First Man Review: 8 Ups & 2 Downs

7. The Incredible Space Sequences Are Jaw-Dropping & Terrifying

First Man Ryan Gosling
Universal

The several spaceflight missions in this film are absolutely phenomenal, and it's really quite incredible what Damien Chazelle has achieved on a mere $59 million budget.

Most of the talk surrounding the movie will surely focus on the eye-popping, blisteringly intense Apollo 11 mission itself, and rightly so. The prolonged landing sequence blends seamless visual effects with mostly practical, in-camera work and incredible music to become one of the year's most visceral set-pieces despite the outcome being known.

What's perhaps most impressive of all is that these scenes manage to serve as a tribute to the ingenuity of humanity reaching space while also surrendering the utter, bone-rattling terror that such a mission entails. If you do head out to see this movie, look for the biggest screen you can find it playing on.

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Contributor
Contributor

Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.