Ford v Ferrari
Aiming to reach a younger demographic in the 1960’s, the Ford motor company would hire now legendary car designer Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon) and driver/mechanic Ken Miles (Christian Bale) to create a car faster and more reliable than Ferrari to race at the 24 hours of Le Mans in 1966. But, success for team Ford would not come easy or at all if not able to first overcome corporate egomania as well as their own personal demons.
Directed by James Mangold and written by Jez Butterworth, John-Henry Butterworth, and Jason Keller, this richly entertaining historical drama is a classic example of a successful David and Goliath sports narrative, thick with drama, personal growth, struggle, and perseverance. Paired with ace acting from leads Damon and Bale, ridiculously choreographed and impressive cinematography from Phedon Papamichael, and minimalist but effective score by Marco Beltrami and Buck Sanders, the end result is an amazing confluence of events to create a two hour and thirty minute thrill that doesn’t feel overstayed. Heading into the holiday season the cream is definitely rising to the top in this race around the track. Ford v Ferrari is rated PG-13.