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.

Formula 1, the world's beloved racing series and subject of Brad Pitt's new movie, has exploded in the land of NASCAR and Indy Car. Here's why.