Movie Advent Calendar #14 – Hidden Figures
“Every time we get a chance to get ahead they move the finish line. Every time.”
In 2012 I did a cinematic advent calendar of twenty four films. These were films that I really liked and have enjoyed at the cinema. This year on a similar theme I will be posting a movie advent calendar of twenty four movies
I got Hidden Figures as part of the Mega Movie Week deal on iTunes (was also on Amazon) in January 2019.
I bought quite a few films that week making the most of the offer. As a result the film was added to the “we must watch this” list. In the end we didn’t actually sit down to watch it until March. I remember there being a little bit of scepticism in the family about watching the film, however we sat down and put it on.
Soon though we were totally captivated by the story and the performances. We thought this was a fantastic film, really powerful. We were so glad to have watched it.
Hidden Figures is an incredible & inspiring untold true story about three women at NASA who were instrumental in one of history’s greatest operations, that of the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit. A 2016 American biographical drama film directed by Theodore Melfi and written by Melfi and Allison Schroeder. The film stars Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe as a team of African-American female mathematicians who worked at NASA during the Space Race.
The film tells the story of Johnson and her colleagues at NASA, who faced discrimination and prejudice as African American women working in a predominantly white and male field. Despite these challenges, they persevered and made significant contributions to the space program, ultimately helping to send astronaut John Glenn into orbit.
The film is based on the non-fiction book of the same name by Margot Lee Shetterly, and tells the true story of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, three African-American women who made significant contributions to the early space program at NASA.
The production really captures the look and feel of the 1960s American space programme and America at that time.
Hidden Figures is a powerful and inspiring story that highlights the achievements of these incredible women. One of the standout aspects of Hidden Figures is the powerful performances from the lead actresses. Henson, Spencer, and Monáe are all fantastic in their roles, and their chemistry on screen is electric. The film is also beautifully shot, with stunning period-accurate production design and costumes. The supporting cast is also impressive, with Kevin Costner, Kirsten Dunst, and Jim Parsons all delivering solid performances.
Another highlight of the film is its message of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity. The characters in the film face many challenges due to their race and gender, but they never give up and continue to fight for their dreams. This is an inspiring message that will resonate with audiences of all ages.
Overall, Hidden Figures is a powerful and inspiring film that tells an important story of three trailblazing women who made significant contributions to the early space program at NASA. The film was released to widespread critical acclaim, with many praising the performances of the lead actors and the important historical story it tells. The film is beautifully shot and well-written.
If you like biographical dramas or have an interest in the space race in the 1960s, then this is a film for you.
Get Hidden Figures at Amazon.
Tim Hortons #365photos2022
The significance of the cow…
So four seasons into Young Sheldon and I have only realised the significance of the cow in the opening credits. Young Sheldon I set in Texas and Texas is well known for its cattle.
Got it!
Coffee #365photos2022
Movie Advent Calendar #13 – Catch Me If You Can
“I’ll tell you what I am sure of. You’re going to get caught. One way or another. It’s a mathematical fact. It– It’s like Vegas, the House always wins.”
In 2012 I did a cinematic advent calendar of twenty four films. These were films that I really liked and have enjoyed at the cinema. This year on a similar theme I will be posting a movie advent calendar of twenty four movies.
I have really enjoyed virtually everything Tom Hanks has done, I have seen most of his films and there are a fair few in this movie advent calendar and there was a few in the cinematic advent calendar I did in 2012. There are a few films of his I haven’t see, so not too obsessive! For example, I’ve not seen him in Castaway. It’s probably not too surprising to find though I did quite enjoy Catch Me If You Can.
I didn’t see Catch Me If You Can at the cinema, it was something I eventually saw, well actually I can’t remember. I don’t have it on DVD, so maybe this was a film I saw on the television and then watched again another time on a streaming service.
Catch Me If You Can is a 2002 biographical crime drama film directed by Stephen Spielberg that tells the true story of Frank Abagnale Jr. (played by Leonardo DiCaprio), a young con artist who successfully poses as a doctor, lawyer, and pilot in the 1960s. The film also stars Tom Hanks as Carl Hanratty, the FBI agent tasked with tracking down Abagnale.
One of the standout elements of the film is its strong performances. DiCaprio and Hanks are both excellent in their roles, with DiCaprio in particular delivering a charismatic and engaging performance as the charming and cunning Abagnale.
The supporting cast is also strong, with Christopher Walken and Martin Sheen giving standout performances.
The film is also beautifully shot, with a vibrant and colorful visual style that perfectly captures the glitz and glamour of the 1960s. I think the film really captures the look and feel of the 1960s. The script, by Jeff Nathanson, is also clever and well-written, with plenty of twists and turns to keep the audience engaged.
I enjoyed the BBC’s Hustle series about con artists, and this film which is on a similar topic did catch my eye (as well as the fact it starred Tom Hanks).
Overall, Catch Me If You Can is a highly entertaining and well-made film that is worth watching for the performances alone. It may not be the deepest or most thought-provoking film, but it is definitely a fun ride.
Get Catch Me If You Can at Amazon.
Soldier #365photos2022
Movie Advent Calendar #12 – Love Actually
” There was more than one lobster present at the birth of Jesus?”
In 2012 I did a cinematic advent calendar of twenty four films. These were films that I really liked and have enjoyed at the cinema. This year on a similar theme I will be posting a movie advent calendar of twenty four movies.
Love Actually is a 2003 romantic comedy film that follows the interconnected lives of a group of people in London during the weeks leading up to Christmas. The film has an impressive cast that includes Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, and many others.
I don’t recall watching this film at the cinema, my eldest son was just over a year old at the time, so we weren’t really going to the cinema at that time. So I suspect I got it as a present in 2004. At the time I did enjoy it. Though it never got into our list of regular Christmas films, as there are sections of the film which are not age appropriate.
One of the strengths of the film is its large and interesting cast of characters. Each character has their own unique story and relationships, and the film does a good job of exploring these in a way that is both funny and poignant.
The film also has a great sense of fun and joy, thanks in part to its festive setting and upbeat soundtrack. I really like the opening and closing sections at the airport, which features real people meeting and not actors. Another strength of the film is its clever writing, which is both funny and emotionally resonant. The dialogue is sharp and the characters are well-developed, making it easy to care about what happens to them. Of course if you are not a fan of Richard Curtis’ writing, then this probably isn’t the film for you.
While Love Actually is a popular and beloved film, it has faced its fair share of criticism for its portrayal of love, relationships, and its lack of diversity and its treatment of female characters. One common criticism of Love Actually is that it portrays a very idealised and unrealistic view of love and relationships. Many of the film’s characters are shown to have perfect, happy endings, which some viewers may find unrealistic and overly simplistic.
The film has also been criticised for its lack of diversity, as all of the main characters are white and many of the supporting characters are also white.
The film also portrays its female characters in a stereotypical and objectifying way. Many of the female characters are shown to be in need of a man to complete them, and their primary purpose in the film is to serve as romantic interests for the male characters. This portrayal of women has been criticised as being outdated and offensive.
Overall, Love Actually is a charming and entertaining film that is great for getting into the holiday spirit. It may not be the deepest or most original film, and you can see its flaws, but it is sure to put a smile on your face and warm your heart.
Get Love Actually at Amazon.
Movie Advent Calendar #11 – The Mummy
“Let me get this straight. They ripped out your guts and they stuffed them in jars?”
In 2012 I did a cinematic advent calendar of twenty four films. These were films that I really liked and have enjoyed at the cinema. This year on a similar theme I will be posting a movie advent calendar of twenty four movies.
This remake of a classic 1932 horror film actually is nothing of the sort. This is not a horror film, this is much more an action adventure film with both comedic and horror aspects thrown into the mix. It is a great pieces of escapism.
I actually do like the film, and I take it at face value, as an action adventure comedy. I think Brendan Fraser does a good performance in the lead role playing the character of Rick O’Connell. Likewise Rachel Weisz’s character Evelyn Carnahan is not the simplistic female characters of the 1930s film. However my favourite character is the bumbling Jonathan Carnahan played by the excellent John Hannah.
The cinematography is really nice and the effects (for 1999) are rather good. One of the standout elements of the film is its sense of fun. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, and there are plenty of laughs to be had along the way.
I never watched the 1932 film, but I suspect the 1999 version is nothing like the original.
Overall, The Mummy is a fun and thrilling ride that fans of the genre will definitely enjoy. It may not be a masterpiece, but it’s a great way to spend a couple of hours.
Get The Mummy at Amazon.
Roasting vegetables #365photos2022
