Skip to main content

Dome Pondering Movie Review: Life in a Year (2020)

What is it about? 

Daryn is an ambitious High School student in pursuit of a Harvard acceptance when he finds out that his girlfriend is dying of cancer. He sets out to give her an entire life of milestones in the last year of life that she has left. 

Who is in it? 

Jaden Smith - Daryn

Cara Delevingne - Isabelle 

Favorite Scene: 

[spoiler alert]

Daryn blows his Harvard meeting and ends up getting into a huge confrontation with his overbearing father. 

Favorite Quote: 

"Living isn't easy. But if you can manage to look past your own fears and everyone else's expectations, the reward is your life"

Review: 

Life in a Year took me by surprise in so many ways. It was an impulse selection and ended up becoming a film that grabbed my undivided attention in the greatest way with a severe pondering hangover. The film carries huge emotions about fear, love, and life. 

The film isn't sappy. It can be a little hokey at times in regard to practicality, but overall, it doesn't ruin the main thread of its message. In the end, regardless, you're left appreciating the journey of both Daryn and Isabelle and most importantly, the beauty and preciousness of life. 

Cara Delevigne was good in the film, but Jaden Smith carries the film. And yes, everything in this movie will bring to light how every move of Jaden on screen reminds you of his dad. 

Grade: 3/5

Recently Read

Quick Ponder: My Island Vibes

I would love to have an island, of all the people,  who brought great vibes to my life - past and present.  My island would be amazing. 

Predictions and Wild Guesses for the 2025 MLB Season

Well, after that off-season where the Dodgers deferred enough money to build the Athletics a new ballpark, it's time for the remaining fanbases who don't have Guggenheim money to hope for the best. Even with Opening Day finally here, it's the only time of the year we can actually pretend everyone has a chance, and hope feels, well, somewhat authentic.  White Sox fans, how are we feeling?  As we do every year around these parts, I'm throwing out some predictions and wild guesses for the upcoming MLB 2025 season.  Good luck, White Sox.  --- STANDINGS (WIN) AL EAST  Yankees - 92 Red Sox - 90 Orioles - 88 Rays - 85 Blue Jays - 82 AL CENTRAL Royals - 90 Tigers - 90 Guardians - 88 Twins - 87 White Sox - 65 AL WEST Rangers - 92 Astros - 92 Athletics - 86 Mariners - 85 Angels - 77 NL EAST Phillies - 94 Mets - 92 Braves - 88 Nationals - 78 Marlins - 75 NL CENTRAL Cubs - 88 Brewers - 88 Reds - 87 Pirates - 83 Cardinals - 80 NL WEST Dodgers - 96 Diamondbacks - 90 Padres - ...

The Madness is Maddening

There is a lot that can be said about the state of college athletics, particularly basketball. NIL has surely shaken the foundation that once grounded college sports for the product that we see today. There is a lot that can be said, and lots of conversations that can be extended for hours of thoughtful dialogue (by the right people).  The current March Madness playing out - on both sides - has plenty of thoughts (and mostly feelings) bouncing around in my mind (and heart).  Just a few:  I really do love how much the Women's game has grown and improved. In various ways, the pureness of the game itself is often more enjoyable than the current men's game.  Despite the growth, the lopsided scores in the first two rounds are evident of a still top-end talent pool. Overall, there is room for growth in talent around the country. The "student-athlete" in this space is on life support. In many ways it's dead.  It's outright sad to see programs that have zero continuit...