Even though it's a long movie, the storytelling is very tightly crafted. Not a moment that I can recall thinking "they probably added that for dramatic purposes." Not that they didn't add things for dramatic purposes, but if so it didn't stick out like a sore thumb. No speeches, no one depicted as outright villainous or even an obstructing naysayer to give the movie a bad guy to root against.

I'm embarrassed I followed this story so lackadaisically when it was happening, but it made for a more thrilling viewing experience.

Trying to think of all his movies, but might be my favorite Ron Howard movie. Okay, I just checked and yeah, probably beats out Cinderella Man and Apollo 13.