Joel’s review of Hidden Figures (2016)

On a recent business trip to Dallas this month, I had an opportunity to watch Hidden Figures, a film my wife and I had attempted to see in theaters last year, but were highly unsuccessful.  With four hours to sit and stare, I kicked off Hidden Figures on my in-flight entertainment (Thanks, American Airlines!)

The film stars Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monae, as three  African-American women (and skilled mathematicians) who worked at United States NASA organization during the 1960s. At this time, they’re working in their respective divisions (within segregated “Colored”) departments behind the scenes, out of sight. NASA is in the midst of the 1950s and 1960s “space race”, as the US and USSR raced to make achievements in getting to orbit.  These women are friends, but also each working independently to gain respect, further their careers, and fight against the challenges holding African-Americans back at the time.

The film also stars Kevin Costner, Kirsten Dunst, Jim Parsons, and Mahershala Ali in key supporting roles.

Um, so the film….. I thought the acting was pretty good from the major stars, and the supporting cast. I liked how the film brought the 1960s to life, including NASA at this time. The film seemed a little heavy-handed with the whole RACISM thing. It wasn’t Crash-level heavy-handedness, but at a few points in the film, I’m say, “Yeah, I know, we get it.” Overall, I thought the film is a good rental, nothing earth-shattering.

Hidden Figures (2016)

Hidden Figures (2016)

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