Even if you yourself don’t follow Formula 1 racing, it’s hard to deny its global popularity, with an audience of 750 million, according to Nielsen Sports. But does that mean Director Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick) can lap other movies at the box office this weekend with F1: The Movie? So far, news outlets like the New York Times have declared that the underdog sports action drama is a hit, with Deadline reporting a $57 million domestic and $89.3 million international opening weekend. That’s promising, and positions the film, which stars Brad Pitt as a washed up race car driver ready for a comeback, as the potential winner of the summer.

On this episode of The Long Take Review, Greg and I speculate about F1’s future success, both in terms of box office and awards. We try to articulate what makes this such a exceptional cinematic experience, debate the screenplay’s feelings towards its main character, and discuss the impact Tom Cruise, Apple, and corporate synergy might have on the film’s release. Plus, we have a bonus movie news update about a high profile director recently announced as taking on the Bond franchise. Buckle up because, as always, this Long Take is an endurance test.

We go into SPOILER MODE around the 28:30 minute mark. If you are not ready to make that turn, you can listen safely until then.

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