A long, but exciting race to the finish.
I admit I wasn’t as familiar with the Formula 1 (F1) races, so a while ago, I was pondering what the big deal was with the new Brad Pitt vehicle “F1.” The teaser was set to the tune of Queen’s “We Will Rock You” with the title going by really fast, so there must be a reason for that kind of ambition. It’s not a video game series nor is this a history film, it represents the formula racing with the Grands Prix taking place in different countries with many laps and open-wheel cars. And I believe I caught an example of the races on TV. a few weeks ago.
We’ve had many race car movies like “Days of Thunder,” “Ford v. Ferrari,” “Rush,” and “Cars.” There are going to be lots of races, there are going to be conflicts, there are going to be crashes, and there are going to be examinations about the true meaning of the sport. And I guess that’s what “F1” seems to acknowledge.
It’s also the latest movie from co-writer and director Jospeh Kosinski, co-writer Ehren Kruger, and producer Jerry Bruckheimer, all of whom seem to be channeling on their success with “Top Gun: Maverick.” And I know the producer also seems to be reflecting on “Days of Thunder” enough to spark a sequel. And while “F1” runs a little too long with some of the same races, it does keep our interests with the characters and races, and what qualities and difficulties come out of the both of them.
Pitt plays Sonny Hayes, a former F1 racer, who is reduced to driving taxis, gambling, and racing-for-hire. His former teammate and friend Ruben Cervantes (Javier Bardem) offers him a chance to come out of retirement for his racing team Apex Grand Prix APXGP. Not only would he be racing in different countries, but he will also be mentoring the hotshot racer Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris from “Outside the Wire”), who is just as cocky as Sonny is.
I suppose it’s an unwritten rule that the experienced racer and the young rookie have to have their conflicts regarding the definition of racing. The young man thinks he doesn’t need an old man telling him how to race, while the old man also has his troubles. And both Pitt and Idris deliver with the right charms and consistency. And given the time length, it’s going to take a while for them to make peace with each other.
The supporting cast also includes Kerry Condon as the Irish technical director Kate McKenna, who becomes Sonny’s love interest; Samson Kayo as Joshua’s cousin and manager Cashman; Sarah Niles as Joshua’s mother Bernadette Pearce (almost sounds like Bernadette Peters, doesn’t it); Tobias Menzies as an APXGP board of director member, who wants Ruben to sell his team to other interests; and Shea Whigham cameos as a racing manager in the opening scenes.
“F1” would have been “Top Gun: Maverick” perfect if we cut back on a few races, and stuck with the important ones, but it still entertains us with its depiction of the F1 world. There’s a lot of fast cars, pit stops, and principles that must be kept, and Kosinski films those scenes with the kind of commitment as seen in “Top Gun: Maverick.”
Pitt, even in his early 60s, still looks good and he still feels cool, and he’s able to put those qualities in his character. Idris is also entertaining with his attitude and cockiness. Bardem also allows the wisecracks to kick in with his serious atmosphere. And I like how Condon is used to try to keep the two main racers on the right track. Pun intended. And I think Las Vegas is a good place to do so.
This is also the latest attempt for Apple Studios to allow their films to be shown on the silver screen. I don’t want this failing at the box office, because I watched this movie in an IMAX theater, and it’s the perfect place to see this movie. Not on a computer or a TV, but in a movie theater. “F1” makes me glad I got to see this side of the race car world.
