Ron Howard’s films always feel a little watered down to me: compelling stories with the hard edges smoothed to fit middle of the road sensibilities; narratives presented with high production values that are muted by an indistinct visual style.
Like most of the others, Rush isn’t bad, but neither is it brilliant or (for me) terribly memorable.
The “real” story of James Hunt and Niki Lauda has been shoehorned into a terribly conventional rivalry at the same time complex men have become archetypes presented in only the broadest of strokes.
Took the words right out of my mouth. I left the movie theater feeling wanting, for more story, more depth, less cliche. I was disappointed that more wasn’t made of this amazing true story. While Daniel Brühl was spot on as Lauda, Chris Hemsworth’s performance seemed canned and there just wasn’t enough there to rescue this movie for me. Unfortunate. If you want a compelling Formula 1 film, watch Senna.
I really need to see Senna, which I hear is terrific. So many movies…so little time…