Based on the book by James R. Hansen, First Man tells the story of the Apollo 11 mission from the perspective of Neil Armstrong. The struggles of Neil, his family, and even the country are expressed in this engaging biopic.
Ryan Gosling (Neil), Claire Foy (Janet), Jason Clarke (Ed), Kyle Chandler (Deke), Corey Stoll (Buzz), Patrick Fugit (Elliot), Christopher Abbott (Dave), Ciaran Hinds (Gilruth), Pablo Schreiber (James), Shea Whigham (Gus).
First Man is the story of the Apollo 11 mission and moon landing told from the perspective of Neil Armstrong. While there is a fair amount of depth here around the effort to get to the moon, this film really is more about Neil and the impact on his family. The story is well told, while also being surprising. The impression the film gives is that Neil was somewhat disconnected from his family, and others. It would seem he had little sense of humor or social skills. Not at all what we would have expected for someone in his position.
Acting was good here for the most part. Gosling felt a bit dry and lacking emotion in an emotional role, but that may have been intentional. Foy was solid, delivered well, and seemed to work well with Gosling and others. Clarke was good, as was Chandler and Stoll in his more antagonistic role which was another surprise. The remainder of the cast was solid and enjoyable.
Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were all very well done with nice use of archive footage and CGI. Effects were well done leaving the film feeling very solid and realistic. Dialogue was good and explained events well. Sound and soundtrack are enjoyable.
Overall First Man is an enjoyable flick, if you engage with the understanding it is a biopic. It is the story of the first man to walk on the moon from his perspective rather than being about political or technical struggles, or even the emotion of the mission.
With some foul language and a scene with blood, this should be fine for teens and above.
Released: 2018
Reviewed: 6.6.20
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Drama, History, Biography, Dramas based on Books, Biopics
copyright ©2020 Dave Riedel
Ryan Gosling (Neil), Claire Foy (Janet), Jason Clarke (Ed), Kyle Chandler (Deke), Corey Stoll (Buzz), Patrick Fugit (Elliot), Christopher Abbott (Dave), Ciaran Hinds (Gilruth), Pablo Schreiber (James), Shea Whigham (Gus).
First Man is the story of the Apollo 11 mission and moon landing told from the perspective of Neil Armstrong. While there is a fair amount of depth here around the effort to get to the moon, this film really is more about Neil and the impact on his family. The story is well told, while also being surprising. The impression the film gives is that Neil was somewhat disconnected from his family, and others. It would seem he had little sense of humor or social skills. Not at all what we would have expected for someone in his position.
Acting was good here for the most part. Gosling felt a bit dry and lacking emotion in an emotional role, but that may have been intentional. Foy was solid, delivered well, and seemed to work well with Gosling and others. Clarke was good, as was Chandler and Stoll in his more antagonistic role which was another surprise. The remainder of the cast was solid and enjoyable.
Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were all very well done with nice use of archive footage and CGI. Effects were well done leaving the film feeling very solid and realistic. Dialogue was good and explained events well. Sound and soundtrack are enjoyable.
Overall First Man is an enjoyable flick, if you engage with the understanding it is a biopic. It is the story of the first man to walk on the moon from his perspective rather than being about political or technical struggles, or even the emotion of the mission.
With some foul language and a scene with blood, this should be fine for teens and above.
Released: 2018
Reviewed: 6.6.20
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Drama, History, Biography, Dramas based on Books, Biopics
copyright ©2020 Dave Riedel
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