F1: The Movie had its world premiere in New York on June 16 and its London premiere on June 23rd, which was the same day as Apple’s world wide screenings.
Moreover, the “sold out” special screenings for American Express Platinum and Black card members took place at several U.S. IMAX theatres on June 24th, prior to the international release on June 25th and U.S. release on June 27th.
F1: The Movie: An “Underdog” Story
The classic “underdog” story takes a turn in F1: The Movie, a superbly choreographed “thrill ride” from start to finish. Our unlikely hero is a washed up “has been” who never fulfilled his destiny as a driver. Enter, Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt), a “come back” story of sorts, about a man given a second chance to fulfil his destiny.
Formula One Movie Magic
F1 The Movie directed by Joseph Kosinski, brought “Top Gun” to Formula One racing! Joined by legendary composer Hans Zimmer who brought the sweeping and emotional score, the film’s production team included Jerry Bruckheimer, Brad Pitt and Lewis Hamilton. Sir Lewis Hamilton, knighted in 2021 holds seven World Championships in F1 racing, tying the record with Michael Schumacher.
Whilst many underdog movies starts with a “hard luck” story, F1: The Movie does not dwell on the negatives. Sonny Hayes doesn’t seek fame, status or trophies. He just loves to drive.
Furthermore, with his Ford van converted into a camper “home,” Sonny travels the U.S. and even to Baja Mexico looking for driving gigs.
F1: The Movie in Full Throttle
Sonny’s long term friend Rubin Cerva (Javier Braden) recruits him to drive for APXGP, a struggling Formula One Racing operation, but with passionate team members and an Ace technical director and auto engineer, Kate McKenna (Kerry Condon) recruited by Rubin from Lockheed Martin. Kate evolves into Sonny’s “love interest.”
Formula One racing is a high stakes sports where drivers’ safety are in the hands of the “Racing Gods” and the team principal, technical director and the pit crew. They all must work together and be in synch to safeguard their drivers, but also win races. Importantly, the drivers must achieve the fastest qualifying time in order to secure the best Pole position at the start of each race. Moreover, their starting Pole position could give a driver the edge.
Formula One: “Drive to Survive”
Sonny’s own accident and hospitalisation reveals how “damaged” his body really is, a fact he hid for over thirty years. This medical revelation almost threatens his “come back.” Additionally, he has to deal with a young “hot shot” and “fame seeker” Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris). Pearce is a hot head who does not take well to Sonny’s interloping.
After an horrific accident during the Italian Grand Prix Monza where Pearce almost dies, the rift between the drivers widens. It’s only when Pearce replays this race on the simulator, that he realises Sonny’s judgement was spot on. If only he listened to Sonny, he could have clinched the race win.
In addition, this “underdog” story would not be complete without a final lap worthy of an Oscar nod for visual effect. A final victory lap for Sonny Hayes, taking the audience for a final “thrill” ride.
All throughout F1: The Movie, the direction puts the audience in the driver’s seat. Highly recommended for viewing in IMAX.
This movie magic is reminiscent of “Drive to Survive,” a noteworthy Formula One Racing documentary presented by Netflix. F1 The Movie goes beyond the documentary, injecting some familiar faces with cameos. Noteworthy cameos include Sir Lewis Hamilton, Max Vaerstappen, George Russell, Lando Norris, Sergio Pérez, Frédéric Vasseur and Zak Brown.
The film rated PG-13, has a run time of 2 hours 35 minutes
Check out The Social Diary’s other stories on film screenings and Premiers including Katate Kid Legends, Beetle Juice Beetle Juice, and the World Premier of Fly Me to the Moon.