First Man [Blu-ray]

I suggest to anyone who hasn't done so, to watch the miniseries "The Right Stuff" and "From the Earth to the Moon" BEFORE watching this movie, First Man. It will put things into perspective and offer more insight into what all is transpiring in this movie. From the plane crash involving Elliot See to the malfunctions in their Gemini spacecraft.At any rate, a great movie that further shows the absolute hell these guys went through in those programs to put an American on the moon. (And beat the Russians to it!)

Absolutely phenomenal filmmaking combined with the tale of one of mankind's most epic achievements makes "First Man" one of the best movies I have seen in a long time. On a pure technical level alone, it is a remarkable effort. Superior production values including editing, production design, sound mixing & editing, music, and photo-realistic Oscar-winning visual effects combine to immerse us into the excitement and risks of 1960's space travel and propel this biopic to classic status."First Man" features a stellar cast led by another very fine, understated performance from Ryan Gosling as the titular astronaut. Gosling gives us a Neil Armstrong who is always fascinating to watch, regardless of whether he's flying an experimental spacecraft or listening to a lecture. Claire Foy is equally compelling in what could have been a much more formulaic role such as Kathleen Quinlan in "Apollo 13". Similarly, the rest of the ensemble- especially Kyle Chandler, Jason Clarke, Corey Stoll, and Lukas Haas- effectively play their historical characters as "real people" and never seem to be acting like, well, actors. They disappear into their roles and do not show off in ways most lesser actors would.There are a surprisingly fair amount of detractors for this film, so I can't say as confidently as I should be able to that everyone and their mother's uncle needs to see it. The "flag/ patriotism controversy" was nothing short of moronic. I have seen critics from far-right and far-left perspectives tear this movie apart; hilariously and ironically, these two radical opposites seemed to work together in putting a dent in this film's performance, and may well have succeeded: while reviews were largely stellar for "First Man", it fell short of box office analysts' forecasts and was unable to recoup its relatively modest budget theatrically. This all echoes the odd fate of 1983's "The Right Stuff"; it too was a well-reviewed, Oscar-winning film about NASA's early days, and it too was ignored by audiences in its initial release.*How* you watch this is vital for your appreciation of it. I recommend not watching this on anything less than a 40" TV and Blu-Ray; I saw it on a 50" on 4K UHD and was blown away by many sequences. I can't imagine watching it on a laptop or on DVD. While the documentary-style naturally prohibits "First Man" from being a definitively beautiful-looking film, the added details from 4K including ample film grain in the non-IMAX footage immerse us even further into the experience.The film may take minor liberties with history (especially for Hollywood), yet due to strong performances, documentary-style filmmaking, and impeccable production values, "First Man" is a stunning achievement. Last but far from least, the score by Justin Hurwitz is one of the best original scores I have ever heard, and that's a lot of praise coming from a soundtrack aficionado; it is a sin this was not nominated by the Oscars in favor of far more unoriginal music.

"First Man" isn't just a movie; it's an emotional rollercoaster that leaves you breathless, heartbroken, and utterly mesmerized. Directed by the brilliant Damien Chazelle and starring the incomparable Ryan Gosling, this film tells the awe-inspiring story of Neil Armstrong, the first man to set foot on the moon.From the very first scene, "First Man" grabs hold of your heartstrings and never lets go. Through its breathtaking visuals, haunting score, and gut-wrenching performances, it immerses you in the turbulent era of the space race, capturing the triumphs, the tragedies, and the indomitable human spirit that propelled mankind to the stars.At the heart of the film is Ryan Gosling's breathtaking portrayal of Neil Armstrong. With his trademark intensity and quiet strength, Gosling brings Armstrong to life in a way that is nothing short of mesmerizing. From his struggles with loss and grief to his unwavering determination to push the boundaries of human exploration, Gosling captures every nuance of Armstrong's complex character with grace and authenticity.But what truly sets "First Man" apart is its emotional depth. As we journey alongside Armstrong and his fellow astronauts, we are confronted with the harsh realities of their mission – the sacrifices, the dangers, and the profound toll it takes on their families. It's a raw and unflinching portrayal of the human cost of exploration, and it leaves a lump in your throat and tears in your eyes.In the end, "First Man" is more than just a tearjerker – it's a cinematic masterpiece that leaves an indelible mark on your soul. With its breathtaking visuals, haunting score, and powerhouse performances, it's a testament to the power of cinema to inspire, to uplift, and to remind us of the boundless potential of the human spirit. So grab your tissues, buckle up, and prepare to be swept away on a journey to the stars – because "First Man" is a cinematic experience like no other.