My attention and empathy shouldn’t depend upon “relating” to this young kid who grew up half a world away, but I do relate to him. And it makes it that much more gutting when his world begins crumbling around him.

This movie pulls off the Apollo 13 Challenge. I’m not talking about the actual space mission, which by the way was also super impressive.

Making a film that holds its spell over you after it’s over is a major accomplishment. What’s strange and a touch disappointing is that it rarely held my attention that much while I was watching it.

The film does a great job addressing the racial elephant in the room. Or more accurately, the racial elephant at the country club sipping a daiquiri, lounging poolside.

Lesser performances might have dipped into cheesiness. Every actor’s performance feels real. You swear they really do love each other this much.

This film wants to redefine what a Marvel movie can be. That’s going to be unsettling for some MCU diehards.