20th Century FoxAn absolute triumph Hidden Figures is both an enjoyable film and a significant one.
Nominated for three Oscars including Best Picture, Hidden Figures is the latest film that shines a light on a little known but very important piece of history.
Based on the book by Margot Lee Shetterly, the film tells the story of how three black female NASA workers helped send astronaut John Glenn into space in the early 1960s.
20th Century FoxFor a film with such a significant story to tell it has a very modest nature but that is what makes it so charming and engaging.
Hidden Figures could have easily been a heavy hitting in your face drama but the entertaining and amusing tone director Theodore Melfi goes for works perfectly.
Packed full of sass, wit and humour the film is surprisingly funny and there are many memorable sharp comebacks, put-downs and insults that you will certainly be taking away from the film for later use.
20th Century FoxIrresistibly uplifting, many scenes, accompanied by a fabulously funky soundtrack, will make you grin like an idiot and want to punch the air with glee as you become infected by the feel-good atmosphere.
Importantly though Hidden Figures recognises that at the heart of the story are three real women who faced ongoing discrimination which was both racial and gender-based.
These issues are taken very seriously and are never downplayed; Melfi ensures that this is a film that educates as well as entertains.
Bringing these women to life is a wonderful trio of actors who all give fantastic performances.
Taraji P. Henson leads the ensemble cast as the shy and extremely intelligent Katherine giving a solid performance that was ridiculously snubbed by the Academy.
Seriously though, stop nominating boring Meryl Streep just because you love her and start nominating the talented actresses who actually deserve the awards!
20th Century FoxOctavia Spencer also gives a wonderful performance as the maternal yet mechanical Dorothy, the leader of the ‘coloured computers’ who is determined to get the supervisor role she deserves.
And to round off the trio is the sassy Janelle Monae as Mary, an outspoken aspiring engineer who is sure to become the audience’s favourite.
The supporting cast try their best but it is only the always reliable Kevin Costner who can give gravitas to his role.
Unfortunately the usually great Jim Parsons and Kristen Dunst are sold short with cliché roles that do not allow them to shine.
However, this is a mistake that we easily forget about as we are swept away by a story that is powerful, moving and entertaining.
20th Century Fox