HUB Movie Review: Rush

Story posted January 30, 2014 in CommRadio by Sofia Westin

When first seeing the poster for Rush, most may think, “It’s Thor! Where’s his beard? And who’s that other guy?” But take a second look and remember this movie. It may be the best one the HUB has shown this year.  

Rush follows two Formula 1 drivers and their incredible rivalry, as it spans through the glamorous 1970s. Now, for those of you that don’t know what Formula 1 is, let me tell you: it is like NASCAR, but better. Formula 1 drivers make left and right turns, and they don’t drive around an oval some 500 times in cars that look like sedans*. Sorry ‘Merica.

Like I said, this is a movie of a legendary sports rivalry between the suave Brit, Ethan Hunt, and the methodical Austrian, Niki Lauda. The real life men are played by Chris Hemsworth (Thor!) and Daniel Bruhl (Inglorious Basterds, in case you were curious), respectively. Both do an incredible take on these complex men.

As with many famous persons, whether actors, or athletes, or Donald Trump, not much of their personal lives off screen, such as their vulnerabilities, are ever known. Until now (at least concerning these two guys). They are shown in a light that puts them in a world that is harsh and difficult—it is as much a fight for bragging rights as it is for self-fulfillment. Though of course there is much driving (those sequences look phenomenal!), it does focus much on the characteristics of who these men were off the track.

Critics loved it, making it one of the best movies of 2013. The general IMDb audience gave it an 8.3, Metacritic a 75, and RottenTomatoes certified it fresh with a high score of 89. It was also nominated for two Golden Globes.

On the Penn State Scale...
1—when Penn State loses a game,
2—an 8 a.m class (which are awful),
3—a canceled 8 a.m class,
4— free textbooks,
and 5—free Creamery ice cream for a whole year,

It is as amazing as getting free Creamery, honestly. Rush definitely gets the 5 (the first one of the year!) because compared to many other movies, not many have much value to them. Movies are meant to entertain, true, but when they give a little extra, which leaves you coming out of the theater thinking, pondering, and questioning human nature, that is when you have a winner (just like in a race!). Rush does that to you (it did to me).

I’m not saying, however, that Rush doesn’t have its flaws, because it does. Not everyone loves it, some critic gave it a lousy 38. But, it is just great/fun seeing a shirtless Chris Hemsworth, which is a positive. I do recommend going to see it, though, because it may surprise you.

Whether you question humanity or not by the end, at least you leave the screening with memories of your heart beating a little quicker as the stakes are heightened with the incredible visuals, forceful music and rushing speed. (Just watching a trailer can get you a taste of this feeling.)

*Check out this cool infographic to see how NASCAR and Formula 1 compare: http://www.redbullusa.com/cs/Satellite/en_US/NASCAR-vs-Formula-1-infographic/001243283121464. The funniest comparison is between the two cars’ steering wheels. It’s a little sad, too.

Sofia Westin is a freshman majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email sgw5090@psu.edu.