F1: The Movie: A talented aging type-A rebellious personality in his “late 50s” (although never specified) looks to rekindle the magic by teaching a young upstart in a male dominated field. Sound familiar? Last year it was Tom Cruise (age 63 on Thursday) in Top Gun: Maverick and this year it is Brad Pitt (age 61) in this new release with much fanfare. They are both directed by Joseph Kosinski. Oh and Jerry Bruckheimer is also involved in both. The formula works again. I should probably state that I am the likely audience dynamic. I am just a couple years younger than Pitt and Cruise. I would like to think that I can pilot a jet or drive a F1 race car better and faster than a twenty-something elite athlete but I just can’t. In this installment Pitt plays Sonny Hayes, a former F1 driver who has fallen from grace in his twenties, had failed relationships and has no money or prospects. What he does have is talent behind the wheel driving. Any wheel. He is approached by a former F1 racing buddy, played by Javier Bardem, who is a principal in a fledging and struggling F1 team and he is desperate halfway through a season for a new driver who can drive, but also serve as a mentor for his hot new young raw driver. An offer is made.
And then the story continues as the cocky upstart learns to deal with a new aging driving partner. Hayes also has to learn about his new team, designer, and other team members. The learning curve is steep as Hayes is flown in and then has to drive in the car which is struggling for handling and performance. Kerry Condon is the lead designer seeking more speed.
For me I find it interesting that popular movies involve a man past his best before date looking to show how impressive he can be today against much younger people. He will teach while also excelling. Whether it is in an F-18 fighter jet or a race car. Even though Lewis Hamilton is a producer of this movie, I can see why current drivers like him or World Champion Max Verstappen would have a difficult time swallowing the premise that an older former racer can defeat them in a car which hadn’t registered a single point in the standings halfway through the season, let alone won a race. Having said that, this is fun. I was entertained. Hans Zimmer adds in some music. There is real tension. Some of the shots taken inside the cars and on the track are outstanding. The audience gets a feel for the stresses of these drivers and the speed of the cars. As a summer blockbuster this one fits the bill. Pitt has plenty of charisma and there are some good jokes. There are also some quality emotional tie ins too. Overall this is worth the admission and a lot of fun. Go and check it out.
Mondays With Robbie 