Movie Review: Ford vs. Ferrari

This is a very good movie, with no aspirations of greatness.  Look, it's about GUYS with CARS and MONEY who set out to win a race, and to do it against all odds.  The only big idea in evidence here is that when asked these guys said "Hell yeah we can do this.  Now get out of our way.  And keep the money coming."  Then they worked hard to make it happen.  Beyond that, it's all broad brush strokes, bright colors, and loud engines.  No subtlety, no subtexts, no sideways commentary about the '60s.  In some ways the story and presentation could be called "cartoonish," but only in the best possible sense of the word.

Likewise, the acting and cinematography are top-notch.  As is the writing; there's not a clunker line in the entire movie.  There's just enough tension between the characters to make them all pop out in 3-D, while maintaining their core traits.  For all the simplicity of the story line and the overwhelming personalities of the characters, it works, it's believable.  The whole thing is a professional effort.  It's also a lot of fun to watch.

Three-plus out of Four Stars.  Go see it in a good theater, with a good LOUD sound system.

Is it a bad thing when a movie merely aspires to goodness, not greatness, and then solidly hits the mark?  In a way, does that make it great after all?