Everyone seems to love this movie, but to this point I haven’t seen it. It’s been on my list for several months at this point, but I’ve never had the opportunity and the proper motivation to sit down an watch it. It appears to be a “dad movie”, meaning that its one of those things that everyone’s father probably would be high on. Anyway, I’ve finally gotten one too many recommends for this one, so I am watching it this evening. I am expecting to like this one, but I’ll come back and let you know what I think once I have finished it. For reference, here is the trailer.
Wow… This movie is amazing. Just wow. Generally I like to build up to my opinion at the end of these reviews, but this movie is generally outstanding, and I feel as thought I need to get to it right out of the gate. Now to talk about the cast.
Lets start with Matt Damon, who in this one plays Carroll Shelby, racecar driver turned team manager/car designer. This guy is a freaking actor. I’m sure he has done some bad films, but none I can think of off hand. He’s done dramas, action-thrillers, science fiction, heist movies, and even a few comedies with Kevin Smith. You love to see the guy on screen, because he brings some excellent acting chops to the table in a way that is unique to him. He is equally excellent in Ford v. Ferrarri.
Next is Christian Bale, another fantastic actor that you should always be excited to see. I think I first became aware of him with Batman Begins, but if you haven’t seen the Machinist (which he did immediately before donning the cape and cowl) you are missing out. At one point during the Batman era, it seemed he was trying to be a bonafide movie star (looking at you, Terminator Salvation), but those roles really seemed forced. The guy was a great Batman, but outside of that franchise, he seems best suited in a supporting role (like is seen in the Fighter, American Hustle, or the Big Short). Not to knock the man as a leading actor, but Jordan was better with Pippen. You want Bale as your Pippen. That being said, Christan Bale being in a movie is enough to make me watch it. He is outstanding as racecar driver Ken Miles in this one.
Quick summary of the plot for those who haven’t seen it. Basically, Ferrari has a dynasty of victories at the 24 Race at Le Mans, but as an auto manufacturer is essentially bankrupt. Ford Motor makes an offer to purchase them, with the caveat that Ferrari has to run the particulars of their racing program by the higher-ups at Ford. Ferrari insults Ford and ends up selling to Fiat. In response, Ford decides to invest obscene amounts of money to beat Ferrari, so they turn to Carroll Shelby, one of the only Americans to have ever won Le Mans. Carroll enlists bad-boy actor Ken Miles to race for them. They then have to solve a variety of problems, including technical, intrapersonal, and political (within Ford) to get to the race.
The movie is exceedingly engaging and enjoyable throughout each of the 4 main plot threads. Those threads are 1) Carroll Shelby proving to himself and everyone else he is more than a former racer, 2) Ken Miles proving to himself and everyone that he still has what it takes to be a racer despite his age and attitude, 3) both Carroll and Ken working through the various issues that come with building the car and managing the racing team with Ford, and 4) running the race. Each of these threads gets ample time to shine, and they are are woven together masterfully.
The director of this one deserves a lot of credit as well. James Mangold, who most recently directed Logan in 2016, has put together this film in a way that looks amazing, is paced well, and ties up all the loose ends by the time its done. It even ties in the death of Ken Miles at the end of the film in such a way that it acts as a culmination of the films buildup to that point. Just great work on his part.
It’s getting late, and I really have heaped enough praise on this one. In case it isn’t obvious at this point, I find this movie to be fantastic. If you haven’t seen it, watch it when you can. I cannot recommend this film highly enough, and it might be my favorite movie from 2019. Worth the watch for anyone, whether you are interested in racing or not.
Ain't That Bad - Movie Blog 