First Man

Examining the life and times of astronaut Neil Armstrong (Ryan Gosling) and the families involved in the 1960’s space race, the events that would eventually lead up to the first men to walk on the moon is thrust into the spotlight almost fifty years since it happened on July 20th, 1969. This is their story. Written by Josh Singer based on the book written by James R. Hansen and Directed by Damien Chazelle, this cinematic work of beauty turns its thrusters on full to create some of the more stunning passages visually, sonically, and spatially for 2018, Houston we will have a problem if Cinematographer Linus Sandgren doesn’t get a nod for his work and the Sound Department goes unheard come awards season, both are working overtime to produce true movie magic. In the acting department, the ensemble as a whole rings solid on all counts with particular applause for Claire Foy’s performance of Janet Armstrong, the wife of Neil Armstrong, outstanding to the point that perhaps the film’s title should be something different. In as much that while the overall film is about the space race, and Neil’s personal journey, his demons and his struggles, it’s also a film about family, humanity, and the people that hold the framework of our social cosmos together, in this case, Janet is that to Neil, let’s note that. Bottom line the complexities and artistry’s worked into this story mark another giant leap for Chazelle as Director, I smell awards around here somewhere, again. First Man is rated PG-13.