Ford V. Ferrari (2019)

If you aren’t a fan of car racing, you will be after this film. This film is filled with so much action and full-throttle fun throughout the entire film. This is a film that race car fans and nonfans alike will enjoy. It has something for everyone, whether you are a fan of racecars or not. It has a lot of humor to go right along with the rest of the film, which works very well. If there is one race car film that benefits from being both action-packed and inciteful, it is this film. I have no doubt that this film will excite fans of race cars and those that aren’t fans.

Director James Mangold, “Logan”, crafts an undeniably entertaining film. Mangold makes this film as entertaining as possible, it works. He makes this film in a heartfelt, humorous and action-packed way. This film benefits in being very entertaining because of the action sequences and the story itself. Mangold has created something unique and special. This is an achievement on all fronts.

The film stars Matt Damon and Christian Bale. Their chemistry is very dynamic and powerful, and it shows. The two are a powerhouse that brings all to the film. The performances they give are nothing but excited and spontaneously magnetic.

Like in real life, Bale’s character is reminiscent of his actual personality, which is tough and bossy. Yet, in this film, he manages to be the film's comedic relief. While, Damon on the other hand, is more serious and emotional in the film. Co-starring is “Outlanders” Caitriona Balfe. Balfe is Bale’s on-screen wife. She is the glue that binds the main characters together and she is just as important as the rest of them in this film.

A frequent collaborator with Mangold, composing the race car film score, is Marco Beltrami. Beltrami reunites with Mangold in this fun and action-packed film. His score is as fast-paced and upbeat as the film itself. Beltrami makes the score as exciting and exuberant as the film overall and it fits into the film wonderfully.

Ready. Set. Go! If you aren’t a fan of this going into the film, you will be after it is over. Those who are fans will find this film equally entertaining just like those who aren’t fans of racecars. This film is a fast-paced, exciting tale of a rivalry that spanned for years. I have no doubt this film will continue to be successful going into awards season but also a successful racecar film.

Photo courtesy of Fox 20th Century Pictures

Rate: A

Director: James Mangold

Starring: Matt Damon, Christian Bale, Caitriona Balfe, Noah Jupe 

MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for some language and peril) 

Runtime: 2 Hours and 30 Minutes 

Synopsis: Academy Award-winners Matt Damon and Christian Bale star in FORD v FERRARI, based on the remarkable true story of the visionary American car designer Carroll Shelby (Damon) and the fearless British-born driver Ken Miles (Bale), who together battled corporate interference, the laws of physics, and their own personal demons to build a revolutionary race car for Ford Motor Company and take on the dominating race cars of Enzo Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France in 1966.