Dome Pondering Movie Review: Fences (2016)

What is it about?

A working-class black man in the 1950's tries to raise and support his family in the 1950's while coming to grips with the events in his life that lead him to this point.

Who is in it?

Denzel Washington - Troy Maxson

Vola Davis - Rose Maxson

Stephen Henderson - Jim Bono

Favorite Scene:

After the differences in characteristics leads to a showdown between Troy and Cory, Troy delivers another series os statements that unveils much of the demons he deals with, and much of the experiences which have lead him to where he is today.

Favorite Quote:

Troy: It's not easy for me to admit that I've been standing in the same place for eighteen years!

Rose: Well, I've been standing with you! I gave eighteen years of my life to stand in the same spot as you!

Review:

I really, really, really - REALLY liked Fences. There are so many ways that I can go in this review of this film. The first one, obviously being the transition of the film from a theatre stage to film. I loved that the film kept much of the true essence of it's art with long scenes and dialogues. And of course, you know you're in for a treat with any film headlined by Denzel and Viola.

For me, Fences is one of the best films I've seen from 2016. From the talent involved, the message sent from the film, and the set design/camera angles, the film really is a gem to see. It's literally a great blend of bringing the theatre to your living space.

As for taking my review into another direction, I will say this - after seeing Machester By the Sea and Fences, I'm not sure how Casey Affleck won Best Actor over Denzel in Fences. I honestly don't even think it's close. Affleck was indeed good, but Denzel was other worldly in his role as Troy Maxson. So, so, good.

Nonetheless, not much else I can say but go out and see Fences. It's worth it.

Grade: 5/5

Recently Read

Dome Pondering Move Review: Say You Will (2017)

What is it about? A recent high school graduate cares for his mother while attempting to navigate his first relationship following his father's suicide. Who is in it? Travis Tope - Sam Nimitz Katherine Hughes - Ellie Vaughn Favorite Scene: [spoiler alert] Sam plays his song for his mom. Favorite Quote: Ellie: "I wish we could have met down the road, maybe when we were like 27." Sam: "I think we needed each other now." Review: Say You Will was an absolutely pleasant surprise of a watch from the Amazon Prime offerings. I wasn't exactly sure what to expect with this one, but after the credits rolled, it was a movie that provided authentic characters and a great lesson on life. We don't always have to have everything figured out, and it's okay if you don't. What makes Say You Will so beautiful is that all of the characters are carrying some inner struggle that connects them in the moment and time that helps them through whatever it is. The unlike...

Remembering Hulkamania

What a complicated mess this news leaves me in. Hulk Hogan. Dead. At 71. I was never a fan of Hogan (in the world of pro wrestling)…I was a Macho Man Randy Savage guy, and later on, a Bret Hart guy (and still am). But like every other wrestling fan from the ’80s through now, Hulk Hogan’s presence and legend are undeniable. Terry Bolea transcended wrestling as Hulk Hogan and helped the art form take its first step into the mainstream of pop culture. He later reinvented the business once again with the greatest heel turn ever at Bash at the Beach 1996. Many have changed the business once, but twice? Significantly?! Hogan’s run as Hulkamania and as Hollywood makes a case for the best to ever do it - I can't think of anyone on such a high level on both sides of the pro wrestling coin as a babyface and heel. Every pro wrestling Mount Rushmore (as dumb as these lists have become) includes Hulk Hogan, period. But Hogan is also so instrumental in my ever-evolving ability to separate...

Dome Pondering Movie Review: Hello, I Must Be Going (2012)

What is it about? A woman moves back in with her parents following a shocking divorce. An unlikely affair with a younger guy revives her life and perspective on marriage. Who is in it? Melanie Lynskey - Amy Christopher Abbott - Jeremy Blythe Danner - Ruth Favorite Scene: Amy's dad, who is often much easier on her than her mom, comes to her bedside and gives her some money. She refuses, then he insists. She then asks, "whose happiness are you buying?" Favorite Quote: Where the f** is 'bottom'? Where the motherf***ing f*** is motherf***ing 'bottom'? Review: Hello, I Must Be Going was an interesting watch. I've always found Melanie Lynskey to be an intriguing actor, and her role in this was just that. What makes this film so interesting is that, going into the film, you believed this would be a film documenting Amy's journey from recent divorcee into...well, wherever it is she goes. The beauty of this film is that Amy's journey was just a public...