Ferrari

Adam Driver takes the lead as Enzo Ferrari, the founder of this famous racing dynasty, who delivers some corking lines “…dwelling in the perpetual twilight of failure,” for example.
The quirky witticisms are a key strength of the movie, and a credit to writer, Troy Kennedy Martin. Expect some laugh out loud moments!
Set in 1957, with all the glamour and pizzazz of Formula One; it’s crises time for Ferrari. It’s win or lose-all in the now-banned, treacherous 1,000-mile race through Italy, the Mille Miglia. No spoilers here, but be prepared to grip your seats!
There’s much to like about this film which is delivered with a sensitive touch. One scene, set at the opera shows the interplay between the character’s memories (as flashbacks,) and their emotional response to the beautiful music; it’s masterfully done.
Even non-racing fans can thrill to the red, shiny, zoom and break-neck speeds presented.
Caps off to cinematographer, Erik Messerschmidt, for capturing the eye-popping, engine- roaring glory of racing car zip. Expect a change in pace, too, because the film includes some breath-taking landscape photography.
Penelope Cruz (Laura Ferrari,) is an engagingly grumpy addition to the cast, and the gun-scene at the family home is just delightful. Cruz as Enzo’s wife delivers her role with gleam- in-the-eye- gusto which keeps you entertained the whole way through, ditto Ferrari’s grandmother, played by Daniela Piperno.
Jack O’ Connell gets a shout out as English driver Peter Collins, as well as Patrick Dempsey (McDreamy, Gray’s Anatomy, ) as the ‘silver fox’ champion, Taruffi. Dempsey races in real life, which gives his portrayal the edge.
As the aristocratic, outrageous, Alfonso de Portega, actor Gabrielle Leone’s portrayal falls flat. Yes! He’s good-looking but more screen charisma was needed to lift a role that could have been sublime. (An opportunity missed?)
Overall, Veteran director Michael Mann’s experience tells. He delivers a  stylish and witty film that isn’t too garish or ‘Hollywood’.
It may be that there is something at the heart of the film that falls slightly shy off the mark in terms of emotional impact: Is it in the writing? The character of Enzo? A few scenes that needed re-working? However, there is enough here to say that this is a good film and well worth your time. In racing, as in life, isn’t that what counts?
Rating:  Worth the pitstop, green flags all the way