Directed by Joseph Kosinski, the film achieved an A rating on CinemaScore, indicating strong audience approval. Internationally, the film garnered an additional $88.4 million across 78 countries and territories, bringing its global total to $144 million, according to Box Office Mojo.
Variety's David A. Gross of FranchiseRe called the opening impressive, especially for a racing film, a genre that often faces challenges at the box office due to its niche audience. The film's success can be attributed to its investment in state-of-the-art filming technology and its fresh approach to the sports genre. Experts predict that "F1" is on track to surpass previous Apple releases like "Killers of the Flower Moon" ($158 million) and "Napoleon" ($221 million), potentially becoming the studio's biggest hit.
Jamie Erlicht, Apple's head of worldwide video, described "F1" as a film that delivers a rich cinematic experience. Apple CEO Tim Cook stated that the company's investment in filmmaking aims to tell compelling stories, enhancing the Apple brand and boosting the appeal of Apple TV+.
In the film, Brad Pitt portrays Sonny Hayes, a veteran driver returning to the track after a long hiatus. His mission is to mentor young talent Joshua (Damson Idris) and revitalize a struggling racing team. A significant portion of the film was shot live at F1 races using Imax cameras, touted as the "most authentic racing film ever made." Pitt and the cast underwent months of intensive driver training.
The Guardian praised the film's engaging narrative. Screen International commented, "F1 is a story about recovery, faith, and passing the torch. It's not just for racing enthusiasts but for all film lovers." However, the film has its shortcomings, such as Sonny's underdeveloped character arc and the races, which, while visually stimulating, don't always serve the narrative.
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Brad Pitt on the set of "F1." Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures |
Brad Pitt on the set of "F1." Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures
At the North American box office, the live-action "How to Train Your Dragon" held steady at number two with $19.4 million in its third week, reaching a global total of $454.5 million. Disney's new animated feature, "Elio," landed in third place with $11 million, a global total of $73 million, and is projected to lose money despite positive audience feedback.
The horror film "M3GAN 2.0" earned $10.2 million, securing the fourth spot on the charts. Sony's "28 Years Later" came in fifth with $9.7 million, a significant drop from its opening weekend.
Que Chi (adapted from Variety)
