Film Preview: Rush (2013)

Poster

Trailer Link

Release Date:

September 20, 2013

Synopsis:

From IMDb: “A biography of Formula 1 champion driver Niki Lauda and the 1976 crash that almost claimed his life. Mere weeks after the accident, he got behind the wheel to challenge his rival, James Hunt.”

Poster: C-

Review: Chris Hemsworth’s ability to sell a film remains difficult to know. While both Thor and Snow White and the Huntsman were successes, little did that have to do with Hemsworth’s presence. Hemsworth’s front-and-center presence in the campaign for Red Dawn didn’t help. And with little hint of the auto racing backbone of the film, I don’t think this design is going to be adequate.

Trailer: B+ / B-

Review: There is excitement, thrills and period drama that make this look like it could be an engaging film. And Ron Howard, for all his faults as a director, knows how to make money off his efforts. Some of the decisions look superficial, but as a non-auto racing fan, I’m somewhat interested, which is makes for a successful trailer in my book.

Neither the first trailer from iTunes, nor the second looks at all like the trailer that’s been inundating the cineplexes in the last several weeks. This is less artsy and strangely less compelling than the original trailer and the one in theaters now.

Oscar Prospects:

Never underestimate Ron Howard, especially not in a September berth, which would mean Oscar death for most directors. Of course, the subject matter isn’t typical Oscar fare, but I could definitely see it getting some nominations. I doubt Best Picture, but I see tech categories like Sound Mixing and Sound Editing as strong possibilities, possibly even Editing.