Earlier this year “Lee Daniels’ The Butler” ran into a problem with its
title. You see it was originally called just “The Butler” but there was another
film from 1916 with the same name, hence the name change. I only bring this up
because in 1991 a film starring Jason Patric and Jennifer Jason Leigh called
“Rush” was released, and unlike with “The Butler” there was no outcry for a
name change. Also lucky for us this “Rush” is a lot better than its previous namesake.
The title for this latest from Ron Howard happens to be a great verb for
this film, because it is exactly what you will feel as you watch it. James Hunt
(Chris Hensworth) likes to live fast, and more importantly he likes to drive
fast. His goal is to be an F1 driver, but he must pay his dues in the lower
circuits to get there. James is winning and enjoying life, but that changes
when a new driver shows up named Niki Lauda (Daniel Bruhl). Niki buys his way
to the big leagues and leaves James trying to find a way to get there as well.
James does finally make it to the top and wants nothing more than to beat Niki
and be the best. Where Niki is precise and calculated when it comes to his car
and his driving, James is loose and just wants an equal car, claiming that is
all he will need to beat Niki. Both men bring out the worst and the best in
each other, as they both try to become the world champion.
Based
on the 1976 Formula One season, “Rush” is as good a sports movie as there is.
Director Ron Howard and writer Peter Morgan do a great job of making you feel
what these drivers felt as they raced around the track. Even though you may
know the outcome from history, your eyes will still be glued to the screen as
you await the outcome of every race. Some
“true” sports stories are given an extra dramatic turn to up the ante, but not
“Rush” who instead relies on the real story to provide the dramatics. There is
no sport like Formula One racing, because every time the drivers step foot on
that track, it may be the last time, and that takes a special kind of person to
face that. As good as the film is with its gripping story, and heart pumping
action, what makes it memorable is Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Bruel, as the
dueling racers. Chris Hemsworth has all the makings to being the next “it” guy
and he shows it all off in this movie.
This is the first great movie of the fall and easily one of the better
movies to hit theaters this year. You will enjoy every curb-turning second
“Rush” takes you on the track. Formula One racing is one of the great spectator
sports out there and “Rush” makes you feel like you are at the races. So grab
your favorite movie snack, because this is one movie that will give you that
well needed rush. Without the
crash…well, maybe.
Brian Taylor
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