Rush

Now's the time of year when we get the Oscar movies en-masse. One of the first out of the gate is Rush, a film about racecar drivers. Even if you're not into racing, this real life tale should be a real thrill.

Directed by Ron Howard, Rush is about one of the 70's most famous sports rivalries. James Hunt (Chirs Hemsworth) is the brash and reckless Brit with many Formula Three victories. Niki Lauda (Daniel Brühl) is the level-headed Austrian who literally bought his way into the sport. The two egos instantly dislike each other off the track.

Once they make their way into Formula One, their rivalry on the track gets fierce. When Lauda is nearly killed in a crash, both his and Hunts' egos come down. Only after that are they able to respect each other as equals.

The screenplay is by Peter Morgan, whose play Frost/Nixon was also filmed by Howard. It makes the off-track action as much exciting as the on-track stuff. At times, the audience may find one of the men likable and the other not likable. Both leads are perfectly cast and compelling; by the end of the film, the audience's side is surely on both.

The film's pit crew (sic) also deserve attention. Among them are editors Mike Hill and Daniel P. Hanley, whose quick work keeps the film going. Also setting the mood are cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle, production designer Mark Digby and especially composer Hans Zimmer. The makeup department, meanwhile, gives its actors some very graphic injuries and disfigurements.

Those looking for an intense sports story have found it. Rush will keep the audience entranced for its 123 minute runtime. On the awards side, it should be a good starter for the cinematic parade to come.