Hidden Figures (2016)

In the 1960s, the United States are behind the Soviet Union in the space race. This is the true story of three black women (Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monae) who contributed immeasurably to the success of the space program with their mathematical expertise. The film's title is twofold. It refers to mathematical equations and also to the incredible story of the three women whose story has been hidden too long. Directed by Theodore Melfi and based on the non fiction book by Margot Lee Shetterly, this is a wonderful movie. Normally when I hear a movie is inspiring or inspirational, I run as fast as I can in the other direction. Most "inspiring" movies are cloying and mushy. But Melfi's movie has a firm backbone and never descends into sappy sentimentality. This is a true ensemble cast and Melfi does a bang up job with them. Boy, do we need a movie like this now! With Kevin Costner, Kirsten Dunst, Jim Parsons, Mahershala Ali, Glen Powell, Aldis Hodge, Kimberly Quinn and Saniyya Sidney.