Skip to main content

Dome Pondering Movie Review: Hidden Figures (2016)


What is it about? 

The true and untold story of four black women and their role and contribution towards growth in the early years of the United States Space program.

Who is in it? 

Taraji P. Henson - Katherine G. Johnson

Octavia Spencer - Dorothy Vaughn

Janelle Monae - Mary Jackson

Kevin Costner - Al Harrison


Favorite Scene: 

After being asked where she was for the last forty-minutes, Katherine finally explodes in a heart felt and passionate outburst unveiling the burden of segregation on her unbelievable potential.

Favorite Quote: 

Vivian Mitchell: Despite what you may think, I have nothing against y'all.
Dorothy Vaughan: I know, I know you probably believe that.

Review: 

Of course, Hidden Figures, as lauded during awards season, is a really good film. Tremendous (and terribly underrated) talent floods the film, and the story from the very beginning has you hooked. Also, the soundtrack is killer.

But really, what gravitates me to this movie is the obvious question - why hasn't this story been told more often?! Or at the very least, taught in schools? Well, we know why - racism and sexism, but I'll leave my social justice interests out of this. But really, this is the most remarkable part about this film - the untold story.

If you are uninformed - like I was - please sit down and watch Hidden Figures. It's a tremendous film, with a tremendous story, that has an overwhelming impact on the way we look at our history - our real history. Give it a watch.

Grade: 3.75/5
Labels:

Recent Favorites

50 Wins and the #2 Seed

The New York Knicks are the #2 Seed in the Eastern Conference Playoffs.  Unbelievable.  Oh yeah, they also put together an unbelievable fifty-win season to do so.  I've already expressed some thoughts on this season - from the trade of RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to Julius Randle's injury and obvious absence to the brilliance that was Jalen Brunson - there has been so much to take in, and appreciate.  I can't say it enough - I love this team. THIS team.  Just a few other quick thoughts as we reflect on 50 wins and the #2 seed before heading into a tough first-round series with either the Miami Heat or Philadelphia 76ers:  I know Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the hot narrative for MVP and there is a big-time Serbian in Denver who easily makes a claim for the award once again, but damn it, Jalen Brunson deserves recognition and some lower-place votes. That's all I'm asking for... Speaking of giving flowers to Jalen Brunson, it's about time a real basketball dis
Read more

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 4/14/24

3 Up 1. Gun Control? - Wow. We have somewhat new gun legislation - so it is possible?! Of course, I'm being a bit cheeky in regards to the recent new plan to offer background checks for gun purchases, which really is a big part of the gun control debate. No?  2. Solar Eclipse - I didn't get a chance to experience it, but the idea of it is rather cool. Our world - and universe - is a remarkable experience and thought.  3. Women's Basketball Ratings - The boost continues as women's hoops continue its surge in ratings, interest, and overall star power. It will likely continue next week with the WNBA Draft.  3 Down  1. Iran Missiles on Israel - The entire saga in Gaza continues to get more complex. Throwing Iran into the mix, and now the US intercepting drones and missiles, the entire thing is super sad as innocent people continue to be killed.  2. Tennessee Teachers Carry - Well, just when we thought the gun debate was moving toward a reasonable decision, we get the sta
Read more

Exorcising Demons with a Breen "Double Bang!"

These sorts of moments feel like they don't happen to us.  Well, they happen VERY rarely - I'm talking Larry Johnson's 4-point play-rare. Yeah, it's been THAT long.  But watching this New York Knicks team score eight points in less than thirty-five seconds, including a sequence that will forever live in my fandom, sits right with that LJ garden-rocking shot.  I sat on my couch in absolute shock at what I just saw.  "How the hell did they just win that game?!"  It's the kind of moment this fanbase deserves. It's the moment that releases and exorcises some demons that haunt us from the trauma of experiences.  Namely you, Reggie Miller.  I loved it. And the icing on the cake was Mike Breen - Oh, Mike Breen, the loveable man with the most epic voice that has narrated so much of my basketball-loving fandom - with not one, but two signature "Bang!" calls.  I'll never let this one down. Ever.  I'm not sure where this team will wrap up the se
Read more