Film: F1

 

GENRE: Action Drama
RATING: PG-13 for language and action
RUNTIME: 2 hours and 35 minutes
PLATFORM: Movie Theatre
STARRING: Brad Pitt (Fight Club, Wolfs, Bullet Train, Spy Game)
Damson Idris (Snowfall); Javier Bardem (Skyfall, No Country for Old Men)
DIRECTOR: Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick, Oblivion, Tron: Legacy)
WRITER: Ehren Kruger (Top Gun: Maverick, Transformers 2 & 3, Scream 3)
PLOT: An F1 driver comes out of retirement to team up with a younger driver to save a friend’s business.

FULL DISCLOSURE: I know nothing about Formula 1 racing.  

STORY STUFF: I had a good time at the movie theatre and enjoyed the fast cars and many dramatic moments. While it was easy to root for Pitt’s Sonny Hayes, I had no time for Idris’ Joshua Pearce. JP’s ‘redemption’ didn’t work for me. I enjoyed the mini romantic part although it was pretty predictable. It’s a pretty long running time and there were a lot of setbacks for the racing team. They could probably streamline that a bit. But overall, a fun ride.    

ACTING STUFF: Brad Pitt is of course the big draw; he is full of star power and swagger. I also enjoyed Kerry Condon (Better Call Saul) as Kate, the love interest and car designer. I could not root for Idris but he played the jerk part okay. Bardem was fine but I hard time with his thick accent at first. Apparently, this film is filled with actual F1 racers, owners, sportscasters, and race locations, so fans of F1 will probably enjoy seeing all those.

ARTISTIC STUFF: This is definitely worth seeing on the big screen. I liked the action on the racetrack but that is because I don’t watch F1 on TV. If you watch F1 you may find the footage lackluster. Apparently, the television footage has stepped up and a lot more intense with their GoPro inside the car shots. The film has all the qualities I expect from a Jerry Bruckheimer produced film. The music was typical Hans Zimmer fare. The colouring was Pearl Harbor-ish at times. There is action but also humour. It’s a fun time at the movies and that’s all I can expect.   

VERDICT: Four stars out of five
SEE IT IF: You don’t watch F1 but want to see some fast cars and Brad Pitt.  
UPCOMING REVIEW: Jurassic World: Rebirth