First Man

        Brilliant cinematography and special effects come together in director Damien Chazelle's new film, to create the most realistic depiction of early space travel we've ever seen. Mr. Chazelle and his screenwriter, Josh Singer have made a remarkable film based on the life of Neil Armstrong and Nasa's quest to be the first to set foot on the moon.

         Mr. Singer's screenplay is based on the authorized biography of Neil Armstrong by James R. Hansen and the film's attention to detail is perfect. Mr. Chazelle puts the audience aboard the X-15 and the Gemini and Apollo rockets right alongside Mr. Armstrong and his fellow astronauts. You feel every thrust of the rockets, the spin of the capsule, and the claustrophobia of the tiny space where these true heroes risked their lives to beat the Russians to the moon.

           And as good as technical aspects of the film are, you won't forget the performances either, anchored by the terrific Ryan Gosling as Armstrong and Claire Foy as his wife, Janet. A moment that defines Mr. Armstrong early in the film gives Mr. Gosling a chance to show more depth than any of his previous roles. His resolve and determination to get the job done, while haunted by the past, is a side of the man most never knew.  The scenes away from work are intimate and very human and they counter the crazed world of riding a rocket into space. 

              The film is filled with terrific co-stars including Kyle Chandler, Lukas Haas, Ethan Embry, Jason Clarke, Patrick Fugit, Shea Whigham, Ciaran Hinds, Brian D'Arcy James, Pablo Schreiber and Christopher Abbott.

              Mr. Chazelle leaves little out of the story showing us all the triumph and well as the tragedy leading to that defining moment of "One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind". It is a stirring, emotional ride that goes beyond the history.