The "F1" Movie Reviews Are In: A High-Octane Journey into Formula One
After the resounding success of “Top Gun: Maverick,” acclaimed filmmaker Joseph Kosinski and legendary producer Jerry Bruckheimer gear up to make another splash with their latest offering, “F1.” Hitting theaters this Friday, the film promises to immerse audiences in the exhilarating world of Formula One racing, blending breathtaking action with a classic underdog narrative.
A Race Against Time and Circumstance
At the heart of “F1” is Brad Pitt, who takes on the role of a once-celebrated Formula One driver forced into retirement after a catastrophic accident. Years later, he re-emerges to support a struggling racing team and mentor its promising young talent, played by Damson Idris. The film boldly ventures into both the glamorous and high-stakes universe of F1, showcasing the turmoil and triumph that define this prestigious sport.
Critical Reception: A Mixed Bag of Speed and Substance
So, what do critics think? As of now, “F1” holds a commendable 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, while it’s slightly lower at 70/100 on Metacritic. Opinions vary widely, so let’s dive into what the reviewers are saying.
Sentiments from the Critics
Tim Grierson, Screen: “Kosinski does for cars what he previously did for fighter jets, transforming them into balletic machines that fly through the frame with unstoppable propulsion.”
David Fear, Rolling Stone: “This is what blockbusters used to look like. Come for the most impressive, lustrous car that a gajillion-dollar budget can buy. The reason to stay, however, is the driver.”
Liz Shannon Miller, Consequence: “While Tom Cruise did his big race car movie back in 1990, it’s easy to imagine him watching F1 and seething with jealousy. The racing sequences look as thrilling to shoot as they are to watch.”
Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian: “There’s a fair bit of macho silliness, but the panache of Kosinski’s direction is entertaining. To a non-believer like me, the result is surreal and spectacular.”
Owen Gleiberman, Variety: “We go into F1 excited about being excited, and the film makes good on that. Yet it may leave you feeling a bit empty afterwards.”
David Ehrlich, Indiewire: “Always entertaining how it effectively welds hyper-modern spectacle to a classic underdog story…but it often struggles to seize on its simplest pleasures.”
Nick Schager, The Daily Beast: “An old-school Jerry Bruckheimer-produced spectacular, albeit one that never deviates from a familiar summer blockbuster course.”
Clarisse Loughrey, Independent: “F1 represents the spiritually bone-dry opposite of Top Gun’s giddy pleasures.”
Nicholas Barber, BBC: “While Top Gun: Maverick was a masterpiece, F1 is simply a collection of underdog sports-drama clichés. It fails to convince us its protagonists are human beings.”
- William Bibbiani, The Wrap: “An incredibly sterile film about virility. It’s so manly it can barely perform.”
Star-Studded Cast and Release Info
Joining Brad Pitt are Oscar winner Javier Bardem, Oscar nominee Kerry Condon, and Emmy award-winning talents like Tobias Menzies and Sarah Niles. The film rolls into cinemas on June 27, aiming to be a must-see for both racing fans and moviegoers alike.
Conclusion: Will “F1” Leave You Revved Up or on Empty?
As “F1” gears up for release, critical opinions illustrate the film’s ability to deliver both thrilling racing sequences and the familiar beats of an underdog story. While some may find it lacks the depth of its predecessor, it remains a high-energy spectacle that could reignite your love for fast cars and racing drama.
For those intrigued by the drama and speed of Formula One, mark your calendars and buckle up for this cinematic ride!
