Rush

Rush

Rated R and Released in Grand Rapids 9/27/13

Reviewed 10/2/13 at Celebration North in Grand Rapids, MI

with Danelle

2 1/2 out of 5 Js in QUIET Rating System

It is tough going to the theatre with my daughter, who is very nitpicky about movies. She wants them to be blockbusters and if they're not, she doesn't want to waste her time. I don't look at it that way. She thought this film deserved a 1J. There are awful movies that I give a 1 and this was not THAT bad. With Ron Howard directing, I admit I did expect more. I love sports movies, but the car racing was surprisingly monotonous. We both thought there should have been more backstory on the characters and the relationships, so you cared more about the outcome. Chris Hemsworth plays the car racer and playboy extraordinaire James Hunt, who resembles a young Brad Pitt. That might be reason enough to see this, but he actually does have a fine performance in this movie also.

Set in the 1970s and based on a true story, Formula 1 racing (at the time) was the most dangerous sport and occupation in the world. Why anyone would choose to do this with a 20% chance of dying is beyond foolish, but Hunt (Hemsworth) and his rival Niki Lauda (Daniel Bruhl) both loved it for very different reasons. Both tough competitors, Hunt was a risk taker that didn't come from much and he loved the attention and all the perks that went along with the lifestyle. Lauda was from extreme wealth, educated and meticulously crafted his cars based on solid engineering facts. Niki eventually ends up in a lovely and supportive relationship. Conversely, James spins through gals as fast as they can throw themselves at him. In spite of Niki being the cautious one, he has some extreme bad luck on the track that leaves him in grave condition. To everyone's surprise the tragedy doesn't keep Niki Lauda down and out too long. This allows for some mutual respect and understanding to build between the two foes. They continue on with race after race chasing each other for the ultimate goal of the championship and one, of course, coming out victorious. Jump ahead a few years with Niki narrating how they both spend the rest of their careers, and this does make for a solid conclusion. The story misses some opportunities in the beginning to bring you in and get you invested. I think you could still see Rush, but keep your expectations low. Or saving it for home might be a safer bet.

QUIET Rating system: 2 ½ Js

Quality: JJj

Understood story:  JJ

Interest: JJ

Entertainment:  JJJ

Time:  JJj