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Extra.ie
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
FILM REVIEW OF THE WEEK: F1
Brad Pitt has spent recent years trying to coast through a reputational rebuild; despite serious allegations of violence during his marriage to Angelina Jolie, and the striking fact that all six of his children have reportedly cut contact with him, public scrutiny around his behaviour has remained curiously muted. F1 , his latest star vehicle, appears designed to reinforce his status as a heroic, magnetic figure – an aging icon with wisdom to impart, charisma undiminished, and a past blurred enough to avoid discomfort. It is a film about legacy and second chances, one that insists on emotional payoff while asking little of its lead actor in terms of depth or vulnerability. Directed by Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun:Maverick , Oblivion) and written by Ehren Kruger, F1 follows Sonny Hayes (Pitt), a retired Formula One driver coaxed back into the paddock to help revive a flailing team. Once a star at the peak of the sport, Sonny now exists on the margins, floating between minor consulting jobs, card games, and mythologised anecdotes, until hes approached by Ruben (Javier Bardem), a theatrical and effusive team owner who believes Sonny is the key to saving his underperforming crew. The offer comes with a condition: Sonny must mentor a rising talent, the young and impatient Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris), who meets him with open hostility and an eye-roll of a nickname – grandpa' – before gradually, inevitably, softening into admiration. Brad Pitt plays Sonny with the same blend of charm, detachment, and enigmatic cool that has defined much of his late-career screen persona; his performance is polished, familiar, and watchable, but curiously vacant. While the script gestures toward a past shaped by trauma -a near-fatal crash, implied personal losses- it resists exploring those events with any specificity or weight. There are moments that seem poised for emotional revelation, scenes that should crack open the surface calm to reveal something messier or more human, yet instead we get a deflective smirk or a clipped line of dialogue, as though the very idea of vulnerability might scuff the carefully preserved myth of the character. Rather than inhabit Sonnys emotional world, Pitt appears content to suggest it, relying on charisma and cinematic shorthand in place of actual transformation. Damson Idris, in contrast, brings texture and tension to his role, despite being underserved by the scripts formulaic arc. As Pearce, he captures the prickliness and insecurity of a young athlete navigating the pressures of fame, talent, and institutional suspicion; his frustration with Sonny, while predictable in narrative terms, feels rooted in something real, and when his character begins to evolve, it carries more emotional credibility than the film seems to anticipate. Idris finds in Pearce a sense of internal life that pushes against the films slick surfaces, hinting at the stakes and stress that elite sport demands, especially for a young Black driver constantly reminded of how replaceable he is. The most compelling presence in the film, however, is our own Kerry Condon, whose performance as Kate McKenna, the teams technical director, brings a necessary sense of grounding and emotional clarity. Condon plays Kate with quiet intensity, a sharp intelligence, and a weariness that never tips into cliche; she is utterly convincing as someone who has spent years holding a team together under enormous pressure, and she resists sentimentalising the role, instead conveying strength through focus, stillness, and precision. Her real Thurles accent cuts through the film's Americanised tone with refreshing honesty, and her interactions with Pitt are some of the few scenes where the characters actually seem to be listening to each other, rather than just exchanging narrative signposts. Condon gives the film an anchor it sorely needs; her presence reminds us that real professionalism, unlike myth-making, is often quiet, procedural, and unglamorous. Javier Bardem, as Ruben, brings a burst of theatricality to the film, infusing the role with flamboyant energy and a sense of chaotic optimism; however, the character is largely functional, existing to propel Sonny back into the spotlight without ever challenging him in any meaningful way. The supporting cast (Tobias Menzies, Kim Bodnia, Sarah Niles) hover around the margins, delivering competent performances with minimal material, their characters flattened into symbols of management pressure, team loyalty, or comic relief. Kosinski, known for his sharp visual style and technical fluency, demonstrates his ability to orchestrate large-scale spectacle. The racing sequences are visually striking, shot on real Formula One circuits with a clarity and precision that lend authenticity to the speed and stakes of each lap. The sound design is immersive, Zimmers score pulses with urgency, and the choreography of each race sequence displays a deep understanding of the sports rhythms and visual grammar. These scenes are the films strongest, offering brief moments of sensory engagement that feel kinetic and fully realised. Yet despite the spectacle, the emotional impact of the racing never quite lands; the races feel beautifully staged but narratively empty, high-stakes only in theory. The films emotional terrain remains strangely flat, with no real sense of risk, internal conflict, or moral ambiguity. Formula One itself is credited as a collaborator and co-producer, and its fingerprints are all over the films pristine surfaces; this isnt a gritty expos or a character study shaped by risk, but a controlled and flattering promotional package, designed as much to protect the sports image as to tell a compelling story. Sonnys comeback is treated as inherently noble, his past simplified into a hazy backstory that is referenced but never interrogated. The script avoids exploring power dynamics, institutional politics, or even the more brutal realities of the sport; instead, it offers a smooth, reassuring vision of mentorship and redemption that resists complexity at every turn. It gestures toward struggle but refuses to inhabit it, framing transformation as something that happens through platitudes and montages rather than through real reckoning. F1 is not a failure, nor is it a breakthrough. It is a glossy, competently assembled film with moments of charm and flashes of emotional intelligence, particularly in the supporting performances; yet it is also a film that plays it safe, that chooses myth over humanity, and image over inquiry. Pitt remains a magnetic presence, but without anything to push against, he becomes a symbol of resilience rather than a character living through it. Condon and Idris do what they can to bring texture and tension and at times they succeed, but they are working against a script that too often mistakes suggestion for substance. For fans of the sport, or admirers of Kosinskis visual style, F1 may offer moments of satisfaction. But for anyone seeking a story that earns its emotional arc, it may feel more like a simulation than a race. In cinemas now. Watch the trailer below:


North Wales Live
5 days ago
- North Wales Live
Alton Towers offers budget-friendly season pass for less than a day trip
Theme park enthusiasts can anticipate a summer of excitement at a reduced cost with the new Alton Towers Resort Seasonal Pass. The £59 three-month seasonal pass is a bargain compared to the walk-up price of £68 for a single-day pass, even if you only visit once. The pass offers unlimited access throughout the summer, making it an attractive choice for those planning summer holiday outings. For adrenaline junkies, this could be the opportunity to enjoy rides like the Smiler and Oblivion all summer long. It's important to note that there are certain dates when the seasonal pass is not valid, such as the August Bank Holiday weekend and several dates in October leading up to Halloween. All passes, including the £139 Annual Gold Pass, are unavailable on these dates. One of the most sought-after passes on offer is the Merlin Annual Pass, granting entry to their theme parks, including Thorpe Park and Alton Towers, as well as Legoland, the Dungeons, Madame Tussauds and even Cadbury World. The basic package costs £99 per year, with more premium packages offering monthly payment plans. For those interested in a single theme park break, Wowcher's Attraction Breaks might be a better option. They offer a Gulliver's Valley Resort Stay and Theme Park Entry package from £139, with availability during school holidays for families of four seeking a fun escape, reports the Mirror. Reviews on Trustpilot are showering praises on Alton Towers, with one guest describing it as 'magical', expressing: "A great family day out. Service from the staff is always so friendly. A magical place." One visitor was particularly thrilled about the minimal wait times for attractions, noting: "Magnificent time at Alton Towers. All the rides were below an hour queue. Went as a group of 5 and we completed smiler and oblivion in the first 20 minutes." They continued to share their experience: "We then went on another 11 rides whilst doing Smiler, Oblivion, Rita, Thirteen and Nemesis twice. Our longest wait time was 50 minutes." There were also some tips for future visitors: "Arriving early is key as they let people in before 10 to start queuing for The Smiler early. Had a wonderful time and was worth every penny. Amazing theme park. Workers were very nice and were always happy to help." However, not all feedback was glowing; one felt changes could improve the experience, pointing out: "As expected, when you go to a theme park there are very long queues. What you don't expect is no seating on a two-hour queue." The critique continued: "Waiting is not a problem, standing for two hours for one ride with no chance to sit down and rest your legs and back, really is!". When it comes to catering for different age groups, many parents have applauded the park: "Amazing couple of days with my family. So much for all ages to do, and the entertainment on the field was a welcome rest for my three-year-old when the older members of our party wanted to go on the thrill rides." For those looking to make frequent visits, the Alton Towers Resort Seasonal Pass can be snapped up for £59 right now.


Wales Online
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Alton Towers offers budget-friendly season pass for less than a day trip
Alton Towers offers budget-friendly season pass for less than a day trip Alton Towers has launched a new Resort Seasonal Pass, allowing thrill-seekers to enjoy unlimited access to the theme park for a three month period in the summer Alton Towers have some amazing deals on offer ahead of the summer holidays (Image: Bloomberg, Bloomberg via Getty Images ) Theme park enthusiasts can anticipate a summer of excitement at a reduced cost with the new Alton Towers Resort Seasonal Pass. The £59 three-month seasonal pass is a bargain compared to the walk-up price of £68 for a single-day pass, even if you only visit once. The pass offers unlimited access throughout the summer, making it an attractive choice for those planning summer holiday outings. For adrenaline junkies, this could be the opportunity to enjoy rides like the Smiler and Oblivion all summer long. It's important to note that there are certain dates when the seasonal pass is not valid, such as the August Bank Holiday weekend and several dates in October leading up to Halloween. All passes, including the £139 Annual Gold Pass, are unavailable on these dates. One of the most sought-after passes on offer is the Merlin Annual Pass, granting entry to their theme parks, including Thorpe Park and Alton Towers, as well as Legoland, the Dungeons, Madame Tussauds and even Cadbury World. The basic package costs £99 per year, with more premium packages offering monthly payment plans. For those interested in a single theme park break, Wowcher's Attraction Breaks might be a better option. They offer a Gulliver's Valley Resort Stay and Theme Park Entry package from £139, with availability during school holidays for families of four seeking a fun escape, reports the Mirror. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here Reviews on Trustpilot are showering praises on Alton Towers, with one guest describing it as 'magical', expressing: "A great family day out. Service from the staff is always so friendly. A magical place." One visitor was particularly thrilled about the minimal wait times for attractions, noting: "Magnificent time at Alton Towers. All the rides were below an hour queue. Went as a group of 5 and we completed smiler and oblivion in the first 20 minutes." They continued to share their experience: "We then went on another 11 rides whilst doing Smiler, Oblivion, Rita, Thirteen and Nemesis twice. Our longest wait time was 50 minutes." There were also some tips for future visitors: "Arriving early is key as they let people in before 10 to start queuing for The Smiler early. Had a wonderful time and was worth every penny. Amazing theme park. Workers were very nice and were always happy to help." However, not all feedback was glowing; one felt changes could improve the experience, pointing out: "As expected, when you go to a theme park there are very long queues. What you don't expect is no seating on a two-hour queue." The critique continued: "Waiting is not a problem, standing for two hours for one ride with no chance to sit down and rest your legs and back, really is!". When it comes to catering for different age groups, many parents have applauded the park: "Amazing couple of days with my family. So much for all ages to do, and the entertainment on the field was a welcome rest for my three-year-old when the older members of our party wanted to go on the thrill rides." Article continues below For those looking to make frequent visits, the Alton Towers Resort Seasonal Pass can be snapped up for £59 right now.


Daily Record
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Thrillseekers can get Alton Towers three-month pass for less than price of day ticket
Alton Towers has unveiled a new summer pass that gives three months' access to the theme park. Thrillseekers can ready themselves for a summer of excitement at a reduced cost with the new Alton Towers Resort Seasonal Pass. The incredible offer means punters can enjoy three months of fun days out at the theme park for less than the cost of a day pass. The £59 three-month seasonal pass is cheaper than the walk-up price of £68 for a single-day ticket. So even if you only visit once during the season, you're still saving money. The pass offers unlimited access throughout the summer, making it an ideal choice for those planning days out during the summer holidays. For adrenaline junkies, this could be the perfect opportunity to ride the Smiler and Oblivion all summer long. It's important to note that there are certain dates when the seasonal pass cannot be used, such as the August Bank Holiday weekend and several October dates leading up to Halloween. None of the passes, including the £139 Annual Gold Pass, are valid on these dates, reports the Mirror. One of the most sought-after passes on the market is the Merlin Annual Pass, which provides entry to their theme parks from £99. This includes Thorpe Park and Alton Towers, as well as Legoland, the Dungeons, Madame Tussauds and even Cadbury World. The basic package costs £99 per year, although more premium packages also offer monthly payment plans. For those who only want one theme park break, Wowcher's Attraction Breaks might be a better fit. They offer a Gulliver's Valley Resort Stay and Theme Park Entry package from £139, with availability during school holidays for families of four seeking a fun getaway Over on Trustpilot, Alton Towers has been hailed as "magical", with one visitor commenting: "A great family day out. Service from the staff is always so friendly. A magical place." Another guest was thrilled with the queue times for the attractions, writing: "Magnificent time at Alton Towers. All the rides were below an hour queue. "Went as a group of 5 and we completed Smiler and Oblivion in the first 20 minutes. We then went on another 11 rides whilst doing Smiler, Oblivion, Rita, Thirteen and Nemesis twice. Our longest wait time was 50 minutes." They further added: "Arriving early is key as they let people in before 10 to start queuing for The Smiler early. "Had a wonderful time and was worth every penny. Amazing theme park. Workers were very nice and were always happy to help." However, not every review was glowing, with one visitor revealing, unlike the person above, they did have some long waits. They suggested that seating should be provided in such circumstances. They said: "As expected, when you go to a theme park there are very long queues. What you don't expect is no seating on a two-hour queue. Waiting is not a problem, standing for two hours for one ride with no chance to sit down and rest your legs and back, really is!" Mums and dads have expressed satisfaction with how the park caters to varied age groups, with one parent remarking: "Amazing couple of days with my family. "So much for all ages to do, and the entertainment on the field was a welcome rest for my three-year-old when the older members of our party wanted to go on the thrill rides." To pick up the Alton Towers Seasonal Pass for £59, click HERE. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.


Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Alton Towers launches summer pass for less than a day ticket price
A day pass to Alton Towers costs £68 at the gate but there's a way to get a full summer's worth at the theme park for a lot less Theme park fans can look forward to a summer of fun at a fraction of the price when buying the new Alton Towers Resort Seasonal Pass. With a walk-up price of £68 for a single-day pass, the £59 three-month seasonal pass works out cheaper even with just one visit. The pass gives unlimited access for the summer, making it a good option for those looking for days out in the summer holidays. For thrill seekers, this could be the time to ride the Smiler and Oblivion all summer long. It is worth noting that there are a few days that the seasonal pass cannot be used, such as the August Bank Holiday weekend and a few October dates in the run-up to Halloween. None of the passes are available to use on these dates, including the £139 Annual Gold Pass. Arguably one of the most popular passes on the market is the Merlin Annual Pass, which gives access to their theme parks, including Thorpe Park and Alton Towers, as well as Legoland, the Dungeons, Madame Tussauds and even Cadbury World. For a basic package, it's £99 a year, although the more premium packages do also offer monthly payment plans. For those who only want one theme park break, perhaps Wowcher's Attraction Breaks are a better fit. There is a Gulliver's Valley Resort Stay & Theme Park Entry package from £139 with school holiday availability for families of four looking for a fun getaway. Over on Trustpilot, Alton Towers has been dubbed 'magical' with one guest writing: "A great family day out. Service from the staff is always so friendly. A magical place." Another was impressed with the wait time for the rides, penning: "Magnificent time at Alton Towers. All the rides were below an hour queue. Went as a group of 5 and we completed smiler and oblivion in the first 20 minutes. "We then went on another 11 rides whilst doing Smiler, Oblivion, Rita, Thirteen and Nemesis twice. Our longest wait time was 50 minutes. "Arriving early is key as they let people in before 10 to start queuing for The Smiler early. Had a wonderful time and was worth every penny. Amazing theme park. Workers were very nice and were always happy to help." Not everyone was so impressed with the wait time, one customer suggested seating needs to be introduced. They said: "As expected, when you go to a theme park they are very long queues. What you don't expect is no seating on a two hour queue. "Waiting is not a problem, standing for two hours for one ride with no chance to sit down and rest your legs and back, really is!" Parents appear impressed with the park's ability to cater for all ages, one said: "Amazing couple of days with my family. So much for all ages to do, and the entertainment on the field was a welcome rest for my three-year-old when the older members of our party wanted to go on the thrill rides."