FORD V. FERRARI MOVIE REVIEW

When the adrenaline kicks in and the heart starts to race with the reality of the world fading away right before your eyes, you forget that you are witnessing an incredible story via one of the most anticipated films of the year for many, “Ford V. Ferrari.”

On the surface, mostly through its promotional campaign, “Ford V. Ferrari” seems to center solely on cars, but it does not.

Director James Mangold of “Logan,” “Walk the Line,” and “The Wolverine” would have been foolish to make cars the sole focus; rather, he creates a work of art that really is a depiction of the artist vs. the business. It just so happens that cars are in it.

After the Disney and Fox acquisition, it seemed like Fox might have lost one of its award contenders for the year, but luckily by the graces of the film industry it survived and is now beating studio expectations by making almost double of its expected box office debut with $31 million.

“Ford V. Ferrari” is a fact-based action packed sport drama starring Christian Bale and Matt Damon delivering strong performances.

The film follows the story of Ford Motor Company’s move to the sport racing industry after failing to buy Ferrari.

Bale, best known for his dramatic body transformations and roles in the most recent “Batman” trilogy and last year’s “Vice,” brings light comedy and comfort to the character of Ken Miles, an English sports car engineer who is the leading force in the film along with his companion car designer Caroll Shelby portrayed by Damon.

It has been quite a bit of time since we last saw him in a leading role on-screen in “Downsizing,” but his return is anything but small. His presence looms large over the film as his depiction of Shelby is raw from beginning to end.

Together the on-screen duo complement each other very nicely.

Of course, the film displays insane races.
Mangold, who claims that he isn’t the typical car enthusiast, made a film specifically targeted to a general audience rather than car lovers.

The third act, where most of the jaw dropping moments are bestowed, provides the edge-of the-sit thrill one would normally expect from a sporting event. Two words come to mind in describing the film: blood-rushing and thrilling.

The true MVPs behind-the-scenes are cinematographer Phedon Papamichael and writers Mangold, John-Henry and Jez Butterworth, and Jason Keller. Everything from the shots to lines of dialogue really shine through and earns all the praise it has gotten and deserves.

Actors Jon Bernthal, Noah Jupe and Tracy Letts provide truly outstanding performances and are definite scene stealers.

Overall, “Ford V. Ferrari” is an unexpected masterpiece. A must-see for anyone and will without a doubt be one of the greatest of the year both amongst audiences and award critics.

RATING-

5/5

Director- James Mangold

Cast- Matt Damon, Christian Bale, Jon Bernthal, Noah Jupe

Sebastian Guzman