Hollywood’s Changing Landscape

Hollywood isn’t quite what it used to be.

These days, the industry seems overwhelmingly populated by self-righteous liberals who act as if Santa Monica and Manhattan are the entirety of America. But it goes beyond just the celebrities and the executives. Every year, the quality of films appears to decline.

Original concepts are becoming increasingly rare. Most new movies are either endless sequels or reboots of well-loved classics. Even those films that advertise themselves as “not woke” often come off as tedious and unoriginal.

This summer, however, brings a refreshing change: “F1,” a new sports film featuring Brad Pitt.

The film tells the story of Sonny Hayes, a once-great Formula 1 driver, portrayed by Pitt. He reunites with his old friend Flounder, who helps him get back behind the wheel in hopes of winning the Grand Prix. Along the way, he finds himself paired with a hot-headed rookie, leading to a mix of competition and camaraderie as they both chase glory.

“F1” has all the elements of a summer blockbuster. It’s entertaining, engaging, and the racing scenes are genuinely thrilling. There’s a hint of romance involving Pitt’s character and the team engineers, but it’s handled tastefully. The plot features twists and incorporates plenty of nail-biting racing moments that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats. The ending? Quite satisfying.

Moreover, the film eschews political correctness. There’s no heavy-handed commentary on race or identity. Pitt’s character is a straight, white male—a classic Hollywood hero, unapologetically embodying a traditional masculine archetype. If you’re looking for discussions on white privilege or feminist critiques of a male-dominated sport, you won’t find them here. Instead, it feels like a celebration of the traditional cowboy figure.

Even if racing or issues of race don’t pique your interest, the film is still engaging. The filmmakers skillfully incorporate technical aspects of cars, engineering, and racing strategies without detracting from the narrative. The adrenaline is so captivating that you hardly notice the exposition.

Sometimes, Hollywood does produce films that merit a theater visit. “F1” stands out as one of this year’s lesser-known gems.