Rush (2013)

The film finds unexpected angles and blasts its way to victory despite the challenges of the inspirational sports movie genre and Formula 1 subject matter. It singles out the cinematography by Anthony Dod Mantle for transforming the racing sequences into something visceral and existential.

The critic praises the zippy biopic for capturing the rivalry between Hunt and Lauda. Strong performances and the glamour and danger of 1970s F1 are highlighted.

The critic calls the film exhilarating and gripping, with impressive direction and strong lead performances. The recreation of the 1970s F1 era and its energy stand out for praise.

The critic finds the film a fun and tense dip into 1970s Formula 1. The immersive sound design and cockpit perspective are singled out as memorable strengths.

The critic finds the script schematic and reliant on national stereotypes but singles out the thrilling, well-shot racing sequences and Brühl's compelling performance as making the film engaging and vigorous even for non-fans.

The critic views the film as competent but ultimately bland under Ron Howard's direction. The race sequences gain tension and kinetic energy from strong cinematography.

Impeccably crafted and smartly scripted, the film delivers broad, riveting drama on and off the track built around two superb lead performances. It singles out the portrayal of the contrasting personalities and philosophies of Hunt and Lauda for creating compelling rivalry and drama.

The critic describes the film as outrageously enjoyable and giddy fun, highlighting its bromance elements, spectacle, and the magic of opposites between the leads, while acknowledging some embellishments of the true story.

The critic finds 'Rush' a professionally made but ultimately mixed-breed drama that fails to fully thrill despite strong performances from Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Brühl. He singles out Howard's polished but square Hollywood sensibility as at odds with the edgier story of rivalry the script aims to tell.

The critic observes that the film favors Hunt's swagger over Lauda's precision, praises the exciting and fun racing scenes, but faults the slower sequences as hurried and bland and the overall emphasis on surface thrills over deeper substance.

The critic calls Ron Howard's film a thrilling, populist take on the Hunt-Lauda rivalry that excels in its noisy, visceral race sequences and strong lead performances, especially Daniel Brühl's, while noting its formulaic, multiplex-friendly style that prioritizes broad appeal over depth.

The critic praises the sharply etched lead performances by Hemsworth and Brühl as the rival drivers Hunt and Lauda and the film's engaging exploration of their contrasting personalities and rivalry. Supporting characters lack depth and the racing scenes are serviceable but not standout.

The critic describes it as rousing viewing that delivers thrills in the race sequences, but notes that these cannot fully disguise the cliché-ridden aspects of the screenplay.

The critic praises Ron Howard's film as an excitingly torqued drama that distills the thrill of Formula One racing into a clash of personalities between rivals James Hunt and Niki Lauda. She singles out the strong script by Peter Morgan and the vivid cinematography by Anthony Dod Mantle for particular praise.

The critic praises the film as a thrilling, engaging Formula One story with exciting racing scenes, strong performances from Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Brühl, and intriguing personal dynamics, making it accessible beyond hardcore fans.

Utterly gripping and a piston- and heart-pumping triumph, aided by punchy lead performances, an Oscar-worthy script and stunning footage. It singles out the visceral racetrack scenes recreated by Howard and cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle, along with the character study of the two rivals.

The critic hails Ron Howard's film as exhilarating and one of the great racing movies, elevated by compelling performances from Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Brühl as rival drivers. He singles out the virtuoso filmmaking, dynamic racing sequences, and Hans Zimmer's score for making audiences feel alive in the theater.

The review commends the entertaining depiction of the grand character combat between the hedonistic Hunt and meticulous Lauda, with strong work from the leads, and highlights the beautiful, exciting racing sequences that emphasize danger and spectacle.

The critic describes the Toronto premiere as a smash hit with enthusiastic audience response and standing ovations for the filmmakers and Niki Lauda. The review highlights the powerful story of the rivalry between Lauda and James Hunt as great human drama with strong Academy potential.

The review commends the thrilling racing scenes, strong performances by Hemsworth and especially Brühl, and the substantive story of rivalry and mutual inspiration, while noting minor issues with female characters and an unnecessary ending. Overall, it's a slick and rousing piece of entertainment.

The critic praises the film's engaging portrayal of the rivalry between Hunt and Lauda, highlighting the strong performances especially by Brühl, and the naturalistic direction without sentimentality. They note the exhilarating racing sequences and emotional depth.

The critic finds Ron Howard revitalized, delivering strong performances from the leads and intense racing sequences that make the film a worthwhile ride. He singles out Daniel Brühl's scene-stealing turn as Niki Lauda for praise while complaining that Howard spoon-feeds the themes rather than trusting the audience.

The critic praises the film's visceral racing sequences, sound design, and attention to detail as making it the best motorsport movie yet, while noting the narrative feels schizophrenic with underdeveloped off-track elements and some historical liberties.

The critic calls the film an exhilarating surprise and finds Ron Howard at his most electrifying. It singles out the extraordinary look, including the grainy 1970s cinematography and intimate close-ups, for praise while noting minor issues with pacing and score.