Grade: B
Brad Pitt’s new film ‘F1’ will debut in theaters this weekend directed by Top Gun: Maverick’s Joseph Kosinski. The film stars Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Javier Bardem, & Kerry Condon.
Brad Pitt’s character Sonny Hayes, is a washed up F1 driver trying to redeem himself from a crash early in his career that forced him out of F1 and his dreams of being a champion.
Damson Idris plays the young buck rookie trying to make a name for himself. Kerry Condon is aerospace engineer turned team technical director, with Javier Bardem playing a former driver turned team owner.
Brad Pitt sort of plays the same character Brad Pitt has been playing the last 10 years. The charming older rebel, with a smart mouth, making his own way in the world. I don’t think he necessarily phoned it in, but his character was definitely in his comfort zone. Nevertheless, Pitt makes you root for him throughout the film.
Damson Idris was excellent in this movie and played his part of hotshot rookie well. He plays off Brad Pitt’s wittiness and was the perfect match energy wise for his teammate.
Kerry Condon was a breath of fresh air and charming in this movie. As well as Javier Bardem with both their scenes evening out the movie.
The score is amazing in this movie, helmed by Hans Zimmer. The cinematography is also absolutely unique from any sort of racing movie I’ve ever seen. Seeing it in IMAX also seemed to accentuate the feeling of being in a race.
The story is predictable though and follows a very formulaic sports movie script. Then if you’re not an F1 racing fan, some parts of this movie might be confusing. Such as what is allowed and what can be penalized in a race. The movie tries to explain it simply but it can still get lost on someone easily.
That being said I feel this movie will be a big draw with racing fans and car enthusiasts. I do feel it will get picked apart and compared to past racing movies but I do think audiences will find it enjoyable.
I’m not sure where it will land in a Summer of huge blockbuster movies but I think it will find its place. It’s worth a watch and for the full experience, seeing it in theaters adds to the movie.
