Theodore Melfi

Hidden Figures (2016)


Hidden Figures (2016)

Director:

Theodore Melfi

Starring:

Taraji P. Henson

Octavia Spencer

Janelle Monáe

Plot:

The story of a team of female African-American mathematicians who served a vital role in NASA during the early years of the U.S. space program.

Review:

This movie was amazing. Every obstacle possible was put in front of these women and yet they were still able to succeed. It was so inspiring to watch.

All three women are computers, they do complicated math for those that can’t, or check the work of others. Because of the color of their skin they deal with racism at every turn. They have to walk a mile to use the bathroom because they aren’t allowed in the ones in the building they work. They’re unable to check out the library books that they need to learn how to keep their job. They can’t go to the classes they need to earn a degree.

Each obstacle that’s presented to them they continue on and overcome. They support each other, and have friends and loved ones that help when they can, but for the most part it’s all on them. They are brilliant and compassionate and they persevere.

These women were real and what they had to overcome was real, they are heroes and an inspiration. Watching this made me hopeful for the future, like anything could happen.

5/5

St. Vincent (2014)

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St. Vincent (2014)

Director:

Theodore Melfi

Starring:

Bill Murray

Melissa McCarthy

Naomi Watts

Plot:

A young boy whose parents have just divorced finds an unlikely friend and mentor in the misanthropic, bawdy, hedonistic war veteran who lives next door.

Review:

I wasn’t sure if this was going to be a Bill Murray comedy, as in his recent darker comedies, or if this was going to be a Melissa McCarthy comedy, as in raunchy. For those who are curious, it was a Bill Murray comedy. Actually I wouldn’t categorize this as a comedy and feel it was a dramedy at best. Very few funny moments.

It was ok. The characters were difficult to like, though, none of them were horrible.

I don’t understand how the mom could be happy about the son nominating Vincent, Bill Murray, for sainthood. It’s like we were supposed to forgive him for taking the kid to horse races, bars, and having him spend time around a prostitute. Yeah he took care of his wife in a home, and sure he was a war hero, but I’m not sure if that overrides all the bad, I’m just not sure.

The movie wasn’t horrible but probably not one I would recommend.

2.75/5