"Ford v Ferrari" (2019) Review

“Ford v Ferarri”: Damon and Bale dazzle in speedy masterpiece.

Directed by: James Mangold

Rated: PG-13

Runtime: 2:32

Review by: Livi Edmonson

From the director of “Logan” (2017) and “Walk the Line” (2005) comes a racing biopic that audiences never knew they needed in their life. The film is anything but slow --- both literally and metaphorically, and will keep even non-racing fans who are not infatuated with cars entertained. And if you are an automobile fanatic, congratulations --- I just recommended to you your new favorite movie.

The narrative tells the story of quite possibly one of the greatest duos in racing history: American automotive designer, Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon), and spunky British race car driver, Ken Miles (Christian Bale).  Together, the two frenemies-turned-besties help Ford Motor Company beat the cars and racers of Enzo Ferrari with one legendary car and an even more legendary driver, Miles, in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France in 1966.  What follows is an incredible journey both on the track and off…

There are too many things that I love about this film --- love, not like --- that I am finding it hard to know where to start at. Firstly, the acting is incredible. Matt Damon and Christian Bale knock it out of the park, earning critical praise critics everywhere that will undoubtedly result in some serious Oscar buzz for bothof these fine actors. Speaking of Oscar buzz, this film can be considered as one of your more predictable, classic Hollywood “Best Picture” nominees. With so many terrific, rule-breaking pieces of cinema still to come this awards season in the box office, Academy voters might appreciate a little classic Hollywood, feel-good cinema in their life. Will it win --- probably not. I am not even betting on it sneaking into the running for “Best Picture” yet.  However, as much as people might want to hate this white-washed, all too predictable film, you simply cannot, for its heart is bigger than any of the films I have seen this Fall --- thus far, at least.

Car cinema has such a terrible reputation due to many films such as the “Fast and Furious” franchise, but perhaps the fact that “Ford v Ferrari” is a biopic helps its case. Although, not only is the film a biopic, but also it is a period drama, set in late 1960s Hollywood much like another awards season contender we know: Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.” Although some period dramas tend to be slow and draining, this film manages to keep audiences on the edge of their seats throughout the entire two hour and thirty-minute span.

All in all, “Ford v Ferrari” is laugh-out-loud hilarious, cinematically beautiful, and ultimately inspiring in the sense that audiences will find themselves never failing to root for the duo-protagonists of the film. Though it might be your typical Hollywood film with typical (but fabulous) actors such as Matt Damon and Christian Bale, I can guarantee that anyone in the theater will enjoy this one – male or female and older or younger audiences alike. If you are looking for a movie to see with the family over the Thanksgiving holiday that installs familial values all the while still maintaining a contemporary edge that is enough to keep picky film buffs satisfied, then “Ford v Ferrari” is the flick for you. As someone who absolutely despises car movies, I can confidently say that this is one the best, most enjoyable films I have ever seen and if you give it a chance, I think you will enjoy just as much. Here’s to hoping Matt Damon FINALLY wins an Oscar. I give it a 9/10.