They took the American dream for a ride.
Ford v. Ferrari is a 2019 biographical sports drama film directed by James Mangold, written by Jez Butterworth, John-Henry Butterworth, and Jason Keller, produced by Chernin Entertainment, TSG Entertainment, and Turnpike Films, and distributed by 20th Century Fox. It is based off of the 1964 Le Mans Grand Prix and the events leading up to it. It stars Christian Bale and Matt Damon. It was nominated for and won Best Film Editing and Best Sound Editing and was otherwise nominated for Best Picture and Best Sound Mixing.
"We're going to make history." - Caroll Shelby
Plot
When Henry Ford II decides that Ford cars need to start beating Enzo Ferrari's machines in the Le Mans Grand Prix, former racer Caroll Shelby teams up with powerhouse driver Ken Miles to win the trophy for the Ford Motor Company.
My Favorite Thing About Ford v. Ferrari
Ford v. Ferrari is a very interesting movie. I think my favorite thing about this film is the acting. Christian Bale and Matt Damon are two of my favorite actors, and I legitimately think that these are two of the best performances they've ever given. I was shocked when I found out that Christian Bale didn't receive a Best Actor nomination at the Oscars. The performances here are absolutely top-notch.
My Least Favorite Thing About Ford v. Ferrari
I had a similar complaint about The Courier last year, but I don't think Ford v. Ferrari is a story that translates very well to screen. For most of the movie, it's a pretty great story. I liked where it was going. The ending looked like it was going to be great. And then something devastating happens at the end of the race, and you feel frustrated, but you hope that maybe that devastating thing will be redeemed and end on a satisfying note. Nope! Instead, something even more upsetting and sad happens, and then the movie ends. It feels like a movie that should have a happy ending. Minor spoiler alert: it doesn't. And that's really frustrating. Now, I give it a little bit of leeway because it's a true story, but you have to know when to include stuff from the story and when to not. I don't think they needed to include the heart-breaking final segment of this story.
Why Ford v. Ferrari Works Overall
James Mangold's direction and the performances are enough to make this movie watchable, but the story is compelling and inspiring for the most part. The characters are great, the dialogue is snappy, and the last hour is actually pretty exciting. It's a fun movie that has frustrating elements, but it's definitely worth your time.
Final Thoughts and Score
Despite an unsatisfying ending, Ford v. Ferrari is a good, fun movie with absolutely Hall of Fame performances.
I'll go Savory here. Age range is 8+.
SWEET N' SOUR SCALE
Sweet (Great) Savory (Good)
Sour (Bad) Moldy (Terrible)
"Ford v. Ferrari"
Fun Factor: 7.5/10
Acting: 9.5/10
Story: 7/10
Characters: 8.5/10
Quality: 9/10
Directed by James Mangold
Rated PG-13 for minor violence and action, language, thematic elements
Released on November 15, 2019
2 hours and 32 minutes
Christian Bale as Ken Miles
Matt Damon as Caroll Shelby
Jon Bernthal as Lee Iacocca
Caitríona Balfe as Mollie Miles
Josh Lucas as Leo Beebe
Tracy Letts as Henry Ford II
Noah Jupe as Peter Miles
Remo Girone as Enzo Ferrari
Ray McKinnon as Phil Remington