F1 - The Movie
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐ (out of 5 stars)
Racing cars is a rite of passage for the aging movie star from Steve McQueen to Paul Newman. Films that incorporate the yearning for the adrenaline rush and skirting the edge of danger that permeates the hearts of men worldwide. Brad Pitt (Once Upon a Time in… Hollywood) ventures into the world of motorheads in top-tier racing as he jumps behind the wheel in Formula One.
He embodies the seasoned and pieced-together journeyman driver Sonny Hayes. After years of driving every type of car in venues worldwide, the racer is approached by Ruben Cervantes (Javier Bardem), APXGP team owner, former F1 driver, and friend. The company owner needs help mentoring rookie prodigy Joshua "Noah" Pearce (Damson Idris) and helping save his driving team. Despite his reluctance to jump in the seat of the F1 racing machine, Sonny decides to take this chance to redeem himself from his past and does his best to salvage this floundering team.
Each year provides viewers with another option of racing glory, but what gives this project a heightened excitement goes beyond seeing Brad Pitt and Javier Bardem together on screen. The intrigue comes with the man in the director's chair; Top Gun: Maverick's Joseph Kosinski will have audiences salivating for a viewer experience that moves from jets to race cars. This anticipation is rewarded from the opening credits as the filmmaker puts the audience in the driver's seat and keeps the foot on the gas for 156 minutes. A run time that could be argued went one race too many. Still, the overall entertainment experience makes it worth the trip to the cinema.
Most of the film resides on the greatest race tracks in the world. Still, many want to know if Pitt and Idris are more than eye candy to draw you to the cars. Once again, viewers can thank the production of Maverick for screenwriter Ehren Kruger for delivering a great story, albeit familiar, to complement the races. The team dynamic and chemistry amongst all players take this production from mere racing to a story that draws in those who may not be interested in the racing component. Kerry Condon (The Banshees of Inisherin) holds her own in a world of alpha males. At the same time, Tobias Menzies (The Crown) plays the smarmy interloper needed to keep the characters honest.
F1 will have audiences feeling like they are in the driver's seat and they merely need to hold on for the ride. Pitt, Idris and Bardem push the limits of danger and expectation in this breathtaking and compelling film that will make you want to fly!
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REEL DIALOGUE: Mentorship
Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another - Proverbs 27:17
What is the value of a good mentor? At the heart of F1 is an example of Biblical mentorship. Sonny and Joshua's relationship is one in which one man directs another's path for his development and for the benefit of their team. Amongst all of the relationships within this film, their eventual friendship leads to some of the most endearing elements of the film.
And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also - 2 Timothy 2:2
Mentorship and training are seen throughout the Bible. Jesus had his disciples, but a fascinating study can be found in the coaching relationship between Paul and Timothy. The apostle wrote some of the most personal letters to his trainee. These men set a precedence for the value of an older individual investing in the life of someone younger. Like Sonny and Joshua, the allegiance between Paul and Timothy benefits trainees today. It does lead to the very thing that genuinely benefits mankind.
