Movie Review: Hidden Figures

If you read my post about the best films to watch on the Fourth of July you would have seen this 2016 film among the list. I don’t want to call this film a surprise hit because it was very good, but I admit I did not expect the film to succeed as much as it did. Nonetheless Hidden Figures, based on the non-fiction book by Margot Lee Shetterly, tells the remarkable true stories about three brilliant women and their contributions during the Space Race. As always spoilers will be ahead. I DO NOT OWN THE PICTURE.

Beginning in 1961 Katherine Globe (Taraji P. Henson), a brilliant mathematician (and single mom of three girls) works at Langley Research Center as a human computer along with her friends Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe), who wants to be an engineer, and Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer nominated for Best Supporting Actor for this part) a supervisor albeit unofficial. Despite all three women being incredibly smart and gifted, they are segregated because of their skin color and gender.

At this time pressures to send Americans into space continues to grow. Supervisor Vivian Mitchell (Kirsten Dunst) assigns Katherine to a space task group headed by Al Harrison (Kevin Costner) to make it possible. Katherine faces a lot of discrimination from her teammates, particularly Paul Stafford (Jim Parsons), but when she solves a seemingly impossible problem Harrison includes her in on meetings and even removes the bathroom sign saying whites only after discovering she has to walk to another building to use the bathroom; also at this time Katherine falls in love and marries Lt. Col Jim Johnson (Mahershala Ali). Dorothy is denied the position of supervisor, despite basically holding the job without the pay. She soon discovers IBM electronic computers are being installed and may soon replace human computers (putting many out of work). Not going to let that stand Dorothy teaches herself, and her co-workers, how the computers work and earns her place as a supervisor. Mary begins working on the space capsule heat shield and notices an immediate flaw. With the encouragement of her supervisor and her husband Levi (Aldis Hodge) she submits a request for an official engineering position and begins to work on getting her engineering degree; however the only school to make that possible is an all-white school which she must go to court for. The women also meet the astronaut that will go up into space John Glenn (Glen Powell). About as far I should go without giving away the rest of the movie.

When I first saw the trailers for Hidden figures I thought “this looks good, I hope this does well.” Boy did it exceed my expectations. Henson, Spencer and Monáe are absolutely fabulous as the trio of women who are not going to anything or anyone get in their way; not gonna lie and say I wasn’t cheering for them when I was watching the movie in theaters by silently clapping and whispering “you go girl” a lot. I was also very impressed with Costner and Ali’s performances in this film. Dunst and Parsons were as well great as they eventually released how ignorant they were being towards the woman; which probably wasn’t easy for them to admit. The writing and cinematography was excellent, but my favorite part was at the end when it is revealed just what an impact Katherine Johnson had on NASA for years after the first mission. Now the film, like others based on true stories, is not 100 percent accurate; which is why I recommend reading the book before watching the film. Hidden Figures was nominated for three Oscars: Best Supporting Actress for Spencer, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Picture, nominated for two Golden Globes (Supporting Actress for Spencer and Best Score and winning the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) for its outstanding cast (Spencer was also nominated for her role.) While I might not call this a must see right this minute, Hidden Figures is a fantastic historical drama movie and I would highly recommend watching it whenever you can.

What Movies are Perfect to watch of the 4th of July?

First and foremost Happy Independence Day to everyone here in the United States. I hope you have a great day no matter what you are doing; hanging by the pool while someone makes burgers and hot-dogs or spending the day inside (hopefully with air conditioning) and watching some patriotic movies. Whether it is something about our founding fathers or a movie that makes you feel patriotic. Today I want to do something a little different today other than a review. I’m gonna give you some movies I feel are perfect to watch whether it’d be today or just to make you proud of waving the American Flag. Here are some of my picks in no particular order. I DO NOT OWN THE PICTURE.

1. Yankee Doodle Dandy. This 1942 biographical musical follows the true story of George M. Cohan (James Cagney) as he takes Broadway by storm; although his ego gets in the way a lot. Featuring songs such as “Over There” “You’re a Grand Old Flag” and “The Yankee Doodle Boy”. This film means so much to me because it was one of my grandmother’s favorites. Knowing George M. Cohan was so proud of our flag, and he was born on the fourth of July, makes me happy to be a musical fan as well as an American.
2. Air Force One. I did a review for this 1997 film, but let me give you a quick recap. President James Marshall (Harrison Ford) has to rely on his former military training when terrorists, led by Egor Korshunov (Gary Oldman), hijack Air Force One and threaten to kill everyone on board unless their dictator is released. One of my favorite Harrison Ford films outside the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises; this film showed just what would anyone do to protect their family; also who doesn’t cheer a little when Marshall says “Get off my plane.”
3. 1776. Yes another musical but at least it takes place leading up to why we celebrate the fourth of July. This 1972 film, based on the Broadway musical sees the Continental Congress as they make tough decisions; including whether or not independence from England is worth it. Starring William Daniels (yes, Mr. Feeny from Boy Meets World) as John Adams, Howard Da Silva as Benjamin Franklin, Ken Howard as Thomas Jefferson and Virginia Vestoff as Abigail Adams this musical gets your feet taping and flag waving.
4. Jaws. Maybe not a movie about war or the American flag, but this 1975 film helped start the phenomenon known as summer blockbusters at the movies. Jaws is about a town being threatened by a great white shark and the three men wanting to put the shark down for good. The film does take place over the Fourth of July weekend, so I guess that counts.
5. A League of their Own. Baseball has often been called the American past-time, and this 1992 film just might be one of the best sports films of all time. Starring Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, Madonna, Rosie O’Donnell, and Lori Petty the film takes a look back at the short lived All American Girls Professional Baseball League which took place during World War II. We watch as the girls have to deal with sexism, getting the public’s attention and proving they can be just as good as the men. A true classic film if I may say so.
6.  Hidden Figures. I don’t want to call this film a surprise hit, but I’ll admit that I did not expect to see this 2016 movie to appear at so many award shows. That being said it is still a fantastic watch. When it looks like the Russians might beat the U.S. to space three brilliant African American women working for NASA step up to make it possible. Staring Taraji P. Henson as mathematician Katherine Johnson, Octavia Spencer as supervisor, and later computer expert Dorothy Vaughen and Janelle Monáe as engineer Mary Jackson. The film also features Kevin Costner, Jim Parsons, Kirsten Dunst and Mahershala Ali as people who either stood in the way or made a path for them to succeed. A movie about change as well as patriotism.
7. The Rocky franchise. I know many will say Rocky IV is the most associated with patriotism, and that may be true, but I think not enough credit is given to the other films (at least the first three in addition to the fourth.) The franchise follows boxer Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) as he does from underdog to champion while finding and keeping the love of Adrian (Talia Shire). Everyone loves the underdog story, but I’ll admit the 1985 fourth film in the franchise is probably the more patriotic of the franchise; Rocky fights a Russian boxer named Drago (Dolph Lundgren) on Russian turf after Drago kills Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers) in the ring. On a side note I cannot wait to see Creed II this fall.
8. Independence Day. Come on, how was I not going to put this 1996 film on here? When aliens arrive to take over the world, military forces must team up to combat the menace. Starring Will Smith in one of his breakthrough movie roles, Bill Pullman as the president of the United States, Jeff Goldblum and Vivica A. Fox this film showed when a force wants to fight, we are gonna fight back.
9. Captain America: The First Avenger. I had to put one superhero movie on here and this 2011 film might be the most American of them all. The origin of one of the most popular comic book heroes is brought to life as Steve Trevor (Chris Evans) is transformed into Captain America. While starting of as joke, Steve soon proves he has the strength and heart of an American hero as his fights off a secret organization known as Hydra. Admittedly this is the weakest origin film of the Marvel movies, but it was one heck of a start to the Captain America part of the franchise.
10. Mr. Smith Goes To Washington. Another underdog story, but this time it involves politics. Released in 1939, Jefferson Smith (James Stewart) is taken under the wing of Joseph Paine (Claude Rains) a crooked senator. The simple-minded Smith is at first destroyed by the newspapers and politicians, but after a little help Smith rallies for the people and earns their respect, as well as the respect of the Senate. James Stewart does a phenomenal job and his speech reaffirming what America is truly about is one of the best parts of the movie.

I hope everyone has a great Independence Day. Is there a film missing from my list that is one yours? Please leave a comment of what film and why it is great for the Fourth of July.

Movie Review: Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves

I promised I would review this movie a long time ago and well it’s time I keep my word. Released in 1991 this is the Robin Hood movie everybody makes fun of, other than the Mel Brooks parody because it makes fun of everything. I actually like this movie, not enough to watch it over and over again like the Errol Flynn version but it isn’t too bad. Spoilers ahead. I DO NOT OWN THE PICTURE.

Escaping a prison in Jerusalem, Robin of Locksley (Kevin Costner) along with his friend Peter Dubois and another man, a Moor named Azeem (Morgan Freeman). Peter is shot and killed by an archer when making a last stand with Robin, but not before making Robin promise to look after his sister Marian (Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio) when he returns to England. Azeem joins Robin as he returns to England, having vowed to repay Robin for saving his life. However England is not the same since Robin left: his father has been killed by the Sheriff of Nottingham (Alan Rickman) who has been ruling England with an iron fist since King Richard left on his crusades, with the assistance of his cousin Guy of Gisbourne (Michael Wincott), corrupt Bishop of Hereford (Harold Innocent) and the witch Mortianna (Geraldine McEwan). Robin finds his family’s servant Duncan (Walter Sparrow) who has been blinded by the Sheriff’s men. Robin also reunited with Marian and informs her of her brother’s death, but she is more than capable of handling herself despite the attempts by the Sheriff to woo her. Fleeing the Sheriff’s forces Robin and Azeem run into Sherwood Forrest and meet a gang of outlaws, led by Little John (Nick Brimble) and Will Scarlet (Christian Slater), the latter whom does holds a grudge against Robin for a reason. Robin takes control of the group and convinces them to go after the Sheriff and take him down by stealing from his soldiers and distribute the goods among the poor. Friar Tuck (Mike McShane) joins the group while Marian helps out when she can. The Sheriff soon becomes obsessed with destroying Robin Hood. About as far as I can go without spoiling the rest of the movie.

While this is not the best version of Robin Hood I did not think this movie was too bad. I have seen Kevin Costner in better movies, and let’s be honest he’s the reason why many make fun of this movie. Morgan Freeman is good in pretty much all he does and this movie was no exception. Mastrantonio is decent as Maid Marian, but she is not the most memorable part of the movie. I enjoyed Slater as Scarlet as well as Brimble and McShane as John and Tuck respectively, but of course the standout performance is Alan Rickman as the Sheriff. He is evil, funny and a joy to watch; you can’t help but love him or hate to love him depending on how you look at it. Another reason why this movie is so famous is because of one song. The theme for this movie is “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You” by Bryan Adams. I love this song, I swear anytime it’s on the radio I always listen to it. The song was nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Song, but it did win the Grammy. It is very romantic sweet and, what my mother calls, sappy. If you want to watch Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves then by all means go ahead, but I wouldn’t put it too high on the must watch list.