Skip to main content

Dome Pondering Movie Review: The Edge of Seventeen (2016)


What is it about? 

A young girl struggles with the idea of her best friend and her brother dating, all while dealing with the issues of being a teenager. 

Who is in it? 

Hailee Steinfeld - Nadine

Haley Lu Richardson - Krista

Blake Jenner - Darian

Woody Harrelson - Mr. Bruner

Favorite Scene: 

After losing Krista to her brother and realizing she has no other friends, Nadine spends lunch in the room with Mr. Bruner which leads to some pretty funny back-and-forth dialogue. 

Favorite Quote: 

"Life's about taking risks. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there."

Review: 

Edge of Seventeen is a very funny film. As the title and trailer gives away, this is a film that anyone can relate to during their adolescent years. But also, it's a a film that anyone, of any age, can relate to. After all, we all deal with the fear of being alone, and being self-conscious. That never goes away. 

What makes Edge of Seventeen worth the watch is not the typical coming of age plot, but really, the essence and realness of it. And quite frankly, the work of Hailee Steinfeld. This was my first time seeing her work (I haven't seen Pitch Perfect 2), and she outright carries this film. From her obnoxious teenage moments, to the moments where you feel for her. 

And of course, there is Woody Harrelson, who plays Mr. Bruner and has some awesome scenes with Steinfeld that just make this film. 

All in all, Edge of Seventeen isn't going to bring home any Oscars or change your life, but it is a good film, with some really funny moments that is all around entertaining. 

Again, definitely worth a watch. 

Grade: 3/5

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"...

Knicks Back in ECF Causing Catharsis

I've certainly shared my emotions and thoughts regarding the New York Knicks on this site over the years. There have been plenty of those to sort through - most of them are rants. Tonight, the New York Knicks ultimately destroyed the Boston Celtics in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals, 119-81. I sat on my couch, afraid to allow myself to feel joy until that final buzzer. As a Knicks fan, I've been through too much to allow myself to do anything else, to make any assumption, until it was final. Until it was confirmed. Until something couldn't fall through...the way we're used to.  Once it was final, it was unreal.  The New York Knicks are in the Eastern Conference Finals. For the first time since 2000.  I was 15 years old the last time that happened. And that was a run with a squad that I consider (still) to be my favorite Knicks team of all-time.  I sat on my couch with all sorts of feelings. My wife was likely trying to understand the moment. My son, exci...