateful for so many experien...