F1: The Movie

...and I went into this expecting a Hollywood movie and thrilling entertainment...it delivered.

Look, even die-hard F1 fans have to admit that not every waking moment of a race is fun. This film took elements from race history and used it over the space of nine races. Whether it was Grosjean's fireball, or the moment Senna grabbed the fire extinguisher from the marshal, they took and they used. Yes there were some over the top elements, but what would you prefer? Track limit arguments?

Go into this expecting a polished action movie with nice nods to F1. I liked it, my kids liked it, and I think if you go in not expecting an Oscar winning movie, or a masterpiece, it is a fine watch.

Reviews harping on about the story miss the point. Embrace the corn and enjoy yourself.

The action is good, although unbelievable it's clear the team cared about F1 and did their best to make it exciting to watch. I personally love how corny the whole thing is, it helps you turn off and enjoy the ride. Brad Pitt plays his classic cool guy persona, the supporting crew is entertaining the nods to the real F1 drivers and team directors are nice but not overplayed.

They did a phenomenal job with the practical effects and racing scenes. Honestly if you go to a racing move what else do you want. If you want everything to be realistic go watch a documentary.

Firstly, the music. Oh boy!

I came expecting engine roars... and instead got Hans Zimmer blasting emotions at 300 km/h. I wasn't prepared for this concert. I came to the theatre for Formula 1, not to feel my feelings in Dolby Atmos. The guitars and drums were doing more laps than the cars.

Cinematography? A thing to Marvel at!

No, no - NOT that Marvel. This isn't a multiverse; this is motorsport. But I'll give it to Kosinski - the man knows how to shoot speed. The close-ups, the helmet cams, the pit lane drama - it's all smoother than Lewis on a soft compound.

Kosinski pulls it off again As expected, the Top Gun: Maverick director brings his signature hyper-real-but-just-believable-enough style. Everything looks slick, the tension is palpable, and the racing feels intense. The cars look real, the tracks feel familiar, and the drama is soaked in cinematic polish - and maybe a bit of Red Bull too.

Now, dear hardcore F1 fans... You will suffer. In silence.

Yes, yes - the pit stop timings are a joke, strategy makes no sense, tyre degradation is apparently fictional, and someone said "DRS" like it's a Marvel superpower. You'll sit there, physically cringing, as your non-F1 friends lean over and say, "Omg I didn't know Formula 1 was this emotional." You'll want to scream, but you won't. You'll smile. You'll nod. Then later, you'll go straight to Reddit, type furiously, and find solace in a thread titled "Things that made no damn sense in the F1 movie - Spoiler heavy".

Final thoughts: Is it accurate? Not really.

Is it entertaining? Absolutely.

Is Brad Pitt believable as an ageing F1 comeback driver? Well... let's just say Fernando Alonso might have notes.

Go watch it. Just don't forget - it's not Formula 1. It's Formula Fun-damentally unrealistic, but kinda awesome.

As a longtime F1 fan, F1: The Movie completely blew me away. From the very first scene, you can tell this was made to be watched in a theater - it's loud, fast, emotional, and immersive in all the right ways.

The cinematography is stunning - easily the best I've seen in a racing film since Rush, maybe even since Top Gun: Maverick. The sound design and musical score elevate every race scene to something visceral and epic. I genuinely got chills more than once.

Sure, there are a few moments that feel a bit cliché or unrealistic, especially if you're deeply familiar with the world of Formula 1. But the film's technical brilliance and emotional punch more than make up for that.

In short: this movie is a love letter to F1 and to cinema itself. Whether you're a hardcore motorsport fan or just looking for an intense, high-octane story - you'll be in for a ride.

7.4/10 (Definitely Recommend)

To be the best of the best in Formula One, you're not just racing against other drivers. You're racing the machine itself. Victory demands unmatched speed, strength, and strategy. Does this film capture that reality? It absolutely does, as it offers but a glimpse into the thrilling intensity of the real sport.

What makes this film particularly compelling is its immersive execution. It places the viewer right in the driver's seat, delivering a visceral sense of the tension and exhilaration that define each race. The cinematography is outstanding, masterfully shifting between cockpit views and dynamic race footage to create a strikingly authentic atmosphere. The sound design further enhances the experience, using realistic audio and racing jargon to make you feel like a true member of the pit crew.

While the storyline follows a familiar arc, a fiery rookie and a renegade old-timer, the performances from Damson Idris and Brad Pitt bring undeniable charisma and chemistry. Their emotional interplay adds depth to the narrative and keeps the audience engaged, even as the plot treads well-worn paths. The emotional highs and lows of competition are palpable, and the audience's reactions, including audible gasps, speak to the film's dramatic impact.

In the end, this is a film for those who crave the thrill. Its standout cinematography and sound design offer a gripping portrayal of the racing world. While it may not convert everyone into lifelong F1 fans, it will undoubtedly spark some curiosity about the sport. And if you have the chance to see it on an IMAX screen - take it. As I would have no doubt it would be amazing. The larger the format, the more electrifying the experience.

That's it for now. Thanks for taking time to read my review. Happy watching and enjoy the show!