Estimated read time: 5-6 minutes
- 'F1' is a thrilling summer blockbuster starring Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes.
- The film blends racing action with engaging character development and humor.
- Rated PG-13, 'F1' is suitable for older teens and adults seeking excitement.
As a child of the 1980s and '90s, I was spoiled with big-budget summer blockbusters. I'll never forget the anticipation of waiting months to see "Independence Day." Even as a kid, I knew it wasn't going to be the most brilliantly made film, but I also knew it was going to be big, exciting and a blast.
That feeling of excitement — that childlike anticipation for an epic summer movie — still lives buried in the back of my mind. It's why I've been looking forward to "F1." I wasn't expecting to witness cinematic history, but I did want to be entertained, exhilarated and reminded of the joy of a great summer flick.
I'm happy to report that "F1" delivered exactly what I was hoping for, and even a little more.
The good
Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes
Brad Pitt is one of the biggest stars in the world, and not just because he has a pretty face. That helps, but he's a good actor and his charm, skill and natural charisma are on full display in "F1."
Pitt plays Sonny Hayes, an experienced driver with a cool, devil-may-care attitude that makes him both unlikable and somehow irresistible. The writing duo behind the film — Ehren Kruger and Joseph Kosinski — deserves credit for crafting a character that oozes effortless cool. Sonny is the kind of guy you might not want to be, but you'd definitely want to be buddies with him.
Pitt breathes life into the character with great dialogue, memorable one-liners, and the kind of charm that keeps you hooked. His portrayal elevates the movie, making it more than just a racing flick — Pitt deserves credit for crafting a character that oozes effortless cool.
Sonny is the kind of guy you might not want to be, but you'd definitely want to be buddies with him.
An entertaining, engaging story
Kruger and Kosinski are the dynamic duo behind "Top Gun: Maverick," the best summer blockbusters in recent years, and they're back for "F1." While I don't think "F1" is quite as good as "Maverick," it gives it a run for its money.
The film does a fantastic job of blending fast cars and loud engines with a story that has substance. The narrative includes plenty of racing action, but it doesn't solely rely on the spectacle. There's genuine character development, high stakes, humor and even some drama — all of which keep the story engaging from start to finish.
Kruger and Kosinski manage to strike a balance between serious plotlines and lighter, humorous moments, making sure the film never gets bogged down in too much melodrama.
It's a perfect example of what summer movies should be: entertaining, fun and thrilling, with just the right amount of heart to keep it all grounded.
F1 becomes accessible to all
If you're not a fan of F1 racing, you might assume this movie isn't for you. And I get it: Professional F1 racing is a complex, high-stakes world filled with intricate strategies, intense rivalries and a lot of money on the line. Not everyone loves it. I'll be the first to admit that while I appreciate F1 racing for the spectacle, I've never had the attention span to sit down and watch an entire race.
What "F1" does so well is make this world accessible. The movie does an excellent job of explaining the complexities of the sport without bogging down the audience with overly detailed explanations.
It highlights the real stakes: how winning or losing can mean the difference between keeping your spot as a driver, the fate of your team, or even your life as you race at 200 mph in the pouring rain. The script takes care to explain enough of the jargon and the politics of F1 without losing the audience, making the world of racing feel tangible and relatable.
I know enough about the world of F1 to be dangerous, while my wife doesn't know the difference between F1 and NASCAR. We both loved the movie and got lost in the intrigue of the sport. That's a testament to how well the filmmakers made this intricate world accessible.
What parents should know
"F1" is rated PG-13 for language and action, and I think the rating is spot-on. The film has some foul language sprinkled throughout, with a couple of moments that are more intense than others. The racing scenes are action-packed with a fair amount of crashes and high-speed thrills, but nothing is overly graphic or disturbing.
There's a scene of two characters kissing, and they're later seen in bed together, although there's no nudity. There's no overt sexual content, but there are a few mild jokes here and there.
While the movie may not be for young kids, it seems suitable for older teens and up. If you've seen "Top Gun: Maverick," the tone here is similar: intense action with some mature themes, but nothing too heavy. If your teen is into racing or action films, this one will likely hit the mark.
Conclusion
"F1" is not a perfect movie, but it's exactly the kind of fun, high-octane popcorn flick I've been waiting for. Brad Pitt brings charm and depth to a character that could have been a one-note action star, and the story offers more than just racing thrills. The film is filled with engaging character development, high stakes and humor.
For those who love big summer blockbusters that are fun, fast and entertaining, "F1" will be a fantastic addition to your watch list. It may not go down as a cinematic masterpiece, but it'll certainly leave you feeling exhilarated and entertained.
"F1" is officially rated PG-13 for language and action.
