Race for Glory: A Review of F1: The Movie

Ready, set, go! The smell of burning rubber and the sound of high-revving engines filled the night at the New York premiere of "F1: The Movie" on Monday. With the critic's reviews rolling in, it appears this feisty flick has swiftly secured pole position.

The enthralling drama centers on Formula One racing and is orchestrated by the masterful Joseph Kosinski (known for his work on "Top Gun: Maverick" and "Tron: Legacy"). With Hollywood heartthrob Brad Pitt and vibrant newcomer Damson Idris in the driver's seat, the film tells an emotionally charged tale of a seasoned F1 driver, Sonny Hayes (Pitt), coming out of retirement to guide a young hotshot, Joshua Pearce (Idris), to dizzying heights.

By Tuesday afternoon, the movie earned an impressive 84 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes from a total of 58 reviews and crossed the finish line with a respectable 69 percent on Metacritic from 24 evaluations.

This Apple Original Films and Warner Bros. production will be racing into theaters on June 27, boasting a famous ensemble that includes Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem, Tobias Menzies, and Kim Bodnia.

Highlights from the first wave of reviews majorly applaud the adrenaline-fueled spectacle. Lovia Gyarkye of The Hollywood Reporter emphasizes the authenticity in which the movie incorporates actual race weekends and gives fans insider perspectives. Zimmer pumps up this thrill ride with his electrifying musical scores that perfectly accentuate the nail-biting intensity of the track.

As per Mae Abdulbaki from Screenrant, despite unashamedly showcasing numerous brands, the film manages to maintain a riveting storyline that keeps you firmly strapped into your seat for the entire two-and-a-half-hour running time. However, Ross Bonaime of Collider keenly notes that the plot might take some predictable turns; it's the invigorating quality of those twists that secures its place among top racing films.

The Guardian's Peter Bradshaw labels the movie an "outrageously cheesy but fiercely and extravagantly shot Formula One melodrama," finding charm in its cheesy flamboyance and sophisticated CGI techniques. Meanwhile, Nicholas Barber from the BBC critiques the film's glossy corporate aesthetics and lack of tension.

Despite these mixed reviews, David Ehrlich of IndieWire identifies the movie's success in channeling the precarious balance between power and precision embedded in the sport. Sophie Butcher of Empire echoes this sentiment, urging audiences to experience the action on a large screen for an awe-inspiring escapade.

For Brian Truitt of USA Today, the film adequately projects the excitement and danger of racing with impressive action sequences. Jake Coyle of The Associated Press sees the film take a more predictable route but appreciates its quiet, intimate moments.

Rolling Stone's David Fear rounds it off by praising Pitt’s star power and presence, likening it to classic Hollywood charm. Fear insists that despite its focus on state-of-the-art racing machinery, it's Brad Pitt, the driver, who truly shines in this high-speed drama.

So gear up for an exhilarating ride of speed, stardom, and story, as "F1: The Movie" roars past the checkered flag and into your local theatre!