It's been a draining week and today's schedule has been bonkers even by my standards but tonight the fear of getting behind in everyfilmin2011 loomed large and I forced myself to Nottingham Cineworld.
The intention was to see Screwed, the new Noel Clarke film. However, I was told that the prints hadn't arrived and may never arrive.
Thus, a quick body swerve and I was off to screen 7 for Senna.
I can't say I was too distressed. I had been looking forward to Asif Kapadia's documentary for some time.
It revives splendidly those days at the end of the 1980s and early 1990s when motor sport was dominated by the flamboyant, super fast chance-taker Ayrton Senna and the methodical, tactical politician-supreme Alain Prost.
Of course, this is a homage to Senna. There is no pretence to take any other side than that of its hero.
Thus, we are treated to the inside track of the Brazilian hero.
From the early footage of his kart racing successes in the late 1970s through to his tragic death at Imola in 94, the movie brings him back to life with a series of interviews which reveal so much about his thought processes.
For example, it showed a devotion to God of which I was completely unaware.
Formula One fans will find the biopic bedazzling. The intricacies of the sport and the battlelines between the drivers and even the sport's organisers are dissected with precision.
There is no commentary, only footage and interviews to pull the viewer though.
However, I must make clear. Senna the movie is not up to the same mark as TT 3D, the other motorsport film out this year.
For starters, it is humourless. Ok, I like tension in sport but there needs to be some lighter moments to break it up.
Everyone here seemed driven to their limits both metaphorically and literally. Of course, there are a couple of occasions, particularly when Senna won his first world championship and the Brazilian Grand Prix that joy is expressed.
But beyond those flashes it seems to be a profession which encourages few smiles.
Most importantly, though, Senna was largely a reminder of stuff I already knew. The battles with Prost have been well documented as has been his success with McLaren and his apprehension with his new car after signing for Williams.
Thus, while enjoyable Senna will not make one of my top films of the year.
Instead, I'll happily give it 7.5/10
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