‘Rush’: The Formula One Drama From Ron Howard Opens In Theaters

The moment of truth is here for Rush, Ron Howard’s latest project as it opens in theaters nationwide today. It’s a good one.

With Chris Hemsworth (Thor) as playboy daredevil racer James Hunt and Daniel Brühl (Inglorious Basterds) as the methodical, serious Austrian NIki Lauda, the film takes us through one of the most dramatic comebacks in sports history.

During the 1976 Formula One (F1) season, the reigning champ, Niki Lauda, is almost going through the motions in his quest for a repeat, a feat that hasn’t been accomplished since 1959-1960.

His feud with the flashy, party man James Hunt is in full gear. The two are the polar opposites on and off the track. Hunt is adored by women for his looks and charming personality, coupled with that exhilarating aura that comes from being a car racer.

Lauda on the other hand, well, let’s just say he is not known for his looks, or his charm, but on the track he is almost unstoppable.

Rush is not the life story of the two main characters, but rather a moment in time during their stellar career.

Chris Hemsworth has said that he understands where Hunt was coming from. Incredibly handsome, some say, almost too good looking to play Hunt, Hemsworth says the challenge for Hunt was always to prove that he was not all looks, but had what it took to be a champion.

Even though the movie dramatizes their rivalry for greater impact, Niki Lauda has told of partying with the late James Hunt and sleeping at this London flat with female company.

The Austrian driver, who agreed to have his story told in part because of script writer Peter Morgan’s great writing skills and met Daniel Brühl on several occasions, has given the German/Spanish actor the best compliment he could have gotten, short of winning the Oscar.

Lauda said about Brühl’s performance, “I think he did an incredible job because when I first saw the movie, I said, ‘S***! That’s really me.'”

He added that he wishes James Hunt was around to see the movie because he believes he would have enjoyed it.

This film, more than anything, is about determination and risking everything to do what you love. There are no heroes or villains and if you think there are, you might change your mind. One of the unlikeliest and gutsiest comebacks in the history of any sport, Rush will entertain and inspire.

Rush directed by Ron Howard, starring Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Brühl opens in theaters today.

[Image of Niki Lauda with James Hunt]