F1 is a story about embracing that which propels you. Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt) is a driver. Once the next big thing on the F1 circuit, a calamitous crash cut down Sonny’s meteoric rise. Now, decades later, Sonny will race anything with wheels. He bounces around the world finding new challenges, constantly searching to reignite the passion he once had for the sport. Suddenly, Sonny’s former competitor Ruben (Javier Bardem) offers him a proposition. Ruben has recently purchased an F1 racing team, but the operation is in shambles. They have a rookie named Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris) with incredible promise, but he lacks discipline and patience. Ruben compels Sonny to join his squad. His vision is that Sonny can mentor Joshua and perhaps save the team from bankruptcy. Sonny reluctantly accepts. But upon arrival Sonny immediately clashes with Joshua, causing even more turbulence.
What works in F1 is the overall cinematic experience. When people talk about yearning for the good ole fashioned summer blockbuster, F1 is the type of movie they mean. Every component of F1 works together like a symphony to create high-octane entertainment. Pitt, as the movie’s core, is fantastically charming and engaging as the old school, aging risk-taker. And Idris is perfect as the over-confident young buck and foil for Sonny. Next, the action is heart-pounding. Director Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick) puts audiences into the driver’s seat, for a truly immersive experience unlike any previous racing movie. But the secret weapon and glue of F1 is the sound design. It’s a three-part attack: 1) the audio effects of the racing environment which will almost certainly give F1 a Best Sound Oscar; 2) the rockin’, toe-tapping soundtrack; and 3) the thrilling score by Hans Zimmer (The Dark Knight) that will keep blood pressures appropriately elevated. All in all, F1 is delightful due to the pieces fitting together purposely and with great effect.
RELATED: New Trailer Released For ‘F1’ Starring Brad Pitt
People who lament typical sports movie tropes, or don’t appreciate racing in general (although this might convert you), may not enjoy F1 as much as others. The general beats of the story are exactly what one might expect. The two leads clash. It escalates. Things get better. Things get worse, etc. There’s a certain predictability that some may find comforting, but others may find trite. There are so many films in this genre that follow a similar…formula (sorry), that the inevitable telegraphing may prove distracting. Also, those unfamiliar with racing may feel lost at times. F1 tries to be authentic, and often the crew discusses strategy and technical aspects in ways that may lose the uninitiated. Finally, F1 is loud and exhausting. The sound is absolutely incredible, but the rock-concert intensity could induce headaches for those with sensitivity.
F1 is a fabulous ride. Between likeable characters and nonstop thrills, it’s easy to root for. While it may not win any accolades for originality, the overabundance of pure fun more than makes up for it. Highly recommended.
Recommended if you enjoyed: Top Gun: Maverick, Ford v Ferrari
F1 is now available exclusively in theaters beginning on Friday, June 27th.
FOR FANBOYS, BY FANBOYS
Have you checked out LRM Online’s official podcasts and videos on The Genreverse Podcast Network? Available on YouTube and all your favorite podcast apps, This multimedia empire includes The Daily CoG, Breaking Geek Radio: The Podcast, GeekScholars Movie News, Anime-Versal Review Podcast, and our Star Wars dedicated podcast The Cantina. Check it out by listening on all your favorite podcast apps, or watching on YouTube!
Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SoundCloud | Stitcher | Google Play
