“F1: The Movie” is a throwback, good ol’ summer blockbuster with all of the advantages and flaws associated with such a characterization.
It’s big, loud, brash with old-timey movie stars (Oh, hi Brad Pitt), stars on the rise (Hey there, Damson Idris) and it exists merely to entertain.
In a week where Northeast Ohio is currently baking, it offers the perfect reason to escape to a local theater and not just because it feels like a convection oven outside.
“F1” offers the kind of escapist entertainment that once defined the summer movie season—films unburdened by the weight of expectations stemming from preexisting intellectual property.
Truthfully, Formula One, is a property in and of itself, but it’s not a world seen on film very often with one recent attempt being the biopic “Rush.” And it’s thoroughly exhilarating to see the race circuit explored via the world of modern filmmaking.
The primary reason: Thanks to technology and director Joseph Kosinski’s vision, audiences will be thrust into the driver’s seat alongside Brad Pitt and Idris Elba, who play rival teammates on a Formula One team led by Ruben Cervantes (Oscar winner Javier Bardem). The team is imploding due to low morale and a lack of wins—both of which have led to financial troubles.
In that regard, “F1” represents an absolute thrill ride, an amusement park attraction come to life with respect to cinematic experience.
For those who love being immersed in their film viewing, that’s reason enough show up in a theater. Some of us are, however, appreciate the past when minor things such as plot, performances and script are necessary ingredients to that experience.
With some exceptions, recent summer blockbusters aren’t know for those elements. That’s where the pitfalls come with “F1.” In regards to those aspects, “F1” can be thoroughly predictable with its story of the grizzled, wily veteran – in this case Pitt’s Sonny Hayes – and the suspicious, arrogant wet-behind-the-ears reluctant protégé – Idris’ Joshua Pearce – who seems to care more about his social media profile than actually winning.
Cervantes obviously brings driver-for-hire Hayes in to force his rookie driver to grow up. Needless to say, that strategy comes with all the tension to be expected. And it doesn’t just exist with Pearce. Hayes’ arrival causes tension within the organization, especially after Cervantes informs its members that Hayes is auditioning them to see if he wants to join as opposed to the other way around. It’s not difficult to predict where this will head.
It’s familiar ground for director Kosinski, who helmed “Top Gun: Maverick,” but like any film with these plot points it’s a matter of execution. His direction mixed with technology provides the experience. But with Pitt and Idris he has performers who deliver in spades to take it beyond a film completely reliant on the thrills rather than the narrative. Yes, it can be predictable and even cliché, but those elements can easily be forgiven given the overall package.
It’s a thrill ride, but Pitt easing into a role that requires wisdom rather than smarm and charm is something to relish and in Idris it’s not difficult to see he’s been mentioned as someone who could play a recast Black Panther.
In the case of “F1: The Movie,” strap in and just enjoy the ride on the biggest screen possible with a premium audio system.
George M. Thomas covers a myriad of things including sports and pop culture, but mostly sports, he thinks, for the Beacon Journal.
Review
Movie: “F1: The Movie”
Cast: Brad Pitt, Javier Bardem, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon
Directed by: Joseph Kosinski
Running time: 2 hours 35 minutes
Rated: PG-13 for strong language, and action.
Grade: B
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: ‘F1’ puts audiences with Brad Pitt, Damson Idris behind the wheel of Formula One race car
Reporting by George M. Thomas, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
