run time: 123 mins
rated: 14A
considered: Action, Biography, Drama
starring: Chris Hemsworth, Daniel Bruhl, Olivia Wilde, Alexandra Maria Lara
movie summary: A re-creation of the merciless 1970s rivalry between Formula One rivals James Hunt and Niki Lauda. (www.imdb.com)
my thoughts: First and foremost I have to admit I am not a fan of racing, let alone movies about racing. I was on the fence about Rush, but after reading many reviews I gave it a chance. Rush didn’t win the box office title on opening weekend, this movie is a must see on the big screen.
Chris Hemsworth stars as James Hunt, a hot-shot Formula 1 race car driver who sets out to conquer the racing circuit and win the world championship. On his path to glory, he develops a rivalry with Niki Lauda (Daniel Bruhl). The pair first meet in the Formula 3 race circuit, where a near crash is only the beginning of the bad blood to come. Over the next two years both drivers follow different paths from Formula 3 to Formula 1. Niki used his own money to buy into a sponsorship, while his car smarts to land him on the starting line. James continues to live the rich lifestyle filled with girls and parties. He eventually lands a major sponsor for his ticket to the big show.
The rivalry and major story line of the movie focuses on the 1976 World Championship. Niki is the defending world champion and by far the best technical driver in the world. James has only one goal and that is to dethrone the reigning champ to prove to himself and everyone that he can accomplish his dreams. Niki wins the first half-dozen races of the tour, but a major crash sidelines him for an extended period of time that allows for James to make up group and close in on the top spot. With only a few races left, Niki forces himself to recover as best as he can and returns to the track to finish the final two races.
Storm clouds dump heavy rain on the final race of the tour in Japan, where only a few points separate the two famous drivers from the championship. Only one driver can finish in first place, but both show tremendous passion and courage to get into their cars and drive under such horrible conditions. Their desire to be the best takes center stage during one of the most famous final races in Formula 1 history.
I would recommend this movie to everyone because it’s not all about fast cars and racing, it is an amazing story about the human spirit. Both major characters have different lifestyles and personalities, which make for a great story. Most people are gonna watch this and develop a hatred for Niki Lauda because of his cocky attitude, but after his horrible crash, people will start to root for him to recover and make it back. His journey was long, but he over came all the odds to get back in the driver’s seat. James Hunt is destined to succeed just like a star quarter back in high school, and he may be the poster boy for the movie, but he’s just not a character you want to see be number one.
The best part of this two-hour plus movie is that it moves at a fast pace with amazing camera angles that put you right in the driver’s seat during race scenes.
my star rating: 8 out 10
Ten Stars or Less 
Given that Howard never has been the most eclectic director out there, I have to say that I was surprised when he showed me a little something different and fun here. Let’s hope this means the start of something improved. Good review.