For most of the year, we see movies that are generic, bland, and altogether not that exciting. But once in a while a film comes along that is not only a thrilling ride, but one that resonates with the human condition. Taking place in the world of Formula 1 racing, Ron Howard’s “Rush” is a tale of two men who are polar opposites, but strive for the same goal. They aim to be the best at their craft and are willing to put their lives on the line if it means winning a championship. I was never one for racing as a sport, but for two hours that didn’t matter. “Rush” doesn’t just focus on sport, but on the men behind the wheel during the memorable 1976 racing season. 

Beginning in 1970 during the Formula Three racing scene, there’s Niki Lauda (Bruhl), the Austrian perfectionist who takes himself too seriously and James Hunt (Hemsworth), the British playboy who doesn’t take himself serious enough. Both are rich, both want to be the best…and that’s where the similarities end. Hunt is good-looking, charming, and always seems to be the life of any scene that he can be around. Lauda is commonly referred to as “ratty” and doesn’t seem to have fun with racing, only doing it since he’s not really all that good at anything else.

Rush takes a look at the life of each man both on and off the race track. Hunt’s life really doesn’t seem all that interesting or challenging, partying when he’s not racing and waking up next to woman after woman after woman. He does end up getting married to Suzy Miller (Wilde) but that lasts for a short amount of time when Richard Burton goes on and snatches her up. The only time Hunt is an interesting character is when he’s competing with Lauda. We’re able to forgive the lack of character since Hemsworth is able to play Hunt with such charm and charisma.

Lauda’s life is completely different, where Hunt has some family backing Lauda is left on his own. Lauda is completely on his own, which is partially his own fault since no one likes him. Throughout Rush Lauda is called an asshole numerous times, yet he’s okay with it. Lauda is focused on his goal of winning a championship and to do so he spends his own money to buy his way into Formula One. He criticizes the cars he’s given only to stay up late nights to fix them with the mechanics. Yet, when Lauda gets married he’s able to keep the woman he loves. Granted, he does warn her that he won’t remember anniversaries and won’t be good at the hand-holding stuff. She’s not fazed by this…she knows she loves him. As unlikeable of a character that Lauda is, Bruhl is able to make the audience like him with his resilience and his humor (Lauda really does have some of the funnier lines in the film.)

“Rush” eventually leads up to the 1976 race that would change the career of both Hunt and Lauda. Lauda would spend a full minute in a wrecked, burning car unable to get out leaving his face burnt and his lungs full of ash. Yet this isn’t enough to keep Lauda off the track as he works as hard as possible to get the helmet back on and get himself back on the track. “Rush” is able to find a solid balance between the racing sequences and the actual story, which is because of the fine screenplay by Peter Morgan. The racing sequences crafted by Howard are absolutely incredible with cameras actually attached to cars movie at 180 MPH so you feel as if you’re there in the race.

With a directing career spanning since the late 70′s, Howard has proven that he is a force behind the camera. “Rush” is just another great Ron Howard film and could ultimately end up being one of the best he’s ever created. “Rush” is a fast-paced, adrenaline pumping ride that never takes its foot off the pedal. Boasted by solid performances, a great script, stunning visuals and a moving score, “Rush” will give any film a run for its money when awards season is upon us.

“Rush” is now playing.

-Joshua Kaye