F1 THE MOVIE – Review by T. J. Callahan

F1 The Movie: No one drives forever.

I feel the need, the need for…Brad Pitt…and speed, but mostly Brad. Fans get both with F1 The Movie.

Directed by Top Gun Maverick’s Joseph Kosinski, Pitt plays Sonny Hayes, a former Formula 1 race car driver who was once dubbed “the greatest that never was”. He was a promising phenom in his younger years until a track accident nearly ended his career. Now a driver for hire with a gambling addiction and living in his van, Sonny is persuaded to get into the F1 cockPitt again to help a struggling team owner (Javier Bardem) and mentor their young hot shot racer (Damson Idris). Kerry Condon is Kate, the first female team technical director.

F1 gets your motor running from the first film frame and doesn’t let off the accelerator until the final (Brad) Pitt stop 2 hours and 36 mins later. Sure it’s a long ride, but, trust me, no one will be asking “are we there yet?”.

A rockin’ soundtrack helps keep things revved up along with a heart-pounding score from Hans Zimmer. There’s egos, sabotage, danger, manipulation, motherly love and romance. While somewhat formulaic, this Formula 1 film isn’t just another race car movie retread. There’s growth, acceptance and million dollar smiles as Pitt, Idris and Bardem navigate the rocky road of the race car circuit on their way to the waving checkered flag.

Team Apex needs a win.
It’s up to Brad to get the tires to spin.
Pitt is legit.
He won’t quit.
With his different colored socks and a playing card in his pocket,
Sonny hits the gas with the force of a rocket.
IMAX puts viewers directly in the driver’s seat,
With race car action that can’t be beat.
Get out of the summer heat,
And see F1 on the big screen, it’s a real treat.

My husband, Ricky, gives F1 two 👀s wide open. It motors up to a 7.5 on the TeejFlixometer. See The Movie on the big screen first before it streams on AppleTV+