F1: The Movie

·54 min·5 clips

What made Joseph Kaczynski the perfect director to bring Brad Pitt into the high-speed world of Formula One?

This episode of Mad About Movies features hosts Kent and Richard reviewing the new blockbuster "F1," directed by Joseph Kosinski and starring Brad Pitt. The hosts, who share a casual fan's interest in Formula One, analyze the film's attempt to capture the sport's modern appeal. They discuss the movie's origins following the success of "Top Gun: Maverick" and its production with full cooperation from Formula One. The film follows Brad Pitt's character, Sonny Hayes, a retired driver recruited by the fictional APXGP team, owned by Javier Bardem's Ruben Cervantes. The plot involves Hayes mentoring a younger driver, Josh Pearce, while navigating team politics and technical regulations. Real drivers like Lewis Hamilton, who also produced the film, make cameo appearances. The hosts note the movie was shot at actual Grand Prix events, blending footage with narrative scenes. A key subplot involves a technical director, played by Carrie Condon, who designs a car upgrade that violates FIA rules. One surprising insight is the hosts' belief that the thrilling opening sequence, set to Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love," is the film's peak moment. They express admiration for the authentic racing footage and the logistical feat of filming during real events. The hosts were caught off guard by narrative swerves, including a mid-season crash that sidelines a major character. They critique the lack of chemistry between Pitt and Condon's characters but praise the film's emphasis on the athleticism and strategy behind F1. The episode has a conversational and analytical tone, blending personal anecdotes with film criticism. Kent and Richard draw comparisons to sports movies like "Moneyball" and "Days of Thunder" while debating the film's accuracy and appeal. Their style is relaxed and opinionated, often referencing their own experiences attending the U.S. Grand Prix. This episode will delight moviegoers interested in summer blockbusters and fans of Formula One curious about the film's portrayal of the sport. Listeners who enjoy behind-the-scenes film analysis and discussions of sports cinema will find it engaging. Those with no interest in auto racing or who prefer more critical, highbrow film reviews might want to skip it.

As heard by us

A breezy, movie-savvy take on F1: The Movie that keeps the summer-blockbuster talk moving.

Mad About Movies treats F1: The Movie as summer conversation material, which fits a Brad Pitt racing drama made with Formula One's full cooperation.

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Why you'd press play

Press play if you want the summer-movie read on Brad Pitt's Formula One debut.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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