Two Line Reviews - #485

Movie: Rush (2013)

Plot: One was a meticulous racer having profound knowledge on the technical nuances of cars who had to break from his sophisticated lineage to pursue F1 racing; the other was a carefree casanova in whose view Formula 1 was 'meant for him'. One shies away from distractions to focus on his career; the other feels happy distractions are the ends to look for through the 'F1 fame' means. They had two things in common though! Passion for racing & the belief that the other one was an 'Asshole'; One was the Austrian Niki Lauda, the other was the Brit James Hunt. The film shows their epic rivalry that blossoms in F2 racing in early 1970s and reaches its apex in the 1975 Formula 1 season!

What Works?

• Ron Howard is one film-maker who can take Game theory to the common man & Boxing to the hearts of the soft-hearted! Here, he takes Formula 1, the heat/tension & risks surrounding racers' lives to even the one who is not even remotely inclined to the sport.
• The screenplay is so intelligently planned that it gives a layer on what experiences a typical F1 racer goes through underneath the exterior layer that provides a record of how Lauda & Hunt set the tracks ablaze.
• Hans Zimmer's grand background score uplifts the action on screen & provides the complete AV experience.
• In bringing the cars and tracks of the 70s, the Art & VFX team deserve special mentions.
• It is Daniel Brühl who comes up with the best performance. His Austrian-scented English accent, mannerisms etc. show the dedicated effort he has taken while Chris Hemsworth effortlessly showcases James Hunt. Olivia Wilde, with some nice expressions in emotional sequences after marriage & Lauda's accident, scores.
• The climax at the airport hangar expresses with class, how perspectives & the impact of them on priorities can alter champions' careers!

What Doesn't?

• Ironically, the film ends with 1975 and doesn't go beyond to show the brilliant comeback triumphs of Lauda after his spectacular life-threatening Neurburgring accident in the season of '75. We would have loved to see more, Ron!

Adrenaline-pumper!!

Two Line Reviews - #285

Movie: Frost/Nixon (2008)

Plot: US President Richard Nixon's forced resignation from power due to the 'Watergate' taping controversy sees him go exile to West where he works on his revival strategies. Meanwhile, a UK based TV Show host sees the potential that an interview with the controversial Nixon would have and risks to go broke to get it done. His initial recordings don't provide him fodder but cometh the hour, he strikes!

Highlights:

• With rigid,stone-faced yet expressive body language, Frank Langella scores big time in his role of the American President.
• Michael Sheen, who looks like Adam Gilchrist in the film, oozes passion as the ebullient interviewer.
• The narrative format employed by Ron Howard suits & sets the film's mood; Hans Zimmer's background score gives able company ( The end credits track is noteworthy).

Evasive President & Exuberant Presenter -  Electrifying end product!

Two Line Reviews - #242

Movie: Cinderella Man (2005)

Plot: A promising boxer James.J.Braddock is among the thousands hit by the Great Economic depression of the 30s and to make ends meet, plays petty matches and takes up wager work thereby deepening his financial crisis. Opportunity knocks his door after 4 years and he makes a highly inspiring comeback that gives hope for a financially stuttering New Jersey populace.


Highlights:

• This one joins the Rocky 1,2,3,4 league for its wonderful making and the stress on the financial angle shown makes it different from the Stallone series.
• Russell Crowe lives the role of a pugilist and he is damn convincing with his antics on the ring; Off it, his scenes with his wife and manager (both being his unshakably supportive pillars and wonderful characterisations at that!) are emotionally touching and brilliant.
• The way he fights on and off the ring for his family/his kids makes the character a true inspiration. The truely believable boxing matches show the quality of the stunt co-ordinators' efforts.

Highly Inspiring stuff; Take a bow,Russell Crowe.