“First Man”

An early Oscar favorite for Best Picture, this is Academy-Award winning “La La Land” Director Damien Chazelle ’s compelling true story of Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon. “First Man” details the riveting story of NASA’s mission to land a man on the moon, focusing on Armstrong and the years 1961-1969.

A visceral, first-person account based on the book by James R. Hansen, the movie explores the sacrifices and the cost on Armstrong, and on the nation, of one of the most dangerous missions in history. Ryan Gosling portrays Armstrong, who spent years in training after joining NASA in the 1960s. Finally, on July 16, 1969, the nation and world watch in wonder as Armstrong and fellow astronauts Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins embarked on a historic mission to the moon. This is the story of the man behind the mission.

Reviews are largely positive if a bit more on the sheer spectacle and audacity of the film’s look and structure than the performances. Bring the whole family. Rated PG-13

Thursday-Friday, Jan. 3-4, 7 pm; Sat. Jan. 5, 3 & 7 pm. Tickets $8 adults, $5 children 12 and under