Rush

Trailer- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05rzPnZ6lxw

A film about a Formula 1 driver? How unbelievably boring. Is what I would say if Rush was boring. As it is it's a fast paced thrilling biopic with quite a touching emotional backbone. The story of James Hunt was never one I was desperate to know about but I'm really glad I now do.

It probably had the potential to be a snore-fest but everything about the film is just excellently done. We're given the stories of both James Hunt and Nikki Lauda, two racing rivals in Formula 1. You're given both sides of the story and a look into how each driver is so different. It'd be easy to present one as the outright villain and the other as the hero you back from beginning to end but both characters have their likable points and flaws and the fact you go between wanting each driver to win makes the film far more interesting.

Formula 1 is also presented in a way that makes it seem like the most exciting sport in the world. If actual Formula 1 was shot like that; the close ups of the pistons rising and falling, the roaring engines and tense expressions, I'd watch it all the time.

I really liked both of the characters and when they clashed it was a joy to watch. Dialogue was well-written and believable and when things get a little bit deeper near the end of the film it feels genuinely heartfelt. It's very often feel good and just as often puts a lump in your throat.

But look at me raving on, lets think about the not so great parts. As with all biopics there's only so far the story of the two race drivers can deviate from the truth to throw up dramatic exciting moments. Most races are just summarised in fast montages with the words 'Hunt 1st Lauda 2nd' written on screen as scenes of each race play. It would have maybe been nice to see more of the races themselves but to be fair the film isn't about the racing itself - it's about the relationships and changes the characters go through.

It's otherwise quite hard to fault. While not the most earth-shattering film this year it's certainly deserving of it's all round critical high praise and big box office figures. You don't have to be a big racing fan to enjoy this; just a fan of well put together, fantastically acted cinema.

8/10