Dome Pondering Movie Review: Life Itself (2018)

Who is in it?

The happenstance and journey of a young New York City couple cause a reverberation of several instances and effects that echos and effects several others through various generations.

What is it about?

Oscar Isaac - Will

Olivia Wilde - Abby

Olivia Cooke - Dylan

Sergio Peris-Mencheta - Javier Gonzalez

Laia Costa - Isabel Diaz

Antonio Banderas - Mr. Saccione

Favorite Scene:

The alternate scene from the original bedroom scene between Will and Abby shows a different version of what happened with the exact words used, just a different tone - indicating that life itself isn't the greatest narrator, and we all have our own versions of a story that is possibly part of a bigger story.

Favorite Quote:

"I crave a happy life, grandpa. I have an almost desperate craving for stability and happiness like fat people crave chocolate or lost hikers crave rescue. I want to live a big, great, fantastical life, but I am concerned that the tragedy that seems to follow me, the tragedy that birthed me will prevent that from ever happening."

Review:

Life Itself was an impulse watch in my basement while working out. You know, the typical "suggestion" from Amazon's creepy intelligence on your interests. I gave the mega big brother some more data agreeing to the film with interest, but initially as soft background noise if needed during my workout and minimal focus for entertainment. What I got was something much more towards the end in a film that served its purpose for my workout, but also, as a highly intriguing message from a decent film.

The main takeaway from this film is the thoughtfulness of life and the question of whether we are painting our own narration and story, the idea of our contribution being that of a hero or a villain, and whether we are possibly playing a smaller part of something much larger. Pretty much, life can be terrible, wonderful, and complicated, yet, beautiful all at the same time.

I know, I know...deep stuff. But the movie does a pretty good job of explaining and offering this up.

The movie does hit a weird turn in Chapter four, at times which feels like a complete turn away from Chapters one and two, but in the end, it does come nicely together.

Oscar Isaac was absolutely great in his limited role.

Life Itself is definitely much more than just background filler - definitely go out of your way to check it out. Go ahead, and give it a chance, it will not disappoint.

Grade: 3/5

Recently Read Posts

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 12/11/22

3 Up 1. Protection of Same-Sex Marriage - Well, what do you know? Our elected officials CAN work together to get important policies completed that accurately and democratically represent the people. Cynicism aside, it's good to see this bill get passed. Imagine the huge step back that this would have been. 2. Britney Griner Home - I honestly don't care about the politics around this story. Griner needed to come home. And I'm glad she finally is. 3. Impact Wrestling Main Event - Everything that was "Speedball" Mike Bailey vs. "The Walking Weapon" Josh Alexander on this week's episode of Impact Wrestling was what makes pro wrestling so great. Both guys put on a classic that lasted almost an hour, and it was one of the best matches I've enjoyed in a long time. Kudos to both men. 3 Down 1. Grant Wahl - It's the kind of story that is super emotional for the following reasons: 1) Wahl was the premiere journalist in the soccer real; 2) Wahl was be

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 11/20/22

3 Up 1. Bad Bunny - Congratulations (and major breakthrough props) are in order for Bad Bunny who made history with the first Spanish-Language Album of the Year nomination. The dude has been crushing it with major cross-over appeal - and yes, he's a helluva wrestler. 2. Taylor Swift - This could be a down because of the entire Ticketmaster ordeal, but Swift gets the "Up" solely because only she can break Ticketmaster like this. The star power continues to be amazing. 3. FIFA World Cup - Sure, there is plenty of negatives to get into here, but the event itself is amazing. I'm ready to get caught up in it all. 3 Down 1. Iran Protestors - The nation is in political unrest and many protesters being caught are being sentenced to harsh penalties, or worse, death. Just more instability 2. U.S. Mass Shootings - We just continue to give access to individuals who shouldn't have guns. We've become so numb to this. What have we become? Prayers, comfort, and positive

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 1/15/23

3 Up 1. Healthcare Debt Removed from Credit Score - This is a small win in a direction that just seems, well...reasonable. Healthcare is expensive and not exactly the fault of an individual's ability to handle their finances responsibly. The subtle change (with restrictions) is a nice addition that ought to help many battling health issues, yet not derail their entire personal life. 2. Alyssa Thompson - The teenage phenom comes off gaining some International play but becoming the first overall pick in the NWSL. Thompson's future is SO bright, and this should be part of that narrative when we marvel at her journey. 3. Ozone Layer Recovery - For years, as a kid, I remember hearing that "we were constantly damaging the Ozone layer". Many thanks to Captain Planet and the Planeteers for that insight. I'm glad to see there has been some progress there. 3 Down 1. Brazil Democracy - It's a shame to see politicians around the world pull from our history with senti

Dome Pondering - 2022 Year in Review

What a wildly, polarizing year that was 2022. Sure, as we close the year, 2020 feels like a decade ago, and "pandemic life" seems like a time that is difficult to remember (or understand). Yet, no matter how much we attempt to pull away, the awfulness of 2020 and all of its impact has left us in 2022 unpacking from it, cleaning up after it, restoring ourselves after it, and/or learning to deal with lingering leftovers as we move forward. 2022 was the perfect bundle of reflection and renewal. For good, bad, excellent, and worse. Before jumping into this year's Year in Review, I want to THANK YOU , the continued reader of this blog and this eighteenth edition (!) of the Dome Pondering - Year in Review. It is not lost on me that my contribution to this site has slowed down (as such is life), and of course, the world consumes content in a much different (and some would say easier, but not better) way. Yet, after all of these years, it's still pretty damn cool to see th

Dome Pondering

Search This Blog