First, the Recap:
The United States. 1961. NASA. In a time still steeped in racially-fueled segregation and embittered feelings towards African-Americans, there resided three women–Katherine G. Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughn (Octavia Spencer), and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monae)–known as “human computers”, who utilize their incredibly gifted minds and skills to propel the calculations for one of the country’s most epic achievements–putting astronaut John Glenn (Glen Powell) into space to orbit the Earth and successfully bring him back safely. Having to overcome sometimes overwhelming odds that face them not just as African-Americans, but as professionals in a man’s field, and simply as women, the three display a level of fortitude and aptitude that will change the space program at NASA forever.
Worth Seeing: YES
Director Theodore Melfi does total justice and then some with this absolutely engaging look into the mostly untold true tale of three amazing women who stood tall in a time of oppression on multiple fronts and not only came out the other side, but revolutionized NASA and several of the key mathematical and technical innovations that were created and carried forth from their accomplishments. Filled with affecting drama paired with some fantastic wit, Henson, Spencer, and Monae completely shine as the women in question, while excellent supporting turns from the likes of Kevin Costner, Jim Parsons, Kirsten Dunst, Aldis Hodge, Powell, Mahershala Ali and others deepen the narrative with key characters. In short, this film is one marvelously entertaining and relevant way to begin the new year!
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
