Two Very Different Movies with One Thing in Common: Space

There were two movies coming out this winter that I knew I had to see.  After seeing both, I was more impressed with one than the other, but also thought it interesting how they had something in common.  You see, both movies shared the human interest of space travel in common and though one was from our past and one from our possible future, were equally as interesting.

Hidden Figures

Plot: This movie was about three intelligent, African American women who had to fight their whole lives to proof their intelligence in a world run by white men.  They had two things going against them which were their race and their gender.  During this time in US history, women were secretaries and every aspect of the US was separated by color from where you drank to what restroom you used.  You'd think NASA would be different, but it was far from it.  These three young ladies each worked for NASA in a computing department, but were capable of much more.  Each had their own battle in order to get out of computing and prove their intellect. After Russia had a successful mission into space, NASA was under the wire and pressure was on for us to send our men to the moon.  This allowed the girls to show NASA just what they were capable of.

Review: With the current state of the divisions of race in our country, I delayed seeing this.  I didn't want it to add to my discontent, but am happy to report that it was inspiring more than anything.  One of the women, Katherine, had to literally walk 20 minutes to the nearest colored bathroom and her co-workers designated a colored coffee pot for her to use.  One day when asked where she goes and why it takes her so long, she lost it and explained that it was due to the color of her skin.  This scene was powerful and so well acted.  You could see and feel in the injustice and how she finally let it all out.  I loved how this scene then sent a change through NASA and her boss who was typically reserve and conservative, began making changes such as removing all colored bathrooms and explaining there would be no division in NASA.  Another compelling story was from Mary who could't work on a project until she had a specific degree, but the problem was that she couldn't take the needed classes, because it was an all white school.  The best scene was when her boss explained she had no excuse since he was a Polish Jew who  got to where he was.  Mary fought her way to that degree and was able to convince a judge to change the ruling.  So as you can see, this movie was filled with inspiration.  IMDB gave it a 7.9/10 and Rotten Tomatoes gave it a 92%.  I would give it a 9.5/10.  The only reason why is because I wished it ended on a more inspiring note, but it was based on a true story so I can't blame the film for that.  I highly recommend this for all to see for a reminder of how diversity can be beautiful.

The Space Between Us

Plot: A young astronaut learns she is pregnant as she is on a mission to Mars.  Her baby is delivered on the planet and left without a mother as she died during child birth.  This leaves NASA with quite the predicament.  Here is this baby whose body is not able to handle the travel to Earth let alone its atmosphere, so they are left with no choice, but to have him live on Mars.  Fast forward 16 years later and like any teenager, Gardner is itching for interaction with others his age.  He is able to communicate with a girl from Earth via the internet and after finding some hints about where his real father could be, he is determine to get to Earth.  After some convincing of his sudo mom on Mars, Gardner is granted his wish.  Once arriving on Earth, the rebellious teen in him kicks in and he runs away to search for his lady friend and his father.  He does find his lady friend, Tulsa, quickly and the two are off on an adventure, but first he must convince her of where he is really from.  She soon finds out the guy she thought she knew is from a world she's never known and realizes he doesn't have much time as his body is slowly showing just how not from Earth he really is.  They are determined to find his father in time before it's too late.

Review: The best word to sum up this movie in one word is, cute.  I loved the concept of exploring space and the science behind the human body and how it would be tricky with a baby only ever living in Space.  However, the plot was well suited for a younger crowd.  If I was 16/17, I would have eaten this up, but with more life experience, it seemed cheesy in parts.  The plot twist at the end was predictable, but the science and scenes were pretty cool.  I'd say if it was a Sunday morning and you saw this on Netflix, give it a go, otherwise save your money.  IMDB gave it a 6.2/10 and Rotten Tomatoes gave it a whopping 18%.  This really tells you how it is, because Rotten Tomatoes has been pretty generous lately, so for them to give it that low of a score, you know it's lacking.  I would give it a 5/10.  It's all about perspective and at 31, I need more in a movie.