Rush (1/28/2012)

Rated R for sexual content, nudity, language, some disturbing images and brief drug use.

Starring Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Brühl

Directed by Ron Howard (Angels & Demons, Frost/Nixon, The Da Vinci Code, Cinderella Man and A Beautiful Mind)

Rush is one wild ride.

Set against the sexy and glamorous golden age of Formula 1 racing, Rush portrays the exhilarating true story of two of the greatest rivals the world has ever witnessed—handsome English playboy James Hunt and his methodical, brilliant opponent, Niki Lauda. Taking us into their personal lives on and off the track, Rush follows the two drivers as they push themselves to the breaking point of physical and psychological endurance, where there is no shortcut to victory and no margin for error. If you make one mistake, you die.

First of all I’ve never watched a Formula 1 race (actually I’ve never watched a NASCAR race, just don’t tell my peeps in PA). But if it’s anything like Rush…I’m definitely going to check it out. In all seriousness, you don’t have to know anything about racing or be a Formula 1 fan to enjoy this one.

Secondly, I did not know James Hunt or Niki Lauda before seeing the first trailer for Rush. But as soon as the credits rolled and the house lights came up, I was on my iPhone reading everything I could find of these amazing men and their amazing story.

The movie has edge-of-your-seat excitement, and all the tension and adrenaline you can handle. Thanks mostly to the camera angles and the deafening roar of the engines, you feel like you are in the driver seat.

Director Ron Howard is able to capture the heart of the sport as well as the personality of the two polar opposites, whose passion and drive are nothing short of inspiring. And Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Brühl bring their passion to life. Not only do they look exactly like their real-life counterparts, but they deliver stellar performances.

Take those things by themselves and you probably have a pretty decent movie. But combine the intense action, the inspiring true story, the wildly talented actors, one of the best directors and the passion of the men involved…and you have one of the best movies of the year. It’s “Theater Worthy.”

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
The only reason this film did not get a “Worth Buying” score was because of the gratuitous nudity throughout the film. There are several sex scenes showing naked women, and a couple scenes showing the naked butts of both males and females.

The danger of Formula 1 is vividly communicated throughout the film. We see a very badly broken leg and a decapitated body. The film also shows Niki Lauda both crashing his car and burning inside it. It includes a very graphic recreation of his burn-damaged face as well as detailed scenes of other medical procedures such as vacuuming his lungs.

There are a few F-words, but A**hole is the main profanity.

CONVERSATION STARTER

1. What are some of the similarities between James and Niki?


2. What are some of the differences?


3. In the film, how did James handle adversity?


4. How did Niki handle it?

Read 2 Corinthians 4:8-10

8 We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. 9 We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. 10 Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.

Read Deuteronomy 31:6

6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”


5. How can those verses help you when you’re facing adversity?


6. Who can you encourage this week with these verses?