Gran Turismo review by Bobby Blakey
Video game film adaptations rarely work, but when they do they are usually pretty fun. Most of the time they are following just the premise of the game itself, but in a rare true story the new film from director District 9 and Chappie director Neill Blomkamp, Gran Turismo is taking on the future that game gave to a player. The film stars David Harbour, Orlando Bloom, Archie Madekwe, Darren Barnet, Geri Halliwell Horner and Djimon Hounsou. Could this film bring the inspiration and racing action it promises or will it be a game not worth racing in?
Gran Turismo follows the unbelievable true story of a team of unlikely underdogs – a struggling working-class gamer, a failed former racecar driver, and an idealistic motorsport executive. Together, they risk it all to take on the most elite sport in the world. Gran Turismo is an inspiring, thrilling, and action-packed story that proves that nothing is impossible when you’re fueled from within.
With the cast and crew involved I figured the movie would work, but was blown away by how good it really is. Make no mistake it isn’t breaking down any new barriers in film, but it brings a true inspirational story from a video game to life perfectly. This is the kind of story that would typically only be on the big screen and yet it is a true story and one that is just crazy to believe.
The story is pretty simple and straight forward with the framing working to keep you engaged even when you might already know the outcome. The performances are all good with Madekwe and Harbour stealing the show. They have great chemistry with a Rocky/Mick like relationship showcasing doubt, hope, trust and friendship. They are the heart of this movie and
thanks to them it steps things up to make it more than just another racing movie.
The visuals used in both the racing and video game stuff is well done and clever. There are a couple of cool moments showcasing the video game, real racing connection that is creative and gives you the feel of them both. The racing sequences themselves are well done and exciting made all the better knowing that the real life Jann Mardenborough served as his own stunt double for the racing sequences.
While I know it isn’t based on a video game, then connection to the game and its direct result to the story still makes it part of the genre and makes this easily one of the better to do it. This film is more than that I thought with inspiration, determination, forgiveness, perseverance and so much more at the meat of it all. I really enjoyed this one and hope everyone races out to see it.
In addition to the film this release offers up bonus content including deleted & extended scenes, featurettes and much more. Step on the gas and speed out to grab your copy of Gran Turismo available now on digital and then on 4K, Blu-ray and DVD on November 7th from Sony Home Entertainment.