In an era when both Black people and women are under attack, a movie about 3 Black women rising above racism and sexism to change the world is just what the doctor ordered. Hidden Figures is an unabashedly crowd-pleasing movie but a confident, well-executed one. With three compelling performances from Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Moane, Hidden Figures is striking in its depiction at the small, meaningless microaggressions that chip away at the soul bit by bit.
An Oscar favorite, Moonlight is a soaring look at an underseen community and the coming of age of a Black young man questioning his sexuality and place in the world. Barry Jenkins' direction is poetic and gorgeous, the score is haunting, the dialogue is piercing, and the performances are stellar. Moonlight is close to being a top to bottom flawless movie. Not only are its story and themes unique, but the execution is something to behold. Moonlight is the perfect antidote to the upcoming administration.
Damien Chazelle's dreamy musical is sweeping and romantic, with pitch perfect singin', dancin', and actin' from Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling. With beautiful production design, sumptuous costumes, glitzy editing and cinematography, and foot-tapping music, La La Land captures a feeling, sky with no ceiling, sunset inside a frame. Oh, great, I'm quoting the lyrics again. The film hearkens back to old school movie musicals, but with a bittersweet modern edge.
Hey, remember when the White House meant something to the American people? This harrowing, abstract film is a look at Jackie Kennedy's life right after the JFK assassination. Natalie Portman portrays the First Lady, and examines the different personas she had to put on during the JFK administration and right after his murder. Jackie touches on themes of legacy and what it means to have an impact as President and First Lady. It's also a psychological drama about a woman at the center of a national horror.
With so many sci-fi movies about battling with aliens, Arrival is rare in its story about communicating with aliens and finding a way to come together to problem solve. I really love this movie, and its visual palette. The twists and turns of the narrative are intelligently handled, using the editing, sound design, and performances to enhance the plot. Arrival is definitely a low-key affair, relying more on emotional impact than Hollywood spectacle.
It's been out for a month; you've probably seen it already. But go again. Rebellions are built on hope. Jyn Erso, played effectively by Felicity Jones, is a troubled woman who takes on the biggest battle of her life to save the universe. She is supported by an odd but devoted team. Lead by a woman and co-starring a bunch of minority actors, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is an exciting, inspiring entry into the galaxy far, far away.
This movie is streaming on Netflix, and it's about institutionalized prejudice in our society. This movie doesn't take the easy route, showing glaring instances of bias. Much like Hidden Figures above, it takes great care in demonstrating the small moments, the coded language, and the invisible struggles. It's also a really funny, well-animated movie. The film bursts with imagination and funny little details and jokes.
Granted, I haven't actually seen this movie yet. But how bad could a movie written by August Wilson based on his acclaimed play, directed by Denzel Washington, and starring Washington and Viola Davis be?
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