Starring: Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monae, Kevin Costner, Kirsten Dunst, Jim Parsons, Mahershala Ali
Director: Theodore Melfi (St. Vincent)
Bottom Line: Hidden Figures is a strong and moving drama about three incredibly intelligent black women fighting racism and discrimination as they aid NASA during the 1960s when America and the Soviet Union are battling to put the first man in space. Taraji P. Henson puts together a terrific performance and is quickly rising up the ranks of the most underrated actors in Hollywood. Henson has proven she can play a wide variety of roles at a high level and has received very little award attention for her hard work. Octavia Spencer gives an Oscar-nominated performance and she’s great, but Henson’s role has a bit more meat to it. Janelle Monae was also enjoyable in a supporting role and proves that she can act as well as construct top notch musical albums.
Based on a true story, it was great to see these women fight through the discrimination of being both black and female and succeed at the highest level, while breaking the mold for those to come after them. With strong acting plus a lightly humorous and heartwarming script, Hidden Figures gets a strong recommendation from me.
Replay Value: Not a lot, but it’s worth watching again.
Sequel Potential: N/A
Oscar Potential: Nominations for Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress for Octavia Spencer, and Best Adapted Screenplay, but no winners.
Grade: 7.5/10 (highly enjoyable/must see)
The Bat Cave 