Skip to main content

Dome Pondering Movie Review: Little Boxes (2016)


What is it about?

An interracial family deals with the effects of leaving New York City and moving to a Washington state suburb. 

Who is in it? 

Melanie Lynskey - Gina

Nelsan Ellis - Mack

Armani Jackson - Clark

Favorite Scene: After much of their problems come to a head, Gina and Mack have a serious discussion on the root of what is bothering them in their new and challenging environment. 

Favorite Quote:

"I'm tired of being the pale third wheel to the both of you" 

Review:

Little Boxes is a whole lot of complication. Really, the movie is OK - it really is. It's very slow moving, with a low arcing storyline with a message that may not resonate with everyone, especially if you cannot relate. Or, there might be some truths (specifically about suburb life) that may welcoming for some. 

Regardless, if by some chance you are within that circle that can relate, or you enjoy social justice and the diversity spectrum,  Little Boxes presents a very thought provoking discussion on the challenges of interracial families, and living in sections of America still wrapped up in white privilege. 

Depending on where you within these circles, this movie may be for you. 

Overall, it's a decent film. Nothing crazy, but surely an interesting watch. 

Grade: 2.5/5

Recent Favorites

2024 NBA All-Star Weekend Thoughts

There's something wrong with the All-Star Game.  Yeah, we've definitely had this conversation before. Expect to pick up this very discussion (again) in July when Major League Baseball has their version in the "Mid-Summer Classic" when it is the ONLY current topic to bounce around in the stratosphere of sports discourse.  What's wrong with the All-Star Game?!  I'm not dismissing the obvious - yes, the NBA All-Star Game is very much at an alarming point of necessary refinement and change - evaluation is needed. What we saw on Sunday night was not disappointing, but outright embarrassing. Also yes, gone are the days when the game flooded your television screen at a respectable 6:30pm on NBC, and you were wowed by the athleticism and star power of the first half of the game, and treated to what felt like the world's best players playing pickup basketball on the grandest stage.  Now? Not so much. So yeah, we got the message. The outrage - and shock TV and hot t

Dome Pondering Movie Review: The After (2023)

What is it about? In a short film, a grieving man confronts his past when he comes face-to-face with a passenger.  Who is in it? David Oyelowo - Dayo Jessica Plummer - Amanda Amelie Dokubo - Laura  Favorite Scene: It's an extremely short film, so...the final few moments.  Favorite Quote:  None. (not much dialogue) Review: This eighteen-minute masterpiece is amazing. You're absolutely taken on this ride of emotions that ultimately leaves you with a great realization of questioning what we value in life.  The lead character, in eighteen minutes, is powerful. His grief is carried through the film, exploding at the end. It very much leaves the viewer with so many questions - what was his life before the tragedy? What was his life after that moment? Did he ever reconnect with that family? Did he rediscover happiness?  Again, a very, VERY, powerful eighteen minutes that will jolt the heart, mind, and soul about life, what is important, and what we overvalue in its place.  Grade: 4/5

Quick Ponder: Daily Armor

Imagine, if we can see the dents and scratches, the smashes and chaos,  on the daily armor, each of us put on. Just imagine.