First Man review

Based on true events First Man gives us a look at the life of astronaut Neil Armstrong, and the legendary space mission the led him to become the first man to walk on the moon on July 20th 1969. First Man reunites La La Land duo Ryan Gosling and Damien Chazelle and it is a thrilling, compelling and at times utterly astounding piece of cinema. First off you've Ryan Gosling who at first seems like a quiet man with little or nothing to say but by the end of of the movie and by the time he actually walks on the moon he has completely transformed himself. His performance overall is faultless in my opinion and it's backed by another stellar performance from Claire Foy who plays his other half. She brings the passion when it's needed and offers a different side to the movie when it's time to cool down after some pretty intense scenes of successful and failed space missions. Speaking of the space missions they are thrilling, exciting and downright scary at times. It's all testament to the way Damien Chazelle has shot the movie. There's close up shots, there's spinning shots and every other type of shot you can imagine which just adds to the overall almost claustrophobic vibe the movie has going for it.

We all know the story of Neil Armstrong. But First Man also lets us in on his personal life that in it's own way is also filled with many ups and downs. He loses loved ones, his marriage almost falls apart and everything else in between. Gosling pulls it off really well though and when him and Claire Foy do make a good on screen duo. The pacing for the most part is okay, it might bore some as some scenes feel stretched out to the point of not really being necessary. But in true fashion I wish some scenes would have been just a bit longer especially the space missions as I said beforehand they are spectacular.

First Man is an epic look at a truly amazing person with an even more amazing story. It isn't going to be for everyone obviously but it is enjoyable and Ryan Gosling puts in yet another excellent performance. A must see for anyone who is interested in space and astrology.

★★★★