Ford v Ferrari
Directed by James Mangold
Starring Matt Damon, Christian Bale, and Jon Bernthal
Synopsis: Cobra designer and former-driver Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon) and hot-headed driver Lee Miles (Christian Bale) are brought in by the Ford Motor Company to try and engineer a car that can beat Ferrari at the 24-Hours of Le Mans.
Review: It’s the timeless tale of the American underdog overcoming the odds to defeat the evil foreign company and their overwhelming dominance. Well, kind of. Damon and Bale, are, well, Damon and Bale; two exceptional actors giving great performances. That’s not surprising, but what is surprising is the set and sound design as well as the cinematography from Phedon Papamichael and the art and direction team. This is one of the few films that when it’s released in some form of large-scale format to shell out the extra dollars because you will be immersed by the sounds and visuals. You feel like you are there on the track and in the car alongside Miles and the pit crew.
The film is long but never feels its length thanks to the pacing and structure of the story. Jon Bernthal, Caitriona Balfe, and Noah Jupe are strong in their supporting roles. The only flaw from a character perspective is Josh Lucas as Ford exec and resident brownnoser Leo Bebee. This story doesn’t need a mustache-twirling villain, and it gets to be a bit much as the story goes on.
The Verdict: Ford v Ferrari will deservingly garner several award nominations come Oscar season. See this on the largest screen possible and enjoy the ride. My grade for Ford v Ferrari is an A-. See it in theaters when it’s released in the United States on November 14th and many larger markets worldwide on November 14th and 15th.
Hi, I like your review. I just have a question. Do you really think the movie has a shot at getting slew of Oscar nominations? There were some negative reviews calling it a slog or paint by numbers or safe or cliched.. Personally I am super hyped for this movie. Why do you think they are calling it that? Simultaneously there are some reviews calling it instant classic or terrific or spectacularly made thriller. Why this divide. I thought the movie would be unanimously well received.
Hey Romano!
I think this is the type of film that once it’s seen by the masses that this will have the legs to garner awards consideration. BoRhap has an average critics score of 6.1 on RT and had five Oscar nominations. This, IMO, is much better.
Thanks for the comment!