Movie Review: Rush (2013)
Written by Anthony Sargon
Sports dramas are very difficult to pull off, especially when it comes to Formula 1. Capturing the intensity of one of the world's most dangerous sports is no easy task, but Ron Howard has done the impossible; he made it look easy.
The movie is based on the rivalry between James Hunt and Niki Lauda, specifically during the 1976 season. Thanks to Ron Howard's sure-handed directing and some great lead performances, "Rush" is a fantastic drama that is not only one of the year's best so far, but it's Howard's best directorial effort since 2008's "Fronst/Nixon."
Full disclosure - I was never a big Formula 1 follower, much to my uncle's dismay. But, like any responsible film critic, I spent a lot of time watching youtube clips and interviews before working on this review to try and be as accurate as I can.
The lead performances are really strong, especially Daniel Brühl’s portrayal of Lauda. It’s more than just an impersonation or trying to nail the accent; he really embodies the character and everything that made him likeable and unlikable. Chris Hemsworth does a great job as James Hunt, and was honestly the perfect casting choice. Seriously, if you want to convince audiences that someone can sleep with that many women, you have to go with Thor.
Like I mentioned, Ron Howard’s direction is exceptionally strong here. The film’s races are brought to life in spectacular fashion and will have you at the edge of your seat the entire time. Howard never forgets that the film's beating heart is the Lauda/Hunt rivalry, and he lets it shine. The movie also looks like a million bucks thanks to some great cinematography by Anthony Mantle.
The attention to detail is really impressive too; the filmmakers collaborated with Niki Lauda while working on the script, and you can sense the authenticity in every frame. Howard has truly captured the spirit of these two men’s rivalry; they hate eachother in a way, but also need each other more than they know. They couldn’t be more different than one another, but they’re also extremely alike.
Anthony's Verdict:
"Rush" is a very impressive sports drama that will satisfy Formula 1 fans and non-fans alike. If you're the least bit curious to check it out, do it.
Numerical Score: 8.5/10
Read the Original post on A Geek's Blog
