There is a very simple one sentence synopsis for the film. Don’t let the use of the word “retirement” in the sentence fool you into thinking a grandfather figure is about to race a car. The protagonist is Brad Pitt as you may already know from the film’s trailer and other news. Yes, it is true, he was in Austin at the advance screening of the film, and I was in the IMAX theater of the Bullock Texas State History Museum when he appeared to introduce the film. His smiling face and great energy give him a youthful look and no matter how many times the British rookie driver Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris, “Snowfall” TV series) calls Sonny Hayes (Pitt) an “old man,” the proof is on the racetrack.
The film is directed by Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick) from a script he co-wrote with Ehren Kruger (Top Gun: Maverick, three Transformers films) and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer. The filmmaking team knows how to make an action film and viewing it on the IMAX theater screen makes it all worth watching the drama, sounds, and music, as well as great views by cinematographer Claudio Miranda, of each area where races are held.
Hayes was a well-known racing talent in his younger years (1990s) until a racing accident took him out of circulation. He not only lost out professionally, as his personal life earned him a negative reputation in some circles. His story begins when he has finished a race at Daytona, then quickly goes on his way to find another gig. His former 90s auto teammate Ruben (Javier Bardem) suddenly appears unannounced. Ruben is the owner of the Apex racing team and is recruiting him to drive since the team is not doing well financially. He knows and needs Sonny’s expertise to help win the remaining races and save the business, including the drivers and crew. Though hesitant at first, Hayes decides to take the challenge for an F1 win he dreamt about years before.
Synopsis: A Formula One driver comes out of retirement to mentor and team up with a younger driver.
It is an engaging film as each team’s driver is going for the win. Ruben’s team has the rookie driver Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris) who parades around like it is his team. As can be predicted, he does not want to be outdone by anyone, much less an “elderly” person. Idris is excellent as an arrogant character with a big mouth. Ruben knows the experience required to win, no matter how much Joshua thinks he is capable. Ruben has a very talented and educated engineer as the technical director, Kate (Kerry Condon, The Banshees of Inisherin). At first, she is clearly not impressed with his swagger and flippant style. No matter how much the personalities clash, everybody including the pit crew must be a team player to win.
The movie’s action sequences keep the audience on the edge of the theater seat, almost as if they are the drivers going so fast to make it to the checkered flag for a win. The fantastic music that is playing certainly gives each scene added exhilaration. The music by Oscar winner Hans Zimmer (Dune: Part One, The Lion King – 1995) is top notch- wait and see.
There is a group of board members behind Ruben’s APXGP team that has some power to make decisions. Ruben is concerned and rightfully should be when board member Peter Banning (Tobias Menzies, “Outlander” TV series) sees an opportunity to act on. Of course, Menzies is perfect for the role.
The movie is much more than just about Brad Pitt, but it doesn’t hurt to see him casually dressed in jeans, smiling and just the right attitude to show everyone how it is done. But of course, I cannot end the review without mentioning how superb Javier Bardem is in his role of saving his business against the odds he is facing.
MPA Rating: PG-13. Running time: 155 minutes.
Source: Warner Bros. Pictures, Apple Original Films
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