Grade: A+ Ford vs. Ferrari is fast, loud, and incredibly entertaining, demanding pole position among your movie choices for the weekend.
Growing up, I had a huge fascination with cars. At a young age, I was able to identify car logos. “Ford! Honda! Toyota! Volvo!” Those were just a few of the logos I was able to identify at the age of 2. My grandma would show off my rare “talent” to everyone she would encounter. I was obsessed. Maybe it is part of the male American culture to have a passion for the sleek and, to many, sexy sports car? Our nation has historically had a certain pride about the “All American muscle car” and a drive to continually make it lighter and faster any which way science could deliver. Back in the mid 1960’s the Ford Motor Company finally got fed up with Ferrari routinely winning the coveted 24 Hour Le Mans.
Ford’s pride was on the line and they hired two special individuals that could possibly win them Le Mans in 1966. Automaker Carroll Shelby recruited driver Ken Miles to drive for Ford. It was not easy, but the two managed to change the history of Ford, and racing, for good.
In Ford vs. Ferrari the audience is taken on that historic journey to victory. Director James Mangold does an excellent job of making the audience feels as if they were there at the track back in 1966. From the loud roar of the Ford GT 40 engines to the retro automotive logos peppered in throughout the movie, “Ford vs. Ferrari” just feels authentic.
Matt Damon portrays Carroll Shelby and Christian Bale portrays driver Ken Miles. The two look as if they had so much fun making the movie and their chemistry on screen is perfect. I was not expecting to laugh as much as I did throughout the two hour and thirty-two minute movie. Ford vs. Ferrari simply drives home a blissful time with emotions that just may run the gamut. Even though the runtime looks long, the movie is so entertaining and engaging, it blows right by you and you’re immediately ready to see it again for a second time! Above all, the movie is incredibly well acted across the board because there are no weak links in the cast.
Of course once I saw the preview for Ford vs. Ferrari months ago, I knew I had to see it in a loud Dolby Theater. The incredible engine roars throughout the movie were enough to cement a smile on my face from start to finish. The sound is excellent and when it is paired with cinematography that literally puts you in the driver’s seat of a race car, it is impossible to have a bad time! In other words, you’re in for one hell of a ride.
In conclusion, Ford vs. Ferrari is the perfect movie for any car or racing enthusiast. You’re on the edge of your seat the entire time and you will also learn about an important time in racing history. Racing fans, or even history fans, owe it to themselves to see Ford vs. Ferrari. Anyone who experiences this movie will not be disappointed. Assemble your best racing team and rush to see one of the best movies of the year!