Two-time Oscar winner Ron Howard takes the daunting task of covering the nearly decade-long rival between British Formula 1 racer James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth) and Austria’s Niki Lauda’s (Daniel Brühl) race to become world champions. From tracks in Italy to Japan, press rooms to extravagant parties, Hunt and Lauda risked death, fortune and fame in the 1970s and became international sensations in the process. With an undeniably effective immediacy, “Rush” is a solid, but rather cold, biopic about two equally detached personalities.
Rush has flown under the radar, delivering a visually exciting first preview seemingly out of nowhere.
Composer Hans Zimmer expectedly delivers a rousing singular theme that plays double-duty with solo cello highlighting the insular determination of both drivers before chug-a-lugging into full-on pounding race mode competing with squealing tires and booming PA announcements.
“Rush” is not the epic drama is could have been, but it is certainly watchable and mostly enjoyable, but like an impeccably crafted Formula 1 race car, is fast, glistening with style but ultimately just a cold piece of polished metal.