‘F1 The Movie’ Starring Brad Pitt Lands Impressive Rotten Tomates Debut

F1 The Movie, which stars Brad Pitt and Damson Idris, has crossed the finish as the film has arrived on Rotten Tomatoes with an impressive debut. Directed by Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick), the upcoming racing film looks to recapture the action magic from his previous work, and according to critics, the film more than lives up to that promise.

As of this writing, F1 The Movie has a 78% score on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 40 reviews. The fresh rating will likely please Apple Original Films, which spent upwards of $300 million on the high-octane production. As the score suggests, the praise for F1 is not universal, but it seems everyone agrees that the action “looks incredible.” MovieWeb’s own review stated that the film suffers from a “predictable” plot with one-note characters, it is lifted by impressive visuals from director Kosinski:

“F1 looks incredible, and every bit of the film’s budget is visible on screen. Kosinksi (Tron: Legacy, Oblivion, Top Gun: Maverick) has a knack for staging epic competitions, from light cycles to spaceships, F-18 fighters at mach speed and now open-wheel racers at a mind-boggling 220 MPH. It’s all cinematic trickery, of course, but it’s done so darn well, you’re gripping your seat like the steering wheel on a hairpin turn.”

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If the recent haptic trailer released was not exhilarating enough to suggest F1 should be seen in a premium format, reviews are doubling down on that sentiment. Empire Magazine was quick to praise Kosinski’s unique vision, saying, “Joseph Kosinski has done it again. F1 combines unparalleled access, pioneering filmmaking and moving redemption arcs to deliver an exhilarating cinematic experience.” Pitt has been at the end of some hefty praise, but Kerry Condon is also a highlight, according to the Guardian: “Condon is a vital fuel ingredient and to a F1 non-believer like me, the result is surreal and spectacular.” Meanwhile, IGN Movies echoes the aforementioned statement about the formulaic plot, while praising F1 as a thrill ride that delivers the action goods.

It’s a faithful devotee to the sports-movie formula that’s kept from greatness by a few too many unnecessary components and a finish line that maybe should’ve been closer than two and a half hours away. But in spite of that, it’s still a hell of a ride.