Rush
Fans of Formula 1 are going to bloody love this movie.
We race round the 1970’s with this one, and although good, Rush isn’t as exciting as some people have hammed it up to be. I honestly expected something a little more epic – that said, this movie doesn’t fail to deliver.
James Hunt – “rhymes with (SIREN WAILS) C*nt” he declares to rival Niki Lauda at the beginning of the movie (yes – the siren wailed.. then he gave us the dreaded ‘C word’) – these two don’t exactly hit it off, but the relationship between them is intriguing. This whole movie is laced with tension and soft hatred, as James practically knows he is going to be World Champion, and Niki (although just as ambitious) is more professional-minded. The pair battle it out to become Formula 1 champion, despite the obvious contempt – but then Niki suffers an almighty accident which changes everything. Every decision, every attitude, everyone…
Sound & Graphics:
The sound of Rush is brilliant; the roaring engines and crunching machinery resonated throughout the auditorium and the overall sound effect is engulfing – nothing like that piss-boring drone you hear on a Sunday afternoon on BBC1. The graphics – good. Some up-close shots of the drivers in their pit, and nice use of camera angles, however – they didn’t give us enough ‘in-yer-face’ type stuff. I was expecting face-on speedy-car stuff. (like in a simulator, where you’re literally sat on the track of a rollercoaster, or in the driving seat of a Formula 1 car as it speeds around the track? That.) There wasn’t enough of it. And I feel if there had been more than one split-second scene of this up-close stuff, the movie would have been breathtaking – but it wasn’t.
Cast – excellent. Using Chris Hemsworth as James Hunt was genius. He carries the character very well, and remains strong throughout – although I would like to see him in a movie where he isn’t overly husky, because whenever he speaks I think “Thor”. That aside, nicely done by him. Daniel Brühl as Niki Lauda is great. Pure bitter rivalry is portrayed throughout, topped with thick skin. The chemistry between the pair is fantastic – they really do bring the “chalk and cheese” meaning to life. Everyone else are alright, there aren’t many cast I recognised to be honest, although they were all simply wallflowers compared to our two rivals.
Butt:
Thank Christ for the production cast member who offered the idea to show Chris Hemsworth’s arse. Honestly. One of the opening scenes sees the speedy playboy using a young woman as his racing track – and bugger me, the shot of his butt was almost breathtaking – its just as chiseled as the rest of him. I don’t think there’s a woman or man out there regardless of sexuality, who’d say “no” to exploring that mini Grand Canyon. WOOF.
By Christ, could you imagine him in a saucy gay adult movie..
A-HEM. I will tear myself away from this sexual stupor, to admit that although Formula 1 and associated racing-car sports bore arse off me, Rush managed to keep me entertained. The overall story about these two men proved a point; that ambition and success is more important than anything to some people. For example, when Niki nearly loses his life, this only boosts his ruthlessness (the scene where he stands in his hospital room trying to slide his helmet on is a strong one)
And of course, the cliché but often true element is there throughout – the ‘deep down inside’ feeling someone can experience, however successful they are. There is a scene where James nails an air hostess onboard an aircraft, and as he’s doing so he catches a glimpse of himself in the mirror. A proper ‘how does he feel deep down?’ kind of thing.
This movie brings together the spark of two ego’s and lets the explosion commence. But an all-important message is there continuously: That we all want to succeed in life. In whatever we do. Its just – do we or will we be prepared to let things get in the way? At any cost?
Can success override happiness? Or can the two be balanced?..
Formula 1 / motor racing fans should pay to see this movie. Everyone else, save your pennies and wait for the rental.
5/10
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