MOVIE REVIEW: FORD V FERRARI

American automotive designer Carroll Shelby and fearless British race car driver Ken Miles battle corporate interference, the laws of physics and their own personal demons to build a revolutionary vehicle for the Ford Motor Co. Together, they plan to compete against the race cars of Enzo Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France in 1966.

Director: Jason Mangold

Cast: Matt Damon and Christian Bale, Jon Bernthal, Caitriona Balfe, Tracy Letts, Josh Lucas, Noah Jupe, Remo Girone, and Ray McKinnon

Release Date: November 15, 2019

Genres: Action, Biography, Drama

Rated PG-13 for some language and peril

Runtime: 2h 32min

Review:

Ford v Ferrari an interesting throwback film that’s got so much more going on besides racing.  James Mangold directs his film with a glossy veneer that just screams prestige picture.  A two and half hour film needs to be engaging to keep from becoming a slog.  Thankfully, the film’s story is thoroughly entertaining throughout, so much so that if rarely feels slow.  Having a cast of top level talents all delivering excellent performances.  Matt Damon gives his Carroll Shelby a good old boy charm and dogged determination which shines through an understated delivery.  Christian Bale delivers another physical transformation for this performance but beyond that he gives his character a likable stubbornness that provides the film its beating heart.  Together Damon and Bale make this bromance work and it’s incredibly watchable.  The supporting cast is equally strong with Tracy Letts, Jon Bernthal and Caitriona Balfe all leaving their mark in limited screen time.  On its surface, the film is about winning a car race but peeling back some of the layers reveal a beefier and headier story at work about creation, invention and innovation.

A

Cindy Prascik' s Review of Money Monster

Dearest Blog: Yesterday it was off to Marquee Cinemas for the entertaining-as-it-is-depressing Money Monster. 

Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers or if you've personally been hosed in the Market, I guess. 

When one of his stock tips proves to be a bust, a brash TV presenter and his crew are taken hostage by an unhappy investor. Money Monster is a bit hokey at times, but that's about its only shortcoming. 

Blessed with two of Hollywood's most capable and engaging leads, George Clooney and Julia Roberts, and edge-of-your-seat storytelling, the movie grabs your attention and does not let go. 

Jack O'Connell is also terrific, and it's a credit to his performance how easily you'll begin to side with the guy waving the gun around. 

Money Monster expertly maintains tension throughout, spelled with perfectly-timed humor, and is smart enough not to wear out its welcome. 

The movie's very obvious message is about greed and corruption, but also paints an uncomfortable picture of today's society, as as the hostage situation plays out on live television as "entertainment." 

Money Monster clocks in at a smart 98 minutes and is rated R for "language throughout, some sexuality, and brief violence." It may not bring much new to the table, but Money Monster is an exciting and well-acted picture that's well worth your movie dollar. 

Of a possible nine Weasleys, Money Monster gets seven (and fangirl points for Giancarlo Esposito). 

Until next time...