Hidden Figures is the true story of a trio of African-American women who provided NASA with important mathematical data needed to launch John Glenn into space in 1962.

In a year filled with biopics and true stories, Hidden Figures may just be one of the finest. This is another one of those stories that introduces a new subject or new people to a large audience that had not known about them before. Before viewing this movie, I didn’t know anything about the marvelous achievements of these three women, and I love the types of movies and inform you about little know yet important historical matters like this. Taraji P. Henson delivers a terrific leading performance as Katherine G. Johnson, who’s achievements and legacy are the center of the film. Henson delivers lots of heart but also tons of emotion in her role. She is accompanied by outstanding supporting performances from Octavia Spencer and Kevin Costner. The script is written very well, and the movie definitely knows how to keep an audience entertained, even though watching people discussing the mathematics of space launch and travel isn’t always the most entertaining thing to watch on the big screen. The events the film focus on aren’t just an important part of our history, but they also have great themes about bravery and persistence that will keep many audiences engaged, even some younger audiences will enjoy watching this movie. Although some of the movie’s filmmaking style, including its style of cinematography and score, feel very familiar and recycled from other films in its genre, and nothing about the directing or filmmaking is memorable at all, the triumphant storytelling and the empowering and interesting themes make this easy to ignore.

Hidden Figures has a great historical lesson and strong messages, as well as spot-on performances and writing. It’s a movie that audiences younger than teens can enjoy as well, and one that will definitely leave you thinking. It’s not a must in theaters, but I’d be lying if I said I wouldn’t recommend it. Go see Hidden Figures if you’re interested in the subject, or just want to have a good time at the movies.