Rush-2013

Director Ron Howard

Starring Chris Hemsworth, Daniel Bruhl

Scott’s Review #162

Reviewed August 31, 2014 

Grade: B+

Rush (2013), a film directed by Ron Howard, delves into the world of auto racing with the true story of the 1970s rivalry between racing superstars of the day, James Hunt and Niki Lauda.

The film mainly focuses on the period from 1970-1976 and the series of races and championships involving the two with some of their life trials and tribulations thrown in.

At first bitter enemies, respect, and friendship slowly build over the years.

Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Bruhl give excellent performances as Hunt and Lauda, respectively.

Ron Howard, a very mainstream, Hollywood-style director carves a nice film that is not edgy or particularly risk-taking but is a solid biopic that works and will hold the viewer’s interest.

The film is not gritty and has a definite safe feel, but that is unsurprising since Ron Howard directed it and is a characteristic of his films.

Reportedly, the feud between Hunt and Lauda is slightly embellished from the low-key real-life feud, and some events are created for effect- Hunt never beats up a reporter in Lauda’s defense.

The racing sequences are compelling and are not overdone or take away from the human aspect of the film. I loved seeing the real-life Hunt and Lauda at the end of the film as is quite common these days when telling a true-life story.

Bruhl, an unknown to me, received a deserving Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

Rush is not a movie to go down in history nor will it leave one thinking about or asking questions days after viewing it, but a slick, competent, entertaining story with impressive acting by the two leads.