Hidden Figures is the story of three female African-American mathematicians that performed a vital role in NASA during the Cold War race to space. Their efforts were instrumental in launching astronaut John Glenn into outer space to orbit Earth.
Taraji Henson (Katherine), Octavia Spencer (Dorothy), Janelle Monae (Mary), Kevin Costner (Al), Kirsten Dunst (Vivian), Jim Parsons (Paul), Mahershala Ali (Col. Jim Johnson), Aldis Hodge (Levi), Glen Powell (John).
Hidden Figures is an interesting tale of three African-American mathematicians working at NASA before the use of computers for calculations. Integral to the U.S. space program, the three faced constant racial inequality in addition to concerns they would become obsolete with the implementation of computers. Add in some romance and family issues and the film ends up being a nicely done biographical drama that explores some of the racial tensions which impacted the early days of NASA.
Acting was pretty good with Henson doing a decent job despite her awkward presentations as a parent. Spencer was enjoyable throughout with good delivery and energy. Monae did fairly well though her energy felt off a couple of times. Costner and Dunst were enjoyable surprises and both did nicely. Ali was solid as always, as was the remainder of the supporting cast.
Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were all well done with a solid, realistic feel. Action scenes were fairly mild but enjoyable and blended well with CGI. Dialogue had nice depth and moved the story along at a good pace. Sound and soundtrack were fitting and fun.
Hidden Figures is an enjoyable film that presents enough history and personal struggle to engage the audience on several levels. The film moves between drama, racial issues, and action of the space program without dwelling extensively which keeps the story moving at a good pace.
With some mild violence presented by newsreel stock footage, and mild foul language, this should be fine for teens and above.
Released: 2016
Reviewed: 11.13.17
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Drama, Drama based on the book, Drama based on real life, Biography, History
copyright ©2017 Dave Riedel
Taraji Henson (Katherine), Octavia Spencer (Dorothy), Janelle Monae (Mary), Kevin Costner (Al), Kirsten Dunst (Vivian), Jim Parsons (Paul), Mahershala Ali (Col. Jim Johnson), Aldis Hodge (Levi), Glen Powell (John).
Hidden Figures is an interesting tale of three African-American mathematicians working at NASA before the use of computers for calculations. Integral to the U.S. space program, the three faced constant racial inequality in addition to concerns they would become obsolete with the implementation of computers. Add in some romance and family issues and the film ends up being a nicely done biographical drama that explores some of the racial tensions which impacted the early days of NASA.
Acting was pretty good with Henson doing a decent job despite her awkward presentations as a parent. Spencer was enjoyable throughout with good delivery and energy. Monae did fairly well though her energy felt off a couple of times. Costner and Dunst were enjoyable surprises and both did nicely. Ali was solid as always, as was the remainder of the supporting cast.
Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were all well done with a solid, realistic feel. Action scenes were fairly mild but enjoyable and blended well with CGI. Dialogue had nice depth and moved the story along at a good pace. Sound and soundtrack were fitting and fun.
Hidden Figures is an enjoyable film that presents enough history and personal struggle to engage the audience on several levels. The film moves between drama, racial issues, and action of the space program without dwelling extensively which keeps the story moving at a good pace.
With some mild violence presented by newsreel stock footage, and mild foul language, this should be fine for teens and above.
Released: 2016
Reviewed: 11.13.17
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Drama, Drama based on the book, Drama based on real life, Biography, History
copyright ©2017 Dave Riedel
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