You're In The Driver's Seat..."1"

1 (2013)

Not Rated

Narrated by Michael Fassbender

Directed by Paul Crowder

The Story:

Forget NASCAR. Forget the Indy circuit. This tells the tale of the drivers who took to the road courses and risked their lives for the thrill of the race and the pleasure of the crowd.  They interview many of the legends of the day that lived to tell about it.  They also, rightfully, honor the many who were not so fortunate and passed in a sport that was, until only very recently extremely dangerous.

Jackie Stewart. Mario Andretti.  Among the many that are interviewed about why they drove, who their favorite racers were, and how dangerous they thought the sport was.

For those that watched Rush, this documentary will seem very familiar as they do concentrate a great deal on that time frame.

It all makes a great deal of sense though, as Niki Lauda helped usher in the change for safety for the drivers.

And it really is a huge distinction when you see some of the crashes that killed the early drivers and those that later drivers were able to walk away from.

The movie even ends on a high note with a proud proclamation that no drivers had been killed in Formula One races since the 1994 tragedy that took the life of champion Ayrton Senna.

Sadly, real life intervened before I could post this review, and another driver passed away after 9 months in a coma earlier this summer.

While even 1 life is too many, compared to the multiple deaths that Formula 1 racked up through the early years with multiple deaths every season, they have come a very long way.

Final Grade: B

What A "Rush" !!

Rush (2013)
Rated R for language, nudity

Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Daniel Bruhl

Directed by Ron Howard

The Story:

The intertwining story of two drivers destined and determined to be Formula 1 drivers. The first, James Hunt (Hemsworth), lady killer and all around cocky Brit.  His rival, Austrian Niki Lauda (Bruhl), who is icy and meticulous.  Their rivalry culminates in 1976 as the two battle for the championship.

Based on a true story.

I opted for a later poster to represent this film.  The original, a close-up of Hemsworth indicated that the movie was centered on his character, James Hunt.  And really, the movie is based on his life... and yet...

It is the fascinating counterpoint of Lauda who brings balance and interest to this film.  It is easy to see why Hunt was going to be successful, he was boastful and a braggart who backed up his bravado on and off the track.

But the sheer determination of Lauda to succeed when he was an uncharismatic robot that nobody liked, even his own teammates, is the crucial piece of dramatic device that is needed to make this movie, and their rivalry, work.

When an accident nearly claims one of these two during their run for the championship, it is the sheer anger of watching their rival go for the championship that drives him to get better, get out of bed, and against all odds, get back onto that track!  Insane and unheard of, but it happened.

The racing scenes are spectacular, but nothing you don't expect when you're watching any Howard film.  He always gives it 100%.  Another feather in the directing career of Ron Howard who simply makes entertaining movies.

Final Grade: B-

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: I could watch it again, but no need to own it.