THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN – A Review by John Strange
Some films make you feel happy, some sad, while others scare the dickens out of you. The really good films run you through combinations of emotions that sometimes feel like you’re riding a rollercoaster. The Art of Racing in the Rain is one of those films.
Denny Swift (Milo Ventimiglia) is a race car driver who, like so many of us, works a regular job to allow him to support his passion. His jobs are, not so surprising, car-related. He teaches race car driving and drives for whoever has a car available all the while aspiring to one day being a Formula One driver.
On his way home from a race, Denny buys a golden retriever puppy who he names Enzo (for Enzo Ferrari). Enzo (voiced by Kevin Costner) becomes a central character in the story of Denny’s life. We learn many life lessons watching Enzo and Denny live their lives to the fullest.
Enzo and Denny’s lives are the central focus of this film as we watch Enzo grow into adulthood, always learning and preparing for his next life. The addition of Eve to their “pack” and then the arrival of baby Zoe change and enhance their lives immeasurably.
This is an amazing film filled with life lessons, laughter, and heartbreak. The racing sequences are excellent but the scenes but it is the family that makes The Art of Racing in the Rain one of the best films of the year hands down. Your emotions will be engaged for the entire film. I don’t think it will spoil the film to tell you to bring several napkins, tissues or handkerchiefs with you to the theater. Trust me, you’ll need them!
Directed by: Simon Curtis
Cast: Milo Ventimiglia, Amanda Seyfried, Gary Cole, Kathy Baker, Ryan Kiera Armstrong, Martin Donovan and the voice of Kevin Costner
MPAA Rating: PG (for thematic material)
Selig Rating: A+
Runtime: 107 Min.
Movie Site: www.foxmovies.com/movies/the-art-of-racing-in-the-rain
The Selig Rating Scale:
A – Excellent movie, well worth the price.
B – Good movie
C – OK movie
D – No need to rush. Save it for a rainy day.
F – Good that I saw it on the big screen but wish I hadn’t paid for it.
