Ford V Ferrari

This is a film that hits on all marks.  From the white knuckle driving, the acting, the inherent drama to the emotional bonds created in this film.  Ford v Ferrari isn’t just good. It’s one of the best made films of the year.

The basis of this story starts in the 1960’s after the Ford company, lead by Henry Ford II decides his company needs a boost in the form of high performance sports car to rival the craftsmanship of the world leader… Ferrari.

Or more accurately acquiring the iconic Ferrari would be more apt, however, in this world run by old money and bigger egos, such a deal backfires on the American automotive giant as Mr. Ferrari sends word back to Henry Ford that his cars are ‘ugly and slow’ and that he’s ‘Henry Ford the second and not the first.’

It’s quite entertaining how the Italians leverage their Ford meeting with Fiat and the true disdain that the Italian auto maker carries for the US auto behemoth and it’s lack of high-quality expertise.

But you did just poke the bear and as history has taught us the bear bites back, which brings in the famous Ford entrepreneur Lee Iacocca (Jon Bernthal) and his quest to find the man that can build a car that can compete with Ferrari at the worlds most prestigious race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Enter Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon). Yes that (Ford) Shelby.  The slick talking Texan with a history of making fast cars and winning races.  Damon shines in his role of Shelby, floundering in a lukewarm success based on his name recognition in the racing field but never quite reaching that legendary status that he welcomes.

But Shelby is a smart man and knows he needs the best team for the job, even if that means enlisting the temperamental, volatile yet brilliant Brit automotive, Ken Miles (Christian Bale).

Miles, is a gear head in the highest of regards.  He can climb into a car and within a test drive diagnose what’s wrong with the vehicle and what can be done to create an optimal performance.  And although he lacks a certain tact when dealing with the suits and basically anyone he comes across with he cares deeply for his struggling family who he’s determined to provide for.

He’s a hero to his young son Peter in every way and that love and bond between them stands out in this film setting up for some really heart-felt moments.  One scene in particular, the night before Miles sets out to France for the Le Mans, Peter is up in his room crafting a rudimentary race map on cardboard, with all the turns and terrain of the race.

The two of them sit there going over the plan piece by piece, talking step by step of how to race the perfect lap, each knowing the difficulties and the danger that comes with such a race.

It should be a straight forward film, Ford v Ferrari, but it turns out the more appropriate title should be Shelby and Miles Vs Ford ad executes.  Despite Shelby’s knowledge and Miles brilliance, let alone him being the best racer for this vehicle it’s not an easy road to navigate which often leads Shelby and Miles in a game of high risk poker with their own team.

Ad executive Leo Beebe (Josh Lucas) is for better or worse the real antagonist in this film because despite the differences of the Italian and American automotive team, there’s a sense of honor and pride among them. With Beebe it’s back-stabbing and circumvention.

Entertaining and heart warming from beginning to end this film doesn’t lack drama nor enthralling race scenes.  Add in some really good acting and you’ve got yourself a great early holiday-season film.