RUSH

2013 / Director. Ron Howard. 

I love Ron Howard. He's a valuable director and has made some important and iconic films. Having said that I can concede that he's made some stinkers... but he's never boring and doesn't repeat himself. He has a wonderful ability to switch genres and explore different qualities. From lowbrow to historical, western to thriller, and everything else between. His latest film, RUSH, is an outstanding true story. I am not a sports fan and I could not care less about formula one racing, however, for a director to capture my attention and hold it tightly for over 2 hours is an achievement. Fortunately F1 is not entirely foreign to me (many of my friends love it) and I was familiar with the story... but rest assured that total lamens could watch RUSH and be completely swept up by it. The film chronicles the famous rivalry between James Hunt and Niki Lauda during the 1976 racing reason. From their competitive sledging to their unspoken respect for one another, the story captures a moment in time that's well documented and renowned. Some liberties have been taken and the extent of their rivalry is exaggerated but it's all for the sake of an entertaining story. The likeness of the characters is uncanny and the racing sequences are amazing... i'm talking AMAZING. Actually some of the best racing footage I've ever seen. Ron Howard has complete control over this film and it's unlike other films he's made previously. I would rate it as probably his most distinguished film since Apollo 13 and will hold it in the same regard. If you're looking for a compelling, high octane docurama then look no further. RUSH impressed the shit out of me! Excellent. 

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