Ford v Ferrari: A Review

Ok disclaimer, I am not an expert when it comes to cars. I can get away with the basics and am one of those people who has a name for their motor vehicle (mine is Rey after the scavenger from Star Wars). But you don't need to be an expert or car enthusiast to see Ford v Ferrari. This film isn't only about cars.

As I sat in the cinema, watching the first few minutes of this movie a thought instantly popped into my head, "Racing isn't about cars. It's about control and testing limits."

I have never raced a day in my life but I can understand that sentiment and the aspiration to wanting to be the best.

(Photo Credit: Ford v Ferrari Facebook page)

I went in with no expectation other than my faith in Christian Bale and his ability to give every part he plays a hundred and ten percent. And I was not disappointed in the slightest.

Firstly, I want to commend the casting department on their casting choice for this film. For me, watching a movie (and even tv shows) I look forward to feeling a wide range of emotions and the performances given by this cast did exactly that. The writers also did an exceptional job of creating a great story flow that took all of us on a riveting journey of how Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon) and Ken Miles (Christian Bale) pushed the envelope and conquered every obstacle in order for Ford to beat Ferrari at the 1966 Le Mans.

For those of us who don't have much of an interest in racing and know nothing about it, Ford v Ferrari gives you, for lack of a better term, a crash course on what happens during a race that isn't the obvious notion of just driving a marked course for 24 hours.

In the scene where Miles tests out the GT 40, hearing the roaring engine, only imagining what it would be like to even sit in the passenger seat, I could feel the excitement building and then Miles starts to talk to the car once she begins to pick up speed. That much I can relate to because I talk to Rey all the time, especially when she's struggling to go up a hill.

Come on my girl. Come on, Rey! You can do it! That is me. Every. Single. Time.

And funnily enough she is a Ford Laser (2000 model).

Matt Damon's Carroll Shelby comes off as a man who is very likable, is a loyal friend and is confident in what he does. He also faces a few crossroads at various stages in the film but in the end his moral compass never fails him. Although Damon is a Boston native, he is very convincing as a born and bred Texan. The friendship between Shelby and Miles is very relatable and you can even call it a brotherly bond. Damon and Bale play very well off each other and it makes their scenes stand out even brighter. We can always depend on Damon to bring on the charm and mischief and we praise his skills as a veteran actor. Count on Matt Damon, he will never let you down and he definitely doesn't as Carroll Shelby.

Josh Lucas' performance did not go astray either. He was absolutely dreamy and lovable as Jake Perry in Sweet Home Alabama and wonderfully charming as Sam in Life As We Know It but in Ford v Ferrari you want nothing more than to punch him square in the face. Lucas' character, Leo Beebe, is a senior executive vice president of Ford (man was that a mouthful) and does not see eye to eye with Bale's Ken Miles right from the word GO!

Beebe is adamant on getting Miles kicked off the crew because he does not "fit" the Ford brand and you definitely suspect him of sabotaging Miles' car at Le Mans. Beebe is obnoxious, entitled and manipulative and Lucas plays it well.

(Photo Credit: Merrick Morton via Google Images)

Looking to wonderful female leads, Outlander's Caitriona Balfe stars as Mollie Miles, wife of Ken and mother of Peter. And I must say, she was a great choice for the role. Apart from being a supportive wife and loving mother, Mollie is as tough as nails and has that Wonder Woman air about her. She is also noted to have an impressive knowledge of cars that would put most of us to shame (or maybe just me). Balfe's Mollie compliments Bale's Ken extremely well and the chemistry is heartwarming.

Ken and Mollie's son, Peter, played somewhat of a crucial role in solidifying an emotional attachment to this family. Portrayed by A Quiet Place's Noah Jupe, young Peter is often seen cheering his father on at the races and can definitely be called Ken's biggest fan. The relationship between Ken and Peter (whom Ken calls Petey) is touching and made me think of my own father and how I enjoyed every life lesson I learnt from him.

After a few close calls leading up to the 1966 Le Mans, you can see Petey's growing concerns for his father's safety and I often found myself holding my breath during the scenes when I expected something to go very wrong. Jupe is a gem in this film.

(Photo Credit: IMDb)

Even though everyone's performance was above and beyond, it was Christian Bale that stole the show. I have been a fan of his since I first saw him in the 2002 flick Equilibrium followed by Reign of Fire and, of course, during his time as Bruce Wayne/Batman in Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight Trilogy (still the best in my opinion). I was also thoroughly impressed with his portrayal of Dicky Eklund in The Fighter opposite cinema giant Mark Wahlberg.

I am not praising Bale's performance as Ken Miles because of bias but because I am giving credit where credit is due. From his first scene to his last, Bale held my attention and made me care about what happens to Ken Miles. His character was not one to hold back his opinions, was blatantly outspoken about his dissatisfaction and also came off as hilarious and lovable. Dare I say it, Bale's performance is definitely Oscar worthy!

Ford v Ferrari is a must watch and I need to emphasize that it would be better seen at the cinema! If you haven't gone already, you need to ASAP!

I give it a 4 out of 5.

Scores:

Rotten Tomatoes - 92%

IMDb - 8.3/10

**This review is of my own opinion and mine alone.**