Rush 
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Daniel Brühl, Olivia Wilde,
Directed by: Ron Howard
Rated: R
Run Time: 123 mins
Genre: Action/ Drama/ Biography/Sports
Opens September 27th
By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com
Hey Phoenix Film Fans! Opening this week is the latest film this year to feature racing (Turbo, Planes) but is live action instead of animated. Based on the true story of Formula 1 Racers Niki Lauda and James Hunt in the 1970’s, Director Ron Howard presents a keen insight into the world of racing 40 years ago. Will race fans flock to see this biopic or will it crash and burn at the box office?
Starting in their days as Formula 3 drivers in 1970, James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth) already had a reputation for being a ladies man that lived life on the wild side. When James first encountered Niki Lauda (Daniel Brühl) on a British Formula 3 race track, a fierce rivalry was born, spanning the course of 6 years when each man worked his way (or paid for his way) into Formula 1 racing to conquer the industry.
Through each man’s personal trials and tribulations, the rivalry took on new meaning for each man as the years went by. When they finally meet head to head in 1976, in Japan, for the World Championship title, will the personal conflicts get in the way or is the rivalry so significant that each man is willing to die to prove he is the better driver?
What is most surprising about “Rush” is that although it is directed by Ron Howard, it doesn’t take on the typical stylistic characteristics of his trademark films. The film looks as if it was shot on film during the 1970’s, giving it an air of authenticity for the viewer’s experience. Each actor, especially Brühl, keeps the audience rooting for each driver even though you may be partial to one over the other. Brühl's character of Lauda is so unfriendly and cold that he's likable; you root for him along the way. Hemsworth delivers another epic performance, this time as a formula race driver god that is deeply flawed and troubled. Even if you’re not a race fan, the acting performances and tension between the two main actors, Hemsworth and Brühl, really capture the essence of what great sports rivalry is comprised of, mutual respect and disdain for the other competitor. Be sure to catch “Rush when it opens in theaters nationwide starting Friday September 27,2013.
