"Hidden Figures" follows the real life trials and tribulations of Katherine G. Johnson (Taraji Henson), Dorothy Vaughn (Octavia Spencer), and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monàe). These three African-American females work for NASA during the Space Race of the 1960s.
A great part of the film focuses on the intelligent and determined Katherine Johnson as she becomes the first African-American woman to climb the ranks at NASA, thanks to her mathematical brilliance. Furthermore, "Hidden Figures" features an impressive cast including A-Listers such as Kevin Costner, Kirsten Dunst, Jim Parsons, Mahershala Ali and Glen Powell. Although the film contains sincere and heart-warming performances by the entire cast, the one standout performance is by Janelle Monàe as Mary Jackson. Her charming sass and wit captivates the audience in nearly every scene she's in. She is, quite likely, an entertainer whose acting career will continue to flourish in the next few years.
"Hidden Figures" is an easy-to-watch, inspiring, and generally good film. However, this movie could have been spectacular. In my opinion, it would have won best picture if the creators had changed one simple thing – the rating.
When the rating of PG-13 came into use by the MPAA in 1984, it revolutionized the way bigger budget films were made. Now, a studio has more freedom with what they can and cannot do to avoid the “deadly R” rating most executives stray away from, but that freedom can also hurt a movie. "Hidden Figures" is rated PG, which ends up harming the overall film. Had the writing warranted a PG-13 rating, the film would have made a deeper emotional impact stemming from a realistic portrayal of the racial divides of the time. Since the filmmakers censored the script to secure a PG rating, the film was compromised.
By sugar coating the harsh reality of rampant racism and sexism, the awe-inspiring true story of overcoming obstacles began to feel more like a feel-good Disney movie instead. I would rather have watched an honest reflection of life and the struggles of these women. Of course, there is nothing wrong with a feel-good movie, but given the subject material this movie boldly confronts, along with the current political climate in our country, to make this movie PG-13 could have elevated this movie to nearly flawless.
Overall, this clever, lovable movie with great performances makes an excellent point about the necessity of social equality and the ability of the glass ceiling to be shattered. While not a movie one must see in theaters immediately, "Hidden Figures" is still absolutely a movie everyone should watch.