Lisa Johnson Mandell’s F1 the Movie review says it’s the summer blockbuster we’ve been waiting for. Just watch the speedometer on your way home.

Cars, chemistry, charisma, competition, crashes, and Brad Pitt — what more could you ask for in a movie?

If this Pitt vehicle about the twist and turns of Formula One racing doesn’t give theater goers the green light to get off their bums and race out to the theater, nothing will. It’s just what the box office doctor ordered: fast pace, dazzling star power, spectacular cinematography, a little romance, thrills, suspense, action and a fine payoff—in addition to an opening for a sequel.

Here we find Pitt as Sonny Hayes, known as “the greatest driver who never was,” who, at his “advanced” age is still going strong as a solo driver, reluctant to join any particular team, but willing to drive in whatever races and whatever cars suit him. He leads a maverick life in a van, and would be completely care-free if his past didn’t haunt him.

F1 the Movie review — The track is clear

Then former rival, current friend Ruben (an exceedingly suave Javier Bardem) struts back into Sonny’s life. Ruben is now the owner of a floundering F1 team in need of a winning driver so bad he seeks out Sonny, regardless of the fact that he’s commonly regarded as a has been who never was, having flamed out years ago after a brutal accident.

It’s not a matter of if, but when Sonny will accept Ruben’s offer, and when he does, they are literally off to the races. Sonny must deal with a cocky young driver, mechanically decrepit cars, and billionaire businessmen hoping Ruben’s team will continue on its downhill slide, necessitating a sale at a bargain basement price.

Along the way we’re treated to lots of glitz and glamor—after all, this is the tres chic world of F1. In addition, there are numerous unpredictable races and spats. To the film’s detriment, there’s also interminable insider car talk that no one, save master mechanics, seems to understand.

At one point when they were discussing tires for the umpteenth time, I leaned over to my husband and asked, “Can you please explain this to me?”

He responded, “I have no idea what they’re talking about. Don’t worry about it. They’ll be racing again soon.”

And sure enough, within a few minutes they were vrooming again, giving the audience what they came to see. That and Brad Pitt, who definitely commands the film.

Jerry Bruckheimer Films, Plan B Entertainment and director Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick, Only the Brave) has once again given audiences the super star action that’s worth getting out and going to the theater to see. You just can’t appreciate F1 the Movie on a laptop. Buy tickets in advance for the biggest screen with the best sound you can find, relax and enjoy the show. It’s worth it.

Rated PG-13

2 Hours 35 Minutes

If this F1 the Movie review makes you want to race out the cineplex, find times and tickets on Fandango.com.

Because of this F1 THE MOVIE review and others by members of the Critics Choice Association, the film has earned the CCA Seal of Distinction.

Lisa Johnson Mandell’s F1 the Movie review says it’s the summer blockbuster we’ve been waiting for. Just watch the speedometer on your way home.