Rush Directed by: Ron Howard Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Daniel Brühl, Olivia Wilde Rating: Not Yet Rated Release Date: September 20, 2013
Trailer Score: 8/10
Thoughts by TSR: Other than cursory glances at Wikipedia, I don't know a whole lot about the rivalry between Formula 1 drivers James Hunt and Niki Lauda. The casting of Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Brühl had it on my radar, but Ron Howard sitting in the director's chair didn't do much to get me excited. Don't get me wrong, I'm a fan of many of Howard's competent, if unspectacular directorial efforts. It's just that they are usually things I watch and enjoy with little enthusiasm. (I will say I'm quite fond of Frost/Nixon, though that's mostly due to cast.) This trailer for Rush has me more interested than I expected. It displays a real style, and the racing scenes (especially those where it's raining) look great.
I anticipated the cast being the big selling point, and the two leads don't disappoint. It's great to see Chris Hemsworth playing something other than a god – even if his James Hunt still looks as though he's sculpted by the gods – and he does well with all sides of his character. He obviously has the cocky swagger down, but he does equally well in his brief moments reflecting on a big crash. Daniel Brühl as Niki Lauda might look even better. I'm a fan of Brühl thanks to Good Bye, Lenin! and Inglourious Basterds, so I wouldn't be opposed to see him have something of a breakout thanks to this film. My favorite moment is probably Hunt saying he feels responsible for Lauda's horrific crash, and Lauda responding that he's equally responsible for him getting back in the car. It sells the idea that even after almost dying, the race goes on. And these guys need to get back behind the wheel. I don't watch much racing, but I remember being quite shaken by IndyCar driver Dan Wheldon's fatal crash. I'm thrilled that Rush is taking the risks of racing very seriously. It adds a weight that could make this a big winner.