Gran Turismo: Sim Racing to Real-Life Underdog
Author: Bishoy William Read Time: 3 mins
So, I just caught the movie Gran Turismo, and let me tell you, it was quite the unexpected joyride. The film dives deep into the world of racing, blending the boundaries between simulated and real-life racing.
Here is my take on it. First off, Archie Madekwe as Jann Mardenborough nailed it. His performance was spot-on, bringing authenticity and charisma to the character. Orlando Bloom played the typical marketing manager role, all about image and social buzz. David Harbour played the classic coach role, tough but caring, lost his chance to become a GOAT. Yeah, it's a character we've seen a million times, but I actually enjoyed how he brought it to life in the film. What also took my attention was this fictional rich kid character, Nicholas Capa, with odd resemblance to Nikita Mazepin “pure coincidence”.The movie is about proving that sim racers can hold their own against real drivers. It delves into the financial struggles in the racing scene, echoing Max Verstappen aspirations of creating a Sim racing team to support drivers from less privileged backgrounds. The film tells this story really smoothly, and the real-life happy ending just adds a nice touch.
Archie Madekwe and Jann Mardenborough side by side. Fun fact: Jann Mardenborough also stepped in as his own stunt double behind the wheel! Copyright: @Jann Mardenborough
The storytelling is smooth and easy, making it accessible even if you're not well-versed in the racing scene. It gets you hyped, especially if you're not familiar with the real-life story. What I loved most were the transitions comparing sim racing to real-life action – it was done with seamless graphics, making it visually appealing. Cinematography-wise, it was pretty solid. The only gripe might be that the race directing could've delved a bit more into the tactical side, especially for us die-hard race fans. But hey, that's a personal preference.
Honestly, I went into this with low expectations, thinking it would be a cheesy flick forcing goosebumps on me and bombarding me with game advertisements. However, I was pleasantly surprised. It managed to be informative and entertaining without ruining the viewing experience. Yet, there was a lot of Advertisements and logos all over the place.
The film strikes a great balance between the gaming world and reality, touching on emotional moments that hit home. As a picky movie reviewer, I'm wavering between a 7 and an 8 because of the pace of the movie sometimes. Nonetheless, "Gran Turismo" is a solid recommendation, especially for racing enthusiasts. You don't need to be a Gran Turismo fan to enjoy the film; it has universal themes that make it worthwhile for anyone. So, buckle up and enjoy the ride!
