Ford v Ferrari

Based on true events, Ford v Ferrari follows Matt Damon’s Carroll Shelby as he agrees to spearhead the Ford Motor Company’s attempt at winning the 24 hours at Le Mans competition in 1966 – with the movie also focusing on driver Ken Miles’ (Christian Bale) ongoing attempts at proving himself to the various executives behind the scenes (including Tracy Letts’ Henry Ford II and Josh Lucas’ Leo Beebe). It’s relatively compelling subject matter that’s employed to entertaining yet decidedly erratic effect by James Mangold, as Ford v Ferrari‘s ludicrous 152 minute runtime ensures that the picture is, particularly in its padded-out midsection, saddled with a hit-and-miss feel stemming from a continuing emphasis on the nitty-gritty of the protagonists’ efforts (ie the movie essentially demands that one possess at least a minor interest in auto racing history). There’s little doubt, then, that Ford v Ferrari benefits substantially from its smattering of engrossing sequences and uniformly top-notch performances, with, in terms of the latter, both Damon and Bale transforming their respective characters into completely compelling and sympathetic figures. (It’s clear, ultimately, that Letts’ typically spellbinding work here remains an ongoing highlight.) By the time the admittedly engrossing climactic stretch rolls around, Ford v Ferrari has certainly confirmed its place as a solid drama that will undoubtedly fare best among car buffs.

*** out of ****