Hidden Figures (2017)

"Computers don't author reports." -Paul Stafford


"How can you be possibly ogling these white men?" -Katherine Johnson
"It's equal rights. I have the right to see fine in every color." Mary Jackson

I thought Hidden Figures was a lovely movie. It is the new standard by which I will likely judge other historical narratives. Were I the Director/Producer, I might have gone with a historical soundtrack of era appropriate classics, but I concede that the modern music provided by Pharrell was up to the challenge with its Motown-esque base hooks and modern blues horn sections.  -Pleasant surprise in that regard. Hidden Figures has an amazing cast, excellent dialogue, and genuine heart.

I will give a specific praise to Janelle Monae who not only held her own in, impressive company; but in my opinion stole the show. I will make a point to watch more of her work in the future.

Here are somethings I wished for/considered while watching Hidden Figures.

1. More math.  For a movie supposedly focused on math there was surprisingly little math.  I understand that most people hate math and would be bored to tears by the details, but I want to see the details. I want to check their work and see the eraser marks of genius that are so elegantly portrayed on screen.  I don't care if I am in the minority.  Math is not magic.  I challenge director/producers and most of all screenwriters to deep dive into the quant and make the audience enjoy it. It can be done.

2.  The market for period automobiles in films must be booming. Few things on film set the date without stating it like different era cars. All the cars look perfect in Hidden Figures. I wonder about how many working models are out there for film rental? Additionally, do films really only use cars as time props when the cars were beautiful? Or will we eventually see a market for dark maroon Le Barons or Oldsmobiles? Anyone need a working 91' Geo Metro?

On a scale of linear algebra to multivariable calculus, I give Hidden Figures, 3.9 out of 5 stars. 

Sing (2016)

"Look, if you wanna win the money...just do what the Koala says." -Lance
"Kira Kira Killer, happy happy happy Mirai wa hora, lucky lucky lucky Kira Kira Killer, doki doki doki Fall in love" -Red Panda

I really can't say too much either way on Sing. It is acceptable. It may make you happy. It won't make you sad.

Pros: Scarlett Johansson, Seth McFarlane, Taron Edgerton are great singers.
Super Pro:  I've been debating this for a while...Jennifer Hudson is amazing. I've yet to see her be anything but mesmerising.  Her version of Golden Slumbers is unreal.
Middling:  Reese Witherspoon can sing.
Cons: Story, emotional connectivity, segues

I don't intend on watching Sing again.  If there is a sequel. I will make no effort to see it.  It has to just happen to be in my path.

Here's my takeaway. The quest for the newness implies that what is new now was old and what is old now is new. -It's a matter of when you were born and your experiences. I think the point made in this film was that in a Post-American Idol world singing competitions still have lustre and allure, provided they never become routine and are done earnestly.

On scale of "From Justin" to "to Kelly", I give Sing 2.63 out of 5 stars.

I'm a huge fan of Steve Winwood and Give Me Some Lovin 1.  Overused in film? -maybe.  Underappreciated? -definitely.  *I think he might have wrote this when he was 18.