Domino: Battle of the Bones is a 2020 American comedy-drama film directed by Baron Davis and Steve Basilone. The movie revolves around Domino Jones, a successful DJ and a gambling addict, who has just received devastating news about her mother. In order to pay for her mother's medical expenses, Domino needs to win a dominoes tournament with her estranged half-sister Lashay. Things, however, do not go as planned with several twists and turns that will keep the audiences glued to their seats.
The movie stars Dimo Alexiev as Domino Jones and Kate Nichols as Lashay. Dimo Alexiev portrays the character of Domino Jones perfectly. She has a bubbly and infectious personality that can light up any room she walks in. However, she also has a history of making poor life choices and gambling away all her money. She is a complex character that struggles to come to terms with her past, present, and future. Kate Nichols, on the other hand, plays Lashay, a straight-laced nurse who is responsible and practical. She is the complete opposite of Domino and has little patience for her shenanigans. However, over the course of the movie, the sisters develop a bond that is deep and meaningful.
Along with Alexiev and Nichols, James Ryan Babson also delivers a memorable performance as Alexis, Domino's childhood friend. Babson's portrayal of Alexis is spot on, and he effortlessly brings a different dimension to the movie. Alexis has harbored feelings for Domino for a long time, and he sees the dominoes tournament as a way to get closer to her. However, his intentions are not entirely self-serving, and he genuinely wants to help his friend.
The movie is set in Compton, California, and the setting plays a significant role in the narrative. The directors have done an excellent job in capturing the essence of the place, and it feels authentic. The movie's soundtrack is also noteworthy and complements the story well.
The crux of the story is the dominoes tournament that Domino and Lashay participate in. The tournament is run by a dominoes legend named Quake, skillfully played by David Arquette. Quake is a flamboyant character that is larger than life, and when he enters the scene, the movie elevates to a whole new level. The tournament is the perfect backdrop for the dramatic tension that builds between the sisters. The stakes are high, and the competition is fierce. There are several memorable scenes in the movie that take place during the tournament, and they keep the audiences on the edge of their seats.
Apart from the dominoes tournament, the movie also explores several themes like family, addiction, and redemption. It delves into the complicated relationship between the two sisters and shows how they come to terms with their shared past. The movie also shows how addiction can ruin lives and how it takes a concerted effort to overcome it. The underlying message of the movie is one of hope and second chances, and it is delivered effectively.
In conclusion, Domino: Battle of the Bones is an engaging and entertaining movie that is worth a watch. The performances by the lead actors are excellent, and the story is compelling. The movie has the perfect balance of drama and comedy, and it will leave the audiences with a smile on their faces. The setting and the soundtrack are also noteworthy, and they add to the movie's overall appeal. The movie is a testament to the fact that sometimes, the most unexpected things can lead to redemption and healing.
Domino: Battle of the Bones is a 2021 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 49 minutes.
It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.4.