Review: Pulse-pounding ‘F1’ roars along thanks to Brad Pitt, Damson Idris

Predictability often acts like a wrecking ball and utterly destroys moviegoing experiences. But in director Joseph Kosinski’s capable hands a textbook formula makes the engine of “F1 The Movie” purr like a pussycat — most of the time.

Bolstered by impeccable editing, heart-palpitating race sequences and a bitter, well-executed rivalry between fallen racing veteran Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt) and cocky, social-media-savvy rookie Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris, in a career-making performance), Kosinski’s...