Le Mans 66 reviews: What do critics and fans think of new Ford v Ferrari movie?

Le Mans 66 is a car movie which will leave car fans and those who know nothing about the automobiles desperate for more. Starring Christian Bale and Matt Damon, the movie follows legend Carroll Shelby and his racing car friend and collaborator, Ken Miles.

What do critics and cinema-goers think of Le Mans 66?

On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has been certified “fresh” with a 92 percent rating on the platform, meaning almost all the critics registered who saw it are fans of the new movie.

However, even the fans do not believe the film is perfect and have made their views clear in their critiques.

David Jenkins of Little While Lies said: “It’s a satisfying, occasionally exhilarating film, but one which is naggingly risk-averse, and also maybe one which doesn’t bother itself too much with the interior lives of its characters.”

New York Times’ A.O. Scott said: “It is, all in all, a pleasant surprise.

“Partly because Christian Bale and Matt Damon, the lead actors, are really good, and are supported by a fine cast that includes Tracy Letts in one of the best and least-expected crying scenes of the year.”

Rolling Stone’s Peter Travers is a real fan, saying: “Vroom! Damon and Bale bring engine-roaring life to this true tale of two racing legends hired by Henry Ford II to build a hot, fast car that can beat Ferrari at Le Mans and pit American crass against Italian class. Fasten your seat belts.”

However, Kevin Maher of The Times was not impressed, adding: “Directed by James Mangold, with a slavish appreciation of formula, it’s the perfect movie event of the year.

“If that year was 1955.”

Tim Robey of the Daily Telegraph did not disagree with Maher too much, and said of the film: “The film lacks speed… and can feel like an indulgent rummage in car-history ephemera, albeit a smart, colourful and certainly expensive one.”

The Guardian’s Peter Bradshaw is also on their wavelength, adding: “Great-looking, handsomely produced but tiringly acted and inert…”

It seems American critics seem to be more enamoured with the movie, with The Hollywood Reporter’s Todd McCarty saying: ”A full-bodied and exciting true-life story in which the men behind the wheels are just as dynamic as the machines they drive.”

Entertainment Weekly’s Leah Greenblatt added: “A big, glossy crowd-pleaser of a film, high on horsepower, engine grease, and clean-sweat ‘60s masculinity.”

Fans are far more in love with this film, it seems, with the fan rating sky-rocketing to 98 percent, meaning it has almost unanimous critical acclaim.

One fan, Scott F, said: “Great movie with dramatic racing scenes and the human condition.

“A true representation of how a small group of highly motivated individuals can come together and overcome adversity.”

Rotten Tomatoes user Al added: “Enjoyable movie! Especially for racing fans or Carroll Shelby fans.

“Caitriona Balfe and Christian Bale were outstanding in their roles. The cars and races scenes were very real.”

Many said they would recommend the movie to friends, and very few fans had anything negative to say about the movie.

Clearly Le Mans 66, also known as Ford V Ferrari, has found its audience.

Le Mans 66 is in cinemas now