Movie Review: 'Ford v Ferrari' Puts You in the Driver Seat
- Details
- Category: New Series and Movie Reviews
- Published: Friday, 15 November 2019 09:56
- Written by Lupe R Haas
James Mangold delivers a powerhouse of a film with FORD V FERRARI with electric performances by Matt Damon and Christian Bale. You don't have to be a racing or car enthusiast to enjoy this new release that's not so much about cars but a friendship that develops over creating Ford's first racing car. Too bad the Ford company doesn't fare so well as the villains in the movie.
FORD V FERRARI is based on a true story of American car designer Carroll Shelby and real-life driver Ken Miles who team up to build a revolutionary race car for Ford and challenge Ferrari as the fastest car at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1955. Henry Ford II. doesn't exactly want to get into race car driving but his executive Lee Iacocca (Jon Bernthal) suggest that's the next step to success. After Enzo Ferrari rejects the Ford Motor Company's deal to buy Ferrari and calls him a few names, Ford at the behest of Iococca hires Shelby who in turn brings in Miles as the racing expert who is not well-liked because of his brutal honesty.
Mangold (LOGAN, 3:10 TO YUMA) once again entertains viewers with captivating characters and a unique perspective by placing the camera where it matters - in the driver's seat. When Bales' Ken drives, you feel like you're behind the wheel gripping the pavement at high speeds. Even if you're not a gear head, you'll come to appreciate what goes into making a car fly at high speeds.
Damon and Bale's on screen chemistry also sells the story in a big way. Even though Ford hires these two guys to build the fastest race car, they keep hindering them at every turn. Once again the little guy has to fight corporate interest. Josh Lucas' character, Leo Beebe, is no fan of Ken Miles after Miles insults him at their first meeting. Leo attempts to push Ken out of the way, and Carroll Shelby must ride the fine line of following marching orders and respecting his friend. While Ken and Carroll are at odds with each other, they're a team that goes up against the Ford Motor Company.
Ford may not be too thrilled to see their company represented as the villains in most of the movie, but if the brake shoe fits.
FORD V FERRARI is a movie to be experienced on the big screen. While most of us will never feel the need for speed in a racing car, this film at least gives you a taste of what it's like.
FORD V FERRARI is now in movie theaters.