FilmSnobReviews

Title: Ford v Ferrari
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Director: James Mangold
Starring: Matt Damon, Christian Bale, Caitriona Balfe
Runtime: 2 hrs 32 mins

What It Is: With the Ford Motor Companies sales slipping Henry Ford II (Tracy Letts) enlists the help of former race car driver Carroll Shelby (Damon) to finally usurp Ferrari as THEE name in racing. In order to do this, he’d like to craft a car that can win the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Shelby thinks his best bet and the most skilled driver is his friend British driver Ken Miles (Bale). But can they get it done?

What We Think: What a surprise this one is. I expected some saccharin biopic. What I got instead was an exhilarating piece that’s equal parts good storytelling an direction as it is a heart-pounding racing movie. Matt Damon gives his best performance since The Martian. Christian Bale continues to be an excellent actor. There’s just no denying this guy is great whenever he wants to be. This is the last movie under the 20th Century Fox label after Disney’s purchase of it, but I think it fits along just fine within their canon. Jame Mangold continues to prove he’s an ace behind the lens.

Our Grade: A-, See this one and see it on the loudest and biggest screen possible. It brings a certain warm feeling to everything. Like a familiar face that’s welcomed and needed. It’s a film that demands you see it and Mangold is a director that as we roar into the ’20s necessitates your attention. I recommend this VERY highly. As we finish up our 2019 watches keep your eye out because this film will POSSIBLY be on some lists we have coming out. Don’t be surprised if Bale nails down a Supporting Actor nomination. It’ll be tough sledding to win though. Having played Ken Miles I’m sure he’s used to it.