Movie Review: Hidden Figures #hiddenfigures #moviereview

Movie Review for:  Hidden Figures

Screenplay: Theodore Melfi and Allsion Schroeder

20^th Century Fox

Released: 25 DEC 2016

Rated: PG

Starring: Tarji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monae

 

5 Stars

 

Suspenseful: 2

Sincere: 5

Costumes: 5

Family Friendly: 4

Feel Good: 5

 

 

Heartfelt and Heartwarming

 

Inspirational and entertaining, “Hidden Figures” easily draws the viewer to another time and has them rooting not only for America in the space race, but for the characters as well. 

 

Henson plays “Katherine Johnson,” a brilliant mathematician who works as a “computer” in NASA. Johnson has quite a challenge, not only as a mathematician, but overcoming prejudice with the men she works with. Henson’s portrayal is layered with quiet determination and heartfelt love for community and family. 

 

Spencer shines as “Dorothy Vaughn.” Vaughn is an acting supervisor who has earned a promotion twice over, but is not considered. Spencer brings dignity, kindness, and compassion to her character, infusing her with a warmth I admired.

 

Monae’s character is “Mary Jackson.” She’s feisty, but not afraid to dream big dreams. One of my favorite scenes is when her boss, a polish Jew, inspires her to do something about becoming an engineer. Monae brings a nuanced portrayal to the character combining grit, determination, and a love of family that was sincere and heartfelt. 

 

The supporting cast is fantastic. Kevin Costner plays Katherine’s boss, “Mr. Harrison,” as a firm, yet fair man. I cheered for him when he took a crowbar to the colored bathroom sign. 

 

The screenplay is well balanced. Character driven scenes infuse plot driven scenes making for a nice flow. I didn’t look at my watch once during the movie.

 

The editing toward the end felt a bit choppy and if anything, is the one thing the movie could improve on. The movie clocks in at 2 hours, 7 minutes, but should be a tad longer for the sake of consistent editing.  Still, the characterization and storytelling are excellent.  The editing does not take away from my rating of a “5.”

 

I cried, I laughed, and I cheered for the main characters.  They will take over your heart and have you rooting for their success.  “Hidden Figures” is a must see event worth seeing a 2^nd and 3^rd time. I highly recommend taking a trip to the theatre for this one.