"Brad Pitt's 'auto-racing film' bears resemblance to 'Top Gun: Maverick', with the main difference being the focus on vehicles rather than aviation; I'm elated I didn't delay viewing it on Apple TV Plus."
In the world of high-speed blockbusters, the latest addition is 'F1', a movie that promises an exhilarating ride for cinema-goers. Directed by none other than Brad Pitt himself, this film stars the actor as Sonny Hayes, a former Formula One prodigy who is now a racer-for-hire, struggling with personal setbacks and a gambling addiction.
Sonny Hayes, once a top Formula 1 prospect in the 1990s, had his career cut short after a severe accident in 1993. Now, he is offered a chance to race again by his old friend Ruben Cervantes (Javier Bardem), the owner of the struggling APXGP F1 Team. The team, which is $350 million in debt and last in the World Constructors’ Championship, needs a win to avoid being sold.
The APXGP team is in dire straits, and Cervantes offers Hayes a chance to test drive and fill a spare seat. Despite initial difficulties adapting to modern F1 cars, Hayes' undeniable skill impresses at Silverstone, securing him a spot on the team.
The movie follows the dynamic between Hayes and the team's young and arrogant British rookie, Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris), who fears losing his place on the team. The tension between the seasoned veteran and the cocky newcomer forms the core of the film as they struggle, adapt, and eventually learn to work together to secure a win for APXGP before the season ends.
'F1' is a classic sports drama of redemption, rivalry, and resilience, set against the high-stakes, fast-paced world of Formula One racing. The film's focus on the emotional and professional comeback of a once-great driver makes it a compelling watch.
The movie, which will be available on Apple TV Plus, features real racing cars, modified F2 cars made in collaboration with the Mercedes F1 team and Carlin Motorsport. The racing scenes are filmed on real F1 race tracks with real F1 drivers, making the crashes feel real and the set pieces, stunning visuals, and incredible sound truly immersive.
While 'F1' includes CGI effects, the practical filmmaking is a spectacle. The big screen and sound system are key elements that enhance the viewing experience of this movie, making it a must-watch in theaters.
Malcolm, a film critic who has been with Tom's Guide since 2022 and has been covering streaming shows and movies since 2023, suggests that 'F1' is a movie worth watching in theaters. With its high-speed action, emotional storyline, and stellar cast, 'F1' is shaping up to be a true summer blockbuster.
This sports drama, 'F1', offers an engaging blend of high-speed racing action and deeper emotional narratives, making it an ideal candidate for both cinema-goers and TV viewers interested in entertainment beyond just movies-and-tv. Indeed, the movie's immersive practical filmmaking, with real racing cars and collaborations with the Mercedes F1 team and Carlin Motorsport, sets it apart from typical sports films and positions it as a compelling choice among the various entertainments available today.
