The Art of Racing in the Rain: A Peek Into the Connection of Life and the Race Track

The Art Of Racing In The Rain Movie Review
“Enzo” and Milo Ventimiglia in Twentieth Century Fox’s, THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN. Photo Credit: Doane Gregory © 2019 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All rights reserved.

“The sounds, smells, I felt like I truly belonged.”

The first time I stepped out onto a race track with my helmet in hand, I had no idea what to expect. Surrounded by groups of men who were confident in this industry, I stood new and timid. And much like Enzo, the race car loving pup and narrating voice from “The Art of Racing in the Rain,” I recognized in this moment that I too was different. But thankfully, like Enzo, it didn’t matter to me either. I also knew that being in the drivers seat, and on this track, was exactly where I belonged to be!

If you haven’t heard yet, “The Art of Racing in the Rain” is a new film set to debut in theaters on August 9th. It’s based on the best-selling novel of the same name and produced by the Disney-based team that produced “Marley and Me” as well as actor Patrick Dempsey who is also a real-life race car driver. The story follows the life of Enzo, a dog and best friend to Formula One race car driver, Denny. While living his life like many other well-loved pets, it’s easy to notice that something is different about Enzo. As the movie progresses, we find him watching and learning all he can about racing and about life in general. Surprisingly, what he observes is that the two aren’t really that far off from one another.

“In racing, your car goes where your eyes go.”

What do you think would have happened if I had chosen to cave to my insecurities on that first day? If I had given in to my fear and never took my turn in the drivers seat? Never even tried?

One aspect of this movie that I loved is the honesty in which the characters shared their struggles both on and off the race track. Without sharing any spoilers, a lot of crappy things happen to Enzo and his family. Situations in which giving up seemed to be the best option. Although, as Enzo quickly learned from his time spent on the track with Denny… OK, I won’t spoil it for you.

RELATED: 10 WOMEN WHO CHANGED AND INFLUENCED THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY. 

The Art Of Racing In The Rain Movie Review
L-R: Amanda Seyfried, Ryan Kiera Armstrong, “Enzo” and Milo Ventimiglia in Twentieth Century Fox’s, THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN. Photo Credit: Doane Gregory © 2019 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All rights reserved.

“No race was ever won in the first corner, but many have been lost there.”

There is surprising strength to be found in simply showing up, as the movie entails. How many of you have ever heard the saying, “You can’t win if you don’t play the game?” It’s a lesson that I can certainly attest to after my first day out on the track, with shaky hands and adrenaline pumping through my veins. Like the characters in this movie, I certainly considered giving up. Although, it was the feeling I was rewarded with when I came to a stop that I’ll always remember.

Accomplishment: it felt amazing!

The Art Of Racing In The Rain Movie Review
L-R: “Enzo” and Milo Ventimiglia in Twentieth Century Fox’s, THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN. Photo Credit: Doane Gregory © 2019 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All rights reserved.

“The best drivers don’t dwell on the future or the past. The best drivers focus only on the present.”

If you like dogs or cars (which we think you might if you’re here), you’ll like this movie. But be sure to bring a tissue and maybe switch to the waterproof mascara; there are moments in the movie that will make you want to cry.

But there are also moments that will make you cheer, help you remember that feeling of first love, and it may just cause you roll down the windows or take the top off your convertible on the way home simply to feel the wind in your hair.

“No one knows what curves life will throw at you, but if the driver has the courage to create his own conditions, then the rain is just the rain.”

Racing, Dogs, Love, Life And The Connections Between Them That Connect Us, Too, Are Shared By Enzo, The Pup, Narrator Of The Art Of Racing In The Rain. Data-Pin-Description=

The Art Of Racing In The Rain Movie

Mary Moore
Mary Moore

Mary Moore is a frequent road tripper, vintage car collector, and quirky travel enthusiast. One might say that her appreciation of how a vehicle looks and performs is deep-seated in her "Motor City" roots. It was this appreciation, and love of writing, that drove her interests in automotive journalism after earning her Bachelor Degree in Marketing from Western Michigan University. That and maybe the opportunity to work at home in her pj's on snow days if she wanted to. When Mary's not writing about the thrill of the track or sharing inspiring stories of the women she admires in the automotive field, she's sharing her own stories about life and travel on her blog, RaisingDickandJane.com. Mary currently resides in a state that is cold more frequently than it is warm. She appreciates her career choices daily.

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