Mr. Howe is out of town on business, but I managed to catch two films, around which there is Academy Award buzz.
Ubiquitously American writer/director Peter Berg (Deepwater Horizon, Lone Survivor) and master thespian Mark Wahlberg are together for a third time in Patriots Day, a partially fictionalized account of the Boston Marathon bombings of 2013.
Then there is Hidden Figures (a film that is about to open in Vernon), which is the true tale of three brilliant African-American women who worked as computers for NASA in 1961.
I say, “See Patriots Day to be surprised by Wahlberg. Expect Hidden Figures to be powerful.”
I was interested in Patriots Day as an account of the Boston Marathon bombings because that whole scenario seemed very odd and I was hoping that the film might shed some light on what happened that day.
It doesn’t because of the fictionalized aspects of the film, mirroring reality, being clouded in patriotism, pride and the need to steer fear. However, this is still an entertaining film and I’m surprised to report that Wahlberg impressed me, mostly by expressing emotions. There are still plenty of things bothersome about Patriots Day: It’s fairly straight forward in its story telling, documentary style, following a few sets of characters, officials, victims and two criminals. The timing of the film is effective, cutting to the actions that lead up to the bombing quickly, building up with taut, sparse music. Once the bombs blow up, things become horrifying for a short time and then everybody just gets vengeful. The investigation drags on a bit and the conclusion becomes a Hollywood shootout that I’m sure was exaggerated.
Then, at the perfect time to end the film, there’s a 10-minute denouement of footage and commentary from those who were actually there.
However seriously Berg wants us to take this film, if it wins an Academy Award for anything other than its music, perhaps editing, I’ll be very surprised.
Hidden Figures, on the other hand, you could nominate for any of the three main actresses’ – Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monae – performances.
In supporting roles we have fine performances by all, but most notably Kevin Costner and Jim Parsons.
Hidden Figures is a tale of brilliant mathematicians in a time of racial tension. In 1961, even at intellectual NASA, these ladies had to deal with systemic racism.
Movies about such issues are often a bummer, as fearful stupidity is depressing. However, Hidden Figures is centred around three strong women who weren’t going to put up with more ignorance.
As such it is an entertaining, uplifting and mostly light film. It was nice to see a powerful film that didn’t lay it on too thick, too often. Bring a hanky yes, but expect good cries, positive tears. I didn’t cry, but I came close when Costner’s character, the NASA boss, smashes down the “Colored Ladies” sign with a crowbar and announces “No more colored restrooms! No more white restrooms!”
Take your kids, remind them this wasn’t that long ago. There’s nothing inappropriate in Hidden Figures for younger viewers. Do not take your kids to Patriots Day.
Taylor gives Patriots Day 3.5 pairs of khakis out of 5.
Taylor gives Hidden Figures 5 machine replacements out of 5.
Brian Taylor and Peter Howe are film reviewers based in Vernon. Their column, Reel Reviews, appears every Friday.