Review: First Man

First Man is now playing in theaters. The true story is centered on astronaut Neil Armstrong and stars Ryan Gosling. It was directed by Damien Chazelle and was executive produced by Steven Spielberg.

Synopsis:

America is determined to beat Russia by putting a man on the moon first during the 1960s and the Cold War. Neil Armstrong is obsessed with helping NASA make that mission possible. Armstrong struggles with his own personal issues to become the first man to walk on the Moon on July 20, 1969.

Positives:

• Ryan Gosling gives a wonderful and understated performance. We have never quite seen the talented actor in a role like this before.

• Chazelle crafts beautifully immersive moments when dealing with space and the shuttles. The film uniquely captures the claustrophobia and chaos that comes with space exploration.

• The film’s score by Justin Hurwitz is exciting and really elevates the adventurous moments in the film.

• First Man is now playing in theaters. The true story is centered on astronaut Neil Armstrong and stars Ryan Gosling. It was directed by Damien Chazelle and was executive produced by Steven Spielberg.

  Synopsis:

  America is determined to beat Russia by putting a man on the moon first during the 1960s and the Cold War. Neil Armstrong is obsessed with helping NASA make that mission possible. Armstrong struggles with his own personal issues to become the first man to walk on the Moon on July 20, 1969.

  Positives:

  • Ryan Gosling gives a wonderful and understated performance. We have never quite seen the talented actor in a role like this before.

   

  • Chazelle crafts beautifully immersive moments when dealing with space and the shuttles. The film uniquely captures the claustrophobia and chaos that comes with space exploration.

   

  • The film’s score by Justin Hurwitz is exciting and really elevates the adventurous moments in the film.

   

  Negatives:

  • At times the film becomes a little slow and redundant. 10 minutes of the film could have been easily trimmed.

  In Closing:

  First Man is a gripping character study on one of the most iconic Americans that has ever lived, Neil Armstrong. Gosling gives one of his finest performances and Chazelle consistently delivers interesting character moments and beautiful visuals. First Man takes a story we have all heard a million times and makes it feel fresh and vibrant.

  Rating: A-