Adequate visual pop cannot overcome lack of depth in this one-time watch.

Rating: 6/10 (11 January 2014)

The failings of Howard and his team were too distracting for me to allow the thrills of this film to flourish unblemished. For the most part, the film is proficiently acted and directed; an effective, generically crafted sports drama. My impression, however, is that there is surely some integral material that just didn't make the final cut (for whatever reasons). The most striking thought I had at the conclusion of this film is that it is almost entirely devoid of any character development. These characters are there, they're racing fools, and that's apparently enough motivation for all of the story's players. The story never really penetrates any real emotional depth. And that's okay, I don't want to complain because the movie is not the one I wanted to see nor is it the one I would have made. The lack of sympathy I had for the characters, however, kept me too disconnected from the Rush experience to recommend it with any fervor.