Ford v Ferrari Review

    Mangold manifests the Ford image in his newest flick- a reliable, traditional, and accessible action-drama with emphasis on the latter. 

     It doesn't try to do too much, but excels in its focused vision. Damon and Bale aren't very stretched by their roles, but they settle into them remarkably. Damon's calm, southern steadiness is a beautifully realized foil for Bale's furious eccentricity. I thoroughly appreciate a film about a loyal friendship, and the leads display this with effortless camaraderie and charm. The first two acts include solid drama, but aren't quite as speedy as the cars on display. They suffer from a few predictable plot points and mildly obnoxious character archetypes, but in the final act, Mangold puts the pedal to the proverbial medal. 

     Le Mans thrills with stunning sound editing, swift camerawork, grounded action, sweeping wide shots, and punchy music. The danger feels real, the clock is ticking, and the viewer endures this grueling race with our protagonists. Mangold doesn't overload his audience with sensory intake, opting for gritty straightforwardness instead. He states in an interview that he doesn't want to "trample on something more delicate that's happening inside the frame." This refreshing directorial clarity, character drama, and steady, poignant storytelling is exactly what 2019 needed.
7.5/10