Review: Hidden Figures

Hidden Figures: Such an important story, so beautifully told.
Based on Margot Lee Shetterly’s book of the same name and the true story of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughn, and Mary Jackson, “Hidden Figures” is an inspirational film about three brilliant and extraordinary pioneering Black woman who fought racism and sexism in 1960s Virginia and became essential contributing members of NASA during the height of space exploration. Beginning as computers at NASA’s Langley Research Center, these three outstanding (and overqualified) women went on to become groundbreaking mathematicians, engineers, and programmers that would help NASA get ahead in the Space Race and beyond. Their hard earned victories and well deserved recognition, belated though it may be, are the compelling focus of the film.

The star filled cast gives exceptional performances led by the amazing and multi-talented Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, & Janelle Monáe. Taraji (I’m going to call them by their first names cause we cool like that) shows us again- just in case we forgot- how amazing and diverse her acting abilities are. Jumping off from her current consistent role and image as lovably crazy, in charge, and flashy Cookie Lyon to nerdy and adorable math whiz Katherine Goble/Johnson, all while maintaining that same ferocity we’ve become accustomed to (gleefully) receiving from her. Octavia is ever the inspiring and powerful queen she always is; I don’t know about you but I am so ready to see her play God. And Janelle...triple-threat, quadruple-threat, I don’t even know what to call her any more; from her film debut in “Moonlight” (in which she previously worked alongside fellow HF co-star Mahershala Ali) to her role as the trailblazing Mary Jackson, Ms. Monáe is working the stage-to-screen transition. Mahershala Ali expands on the chemistry previously established in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” with Taraji to deliver a bit of sweet romance to the film. And Kevin Costner, Jim Parsons, Kirsten Dunst and the rest of the cast offer great support to our protagonists’ stories as well as great assists and targets for the film’s many points of comic relief.

It’s the age old story of triumph in the face of adversity, but in a story that hasn’t been told before, with heroes whose stories we’re not used to hearing, but ones we most definitely need.

So take your friends, take your family, and MOST DEFINITELY take your children to see “Hidden Figures” today!

5 out of 5

What would I have changed? (Spoilers)
Click here to read what I would Change
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Liz Liz (Contributor) is an ardent cinephile from West Philadelphia. She enjoys all genres and generations of cinema and has a particular love for independent and foreign films

Comments

Kourtney R said…
I absolutely agree! I thought this movie was great. It's refreshing to watch a new and interesting story with a great cast about african american history that I never heard before. There were many times in the theater that everyone clapped or cheered. It was fun.
joan bush said…
I can't wait to see this movie next week. Heard a lot of good thoughts.
Worlzbestmom said…
I love movies based on true stories and this movie is great! I've seen it twice already, once in an advance screening and once paid.
Weezy said…
A-maz-ing
Fromthefourthrow1 said…
Jenelle Monae is fantastic in Hidden Figures. Its a big see-it from me.
Stephen Clark said…
I am very much looking forward to this movie. It's sad that it takes several generations to acknowledge people who have done so much for us all.
Pedro Rafael Cruz said…
I so enjoyed this movie! It is based on a true story in real life amazingly portrayed by the most outstanding actresses and actors! Just don't know why it took so long to make!
Tyler Durden said…
This was amazing
Stacy said…
Can't wait to see this!
Wrailyn said…
This movie was incredible! It's always hard to tell how much of a "based on a true story" film is actually based in truth, but despite all that, the story-telling was brilliant, and of course, the acting was stellar.
Kirstie said…
Great
jbreitsc said…
Incredible film!
JP said…
Great film. a must see.
Amy VanDerhei said…
Cannot wait to see
aLeC m. said…
Super duper cool
Sherdina Abron said…
Excellent movie to watch and quite inspiring for our youth
Demetria Ball said…
This is a great movie for all ages.
Natalie D Fisher said…
Great movie!!!
Scott Lowery said…
Great movie- must see movie for all Americans of all ages!
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