HIDDEN FIGURES and History’s Unsung Heroines

This rousing film reveals the little known contributions of a trio of black women who overcame discrimination to help NASA launch a man into space.  Hidden Figures is a real crowd pleaser with winning performances by Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe in particular with terrific support from Kevin Costner.

In the early 1960s, NASA is desperate to keep pace with the Russians who are first in space with a satellite and manned launch.  Despite segregation laws and statutes that  hinder job advancement and higher education, three women of color including a math prodigy Katherine Johnson (Henson), a talented computer expert Dorothy Vaughan (Spencer), and engineer Mary Jackson (Monáe), defy  the odds in helping the US space program at a critical point in the ‘space race’.  As the trio, led by Johnson, strive to prove themselves in a male dominated world and the coming computer revolution, astronaut John Glenn prepares to pilot the most challenging, dangerous US space flight ever, and the calculations for a safe orbit and reentry are in question as the countdown begins for history.

Much of what happens is based on fact, a fascinating history lesson amid the Cold War and civil rights movement. (The film has an added aura with the passing of the real life Glenn.)  Henson is outstanding in a choice role, and Costner as a NASA director compliments her perfectly. Spencer has the best comeback line, and Monáe is an actress to watch. The balance of serious drama, tension, and humor is well done as each female lead gets a moment to shine while overcoming great adversity.  

Never short on heartwarming scenes, this amazing story (from the novel) is done justice by scriptwriters Allison Schroeder and director Theodore Melfi. Watch out for this one-like The Blind Side, it has tremendous goodwill and its solid work should garner Oscar attention.

***1/2 of **** stars

The Unsinkable Debbie Reynolds

It’s been a very tough year with the loss of several cultural icons, but the passing of Carrie Fisher now followed by her mom, Debbie Reynolds, one day later is almost unbearable. It should somehow have been the other way around and separated by years, but life is that way.

I have always known the name Debbie Reynolds all my life as one of the movie stars from Hollywood’s golden age.  She was the last surviving principal of Singin’ in the Rain, perhaps the greatest musical of all time.  In the all-star blockbuster, How the West Was Won, she was the one who memorably bridged the epic from start to finish.  And who can forget her wonderful, tour-de-force performance in The Unsinkable Molly Brown?

After so many films and TV appearances in sitcoms and talk shows that spanned the better part of seven decades, Debbie was a household name and one who brought a smile to your face despite a turbulent personal life. She was one of the first who championed a Hollywood Motion Picture Museum which became a reality.  Her radiance and goodwill were only exceeded by her exuberance and enthusiasm.  I am hoping somewhere both mother and daughter are at peace together, maybe having a debate every now and then.  We miss you Debbie.

A Voice for Many is Gone

Carrie Fisher was a special person who spoke her mind and resisted playing the game in Hollywood. The daughter of screen legend Debbie Reynolds and pop singing star Eddie Fisher, she forged her own acting career quite young. I remember the precocious teen in Shampoo and her Star Wars films as everyone’s beloved, space princess. With a respectable film career (including Hannah and Her Sisters), she made an even bigger mark as a top notch author, screenwriter and script doctor. And don’t think that too many Oscar ceremonies went by without a bit of input from Fisher’s comedic sensibilities. With A Force Awakens, she earned a new generation of followers. She bravely brought to light her own personal struggles with substance abuse and mental illness. While we have her words and films including her next Star Wars film she completed filming, a strong voice has been silenced. The rest of us will have to carry the torch she held so well by herself. Rest in peace Carrie.

The Magic and Dreams of LA LA LAND

I love musicals and can’t tell you how much anticipation I had for this, an original musical whose reputation has justifiably grown immensely.  Writer/Director Damien Chazelle (Whiplash) has fashioned a Valentine to the Hollywood musical and updated it to the modern sensibilities of a classic romance.

Mia (Emma Stone) works in a coffee shop dreaming of being an actress someday, and Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) yearns to play pure jazz in his own club. These two souls cross paths, and their courtship and love come in bittersweet conflict with their careers.  It is hard not to be swept away with Emma Stone’s marvelous trifecta of singing, dancing, and acting, but with Ryan Gosling, the two make an irresistible couple; their on screen chemistry is electric.

With an exhilarating, opening musical sequence on a freeway jam, there are several more musical numbers and imaginative duets that flow to a glorious, elaborate finale.  The singing and dancing won’t make you forget Judy Garland or Fred Astaire but will certainly make you yearn for more of Justin Hurwitz’s infectious songs (City of Stars has Oscar written all over) and themes.  

Lush color schemes saturate the costumes, lighting and set design complemented with imaginative transitions all gorgeously photographed in Cinemascope. Chazelle, whose love for classic films is evident in every frame, has drawn heavily from past films-the tone and style are from The Umbrellas of Cherbourg and the structure and substance from An American in Paris and Singin’ in the Rain while exhibiting passionate originality and execution. Not a perfect film, but if you love old fashioned musicals and romance, this will likely bring a tear to your eye. It is heartfelt.  Oscar glory awaits.

**** of **** stars (for romantics and musical lovers)

Courage Under Fire in ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY

Is this worth seeing? Absolutely, but it has a different vibe than the Star Wars mythology we know by heart with just enough connection to tie things together with the original film.  Essentially a prequel that dovetails quite nicely with A New Hope (with numerous references and not just familiar musical cues), it centers on the attempts to steal the plans of the soon to be lethal Death Star by a ragtag, desperate group of rebel fighters and mercenaries led by Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones shines) who holds the key to everything.  She is supported by a talented, diverse cast especially Mads Mikkelsen, Diego Luna and Donnie Yen.

This is a darker, more ominous film in the mode of The Empire Strikes Back and is really more geared to older audiences. There are a few light, humorous moments especially from a lovable robot K-2SO (Alan Tudyk is wonderful), but mostly it has the serious tone of an outright war film-think The Guns of Navarone and The Dirty Dozen. Fast paced, and with an engaging, thoughtful script, the film really takes off in a complex, final battle sequence where heroism and sacrifice reign supreme. It’s a well realized world of odd creatures and exotic set designs; the special effects and makeup are impressive.   Despite a minor quibble about a couple of unique, visual effects shots that come close to achieving an amazing feat, sharp eyed fans may pick out familiar Easter eggs galore.

And yes, Darth Vader does make an appearance and is quite “impressive”.  Director Gareth Edwards has fashioned one of the better Star Wars films that proves the franchise has a lot of life in it. Destined for repeat viewings.

***1/2 of **** stars

Coming of Age in MOONLIGHT

The sensitive drama, Moonlight, is a breakout film for all involved in its depiction of a repressed, black boy whose childhood is filled with loneliness and pain as an outsider.  Set in three successive periods of time from grade school to high school and young adult, the film chronicles the maturation and sexual awareness of Chiron (well played in each age group by a talented trio of actors), whose existence and path in life consists of bullying by other kids, an abusive mother (Naomie Harris, quite good), a helpful, fatherly figure (Mahershala Ali, a standout), and a schoolmate who becomes more than just a friend.  Well directed and co-written by Barry Jenkins, it is methodically paced, and as such, it explores the subtleties and emotions of its characters in quiet moments in ways a more commercial film might not. The film is ultimately about broken individuals who yearn for a meaningful connection and the thing that matters the most-love.

***1/2 of **** stars