Ford vs Ferrari

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Art vs. commerce, guts vs.corporate caution, friendship vs . the world.
Based on the incredible true story of legendary car designer Carroll Shelby (Damon) and daring British driver Ken Miles (Christian Bale) fight corporate big wigs, the laws of physics and their own demons to reinvent the race car for the Ford Motor Company to be raced in the 1966 24-hour Le Mans of France.
I'm not a motorhead, nor am I a fan of car racing, but you don't necessarily have to like the sport to watch this movie. You just have to appreciate good storytelling. Geared to be a top contender in the box office, forecasting to rack up $100 million domestically through the holiday, Ford vs. Ferrari has gotten a 95 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes among both critics and audiences.
According to Forbes' Contributing Writer Mark Hughes, "Director James Mangold’s teaming with Oscar winners Matt Damon and Christian Bale is generating plenty of award season buzz, and looks to be a shoo-in for some acting nominations, a screenplay nomination, a director nomination, and nods for cinematography as well as both film and sound editing. Oh, and of course, Best Picture."
But, this film needs no award as it's clearly gained crowd popularity. The character-driven plot is riddled with conflict, internal and external struggle, and redemption, and the cars resemble ambition, imagination, courage, and sheer force of ambition and pushing limits.
The cast is top-notch as Damon and Bale become fast friends. Of course, the relationship between Shelby and Miles turns turbulent as the team faces mechanical breakdown. Bale, yet again drastically transforming himself , assumes the identity of Ken Miles to the point where you are convinced he is Miles reincarnated, making him a contender for Best Actor. That is not to rule out Damon as his “idling at 5,000 rpms”idealism breathes life into Carroll Shelby and puts a strain on Shelby's friendship with Miles - almost to the breaking point.
However, the supporting roles are equally important, which is why they didn't skimp out here. Noah Jupe playing Peter Miles could also be in contention for Supporting Actor, remarkably balancing eagerly idolizing his father and fearing that any turn could be Ken's last.  Caitriona Balfe also gives a magnificent performance as Ken's supportive yet nervous spouse. And then, there's Josh Lucas, who smirks and sneers frequently as Leo Beebe, whose executive arrogance and justified skepticism is just enough to plant doubt in your mind as to whether or not Shelby and Miles can pull it off.

At times, the plot does feel rushed, but - since this is a film about racing - this only intensifies the thrills and hurtles the plot to an explosive ending. It's a must-see.

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