Ferrari

"3.75⭐️ Adam Driver commands attention, unrecognizable as Enzo Ferrari, a not always sympathetic character in this film and definitely not in real life. Though with problems, this is a well crafted film by Michael Mann. His often grandiose style more subtle yet strikingly on display. What’s great: The acting, notably Penelope Cruz’s simmering foil for Driver’s stoic steeliness (Shailene Woodley and her questionable accent puzzlingly miscast but that’s the one aberration); some magical cinematography, moodily lit, artfully staged and directed shots, and muted sepia color aspect for much of the film imbuing an authentically 50s Italian ambience; costume, makeup, sound, production and set design, all STUNNING. And the cars! True works of ART. The not great: Leadenly slow for 2/3 of the film, it gets lost in what it’s trying to say in themes of family, masculinity and a bit of religion mixed with metal (as in cars) metaphor for his messianic effect (sure ok🤨); a tired storyline in his personal life. Eh. Big deal .. I mean it’s not so shocking he had a secret relationship and illegitimate child. By now I think we know powerful men carry on affairs. And by now, it’s not all that interesting to me. The film’s attention is mainly placed there with lackluster results, the exception Cruz’s part. She definitely gave her Almodovar film vibes! The last 45 minutes make it worth it with a tense and incredibly filmed 1957 Mille Miglia race (if you’re not familiar maybe don’t look it up before watching). The muted color palette transforms to something radiant, spectacularly gorgeous with red race cars speeding into the hairpin turns of a bright green countryside on through golden-hued Italian villages. My jaw dropped with these stunning visuals and everything in my body tensed watching life and death danger playing out behind the wheel. How it was choreographed and executed is beyond me. I did imagine how this film could have been better but by the end I honestly enjoyed it."

"This is from the guy who directed Heat and Collateral?!?! I understand Michael Mann doesn't have the best track record, but this is far from his best and way far from his worst. The cinematography, especially when it comes to the racing scenes, is the saving grace in this film. The acting from the main cast is pretty solid, especially Penelope Cruz, but most have either the worst Italian accent I heard or were just not memorable. My biggest problem is that the pacing is horrible, it felt way longer than it had to be and the main story of this film was going nowhere until the 3rd act. Ferrari is a boring "biopic" that is luckily saved by stellar camerawork and acting. "

"I loved this movie! I’m a huge fan of Adam Driver ! I loved him in Gucci and I loved him in this movie! Penolope Cruz was amazing! "

"Overall, I thought this was a good movie. I'm not really into cars, but I love a good true story. Penelope Cruz stole the movie for me she was superb!!"

"11-30-23"

"Great movie but the accent bothered me a little bit. Seemed forced. "