Skip to main content

Dome Pondering Movie Review: Don't Look Up (2021)


What is it about?

Two astronomers discover a meteor that is projected to smash into Earth and attempt to warn the world of the impending doom. The attempt leads to a giant media tour and various societal hurdles. 

Who is in it?

Leonardo DiCaprio - Dr. Randall Mindy

Jennifer Lawrence - Kate Dibiasky

Meryl Streep - President Orlean

Cate Blanchett - Brie Evantee

Favorite Scene:

The initial scene of Randall and Kate meeting President Orlean in the Oval Office. 

Favorite Quote:

We really did have everything, didn't we? I mean, when you think about it.

Review:

Don't Look Up has been on "My List" for a long time. I finally got around to watching it and it very much lived up to the hype. The film is funny, with lots of talent, and of course, carries a profound and thoughtful outlook on life.

The overall concept of a meteor hitting Earth is drastic, but it's the silly, yet, very real outlook of everyone being concerned with everything else that makes the film so profound. This is especially the case as we all live on our phones, television, and various screens - essentially never looking up at life in front of us. 

Of course, the film is LOADED with stars. The film doesn't miss when it comes to quality performances. From Meryl Streep's role as the wacky President; Cate Blanchett, and Tyler Perry playing the aloof news anchors; Jonah Hill bringing many laughs as the Oval Office CFO; and even the film leads in Lawrence and DiCaprio as the nerdy scientists - this film doesn't miss much.

Definitely give this a watch if you haven't already. In a post-pandemic world, it's certainly worth the laughter and message. 

Grade: 3.5/5

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?

Turning 40 - Grateful and Renewed

I became a forty-year-old individual yesterday.  The milestone is very significant for many and has its societal measures and benchmarks that carry some fear for those approaching its gates. Regardless of approach, turning 40 is filled with reflection, pondering (of course), and preparation for what should be a "new" stage of life. A life stage centered around "transitioning" into a stage seen as the "pre-senior" years.  Sure. Whatever.  I won't disagree that the new "4" digit that sits in front of your age feels encompassing even without understanding completely. Yet, as I stated last year when I turned 39 (going into my 40th year on this earth), I was ready for it. Ready for 40. Today, oddly enough, I am not filled with profound life lessons, ponderings, or reflections.  I sit here, punching the keys, filled with gratitude. I am 40, and I love it.   I carry my baggage of life and bear scars from it at 40. I am grateful for so many experien...

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"...