Skip to main content

Dome Pondering Movie Review: The Hate U Give (2018)


What is it about? 

After witnessing the fatal shooting of her best friend by a police officer, Starr finds herself in a crossroads in having to find her voice, and stand up for the injustice.

Who is in it? 

Amanda Stenberg - Starr Carter

Regina Hall - Lisa Carter

Russell Hornsby - Maverick Carter

Favorite Scene:

After witnessing their father (Maverick) slammed into the glass and harassed by Police officer, Maverick has his kids line up on the grass upon arriving home, and reminds them to not let anyone silence them.

Favorite Quote: 

Carlos: [solemnly] It's a complicated world

Starr Carter: [dismissive] It's not that complicated

Review:

This was a tough watch for me. Not because The Hate U Give is a terrible movie. In fact, if you watched this film without having read the book, it's fine as is. However, as is the case many times, the film just doesn't capture the beauty and rawness around racism, inequality, injustice, and all of the emotions involved that the book does. All of the characters also just feel incomplete in the movie - particularly that of Chris.

With all of that said, because if we compared films to their book counterparts, we will always have this same conversation. Nonetheless, The Hate U Give (as a film) is tremendous and has various important scenes that can be pulled, unpacked, and discussed for any person searching through issues impacted by race, or for any discussion or classroom looking at inequality.

 All in all, much like Crash, this film will be looked upon for diversity concerns for years to come.

Grade: 3/5

Recent Favorites

Wanting the Alternate Route For Bronny James

Welcome to the NBA, Bronny James!  In what was the worst-kept novelty of a storyline in the sports world in LeBron and Bronny one day gracing the NBA together, we're finally here!  First, congrats to Bronny! Entering the NBA is incredibly difficult, especially more than ever considering its global reach. Regardless, he is now part of the fraternity and amongst the elite in the game. Haters will say what they want, but he's there.  And second, congratulations to LeBron and Savannah James. What will be lost in all of this is that they raised a strong young man who yes, took advantage of his access and genetics, and is now at this point in his life - his ultimate goal. Bronny at the core, had no reason to want this - none. He easily could have rested, relaxed, and enjoyed the spoils of this birth lottery. Instead, he wanted what h knew would be the shadow of a massive legacy - and still did the work. That takes guts.  I commend the kid for not resting on Dad's name and wealth.

Thoughts on First 2024 Presidential Debate

It’s the most unwanted rematch likely in history. Biden vs. Trump What we saw tonight was exactly what many moderates expected and solidified what we didn’t want to say out loud - we have to have better options than these two, no? There isn’t much to say about this debate, especially from this debate nerd. This was the absolute shits in regards to inspiring a nation for an upcoming election season, which in many ways, still resonates with political fatigue from 2020. But you know that, already. You knew that ten minutes into the debate. The two best quotes I’ve come across to wrap up my overall feeling are the following: On one side it’s hell no, and on the other, it’s oh no. It’s who we shouldn’t have be President vs. who we can’t let be President A few more quick thoughts on last night 1st Presidential Debate:  - For me, this format was the biggest positive of the night and a very good baseline for where future political debates need to go. In a world of “takes” and who shouts the lo

2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs Keeps Me Casual on Hockey

It's been a long time since I've talked hockey on this.  Wait! Huh? Come again? Yes, hockey. In fact, the last time I posted anything, I was mesmerized by the 2014 Stanley Cup Finals between the Los Angeles Kings and the New York Rangers.  Fast forward to 2024, and my hockey fandom took another step forward. For years I've been the admitted casual. And you know what, I'm okay with that. Unfortunately, my unconditional love fandom for my New York Knicks presents a conflict that will forever curtail anything serious from happening between hockey and myself.  Nonetheless, I felt like this post-season heightened my hockey fandom to another level. Hockey is amazingly awesome. I very much enjoyed the Stanley Cup Playoffs, caught myself choosing Rangers games over early April Yankees baseball, and overall, found myself playing NHL 24 on the ol' Playstation 4.  Yeah, I fell hard. But before I shelf my spring fling with hockey until April 2025, here are just a few quick pon