Everyone, today, we will be reviewing a film that is based on a true story. This biographical film will be telling about unique events that happened with certain people located in different parts of the world. So now, let’s discuss a film that starts Archie Madekwe, Orlando Bloom, David Harbour, Djimon Hounsou, and others. Presenting to you all my review of the biographical sports film, Gran Turismo!
Plot: The movie tells about how a video game game player from Cardiff, Wales, named Jann Mardenborough (played by Archie Madekwe), particularly of the virtual reality driving game, Gran Turismo, went from just playing that game to becoming one of the biggest actual Gran Turismo racing drivers in history.
Alright, as we know, Sony, Columbia Pictures, and even Play Station all worked together to make this film? Did they do well? Well, for the most part, yes! First of all, could many of us agree that it was cool to see a video game company like Play Station pitch in on a movie that was based on real life events? Hopefully so! I mean it was one thing for say Nintendo to partner with Universal, and Illumination to make a fictional story like The Super Mario Bros. Movie, or even Play Station with Columbia, and Sony to make Uncharted last year, or films like those. But now, for a video game company to team up with a popular movie company to make a film that’s based on a true story, now that’s a whole new ball game, wouldn’t you say? That being said, did the video game makers, and filmmakers do well with the material that they had? Definitely! First of all, the characters are all great, especially main character Jann Mardenborough, and Danny Moore, who was played by Orlando Bloom in this film, and was the marketing director for Nissan. I mean for Danny Moore to do what he did by inviting people that were qualified to race in the Gran Turismo race simply because of noticing how great some people were on the Gran Turismo game, that was cool. I mean yes, a lesson to take from this film, especially from a Christian standpoint is the fact that God doesn’t call the qualified, He calls the unqualified, as we all are, to share in His Mission. Anyway, I’ll try not to spoil much, but for Bloom’s character to organize that whole deal for the reasons that he did, that was a very kind, and also an intriguing move on his part. For the reasons that he made this move, it is surprising to know why he did that in the first place. Jann is also a really great character. I’m not sure how much was accurate for the events in this film to his life, and/or what elements were added. Either way, you have to appreciate his willingness to pursue his dreams, and/or overcome any obstacles that came his way in the process. David Harbour as Jack Salter, who was Jann’s trainer for the GT Academy, was also really great. He also had some really great lines throughout this film as well. Yes, people like Jann, Jann’s father, Steve, Danny Moore, and other characters had some really great lines too. Still, it was it was the lines from Harbour’s character, Jack Slater, that seemed to stand out the most. The rest of the acting, be it from people like Djimon Hounsou, and more, was phenomenal. It was also cool to realize that Gran Turismo was, and is, supposed to be more than just a virtual reality game, which is more than one can probably say about other games of that type. The movie also provides some really great lessons as well, especially near the end, that Christians, and maybe even non-Christians that are considering becoming Christians, could take away once this film is over. It almost makes you wonder, are there more Christian aspects of this story that weren’t included in this film, or are there just some things to see, and understand from a Christian viewpoint? You got me! One other thing to mention is that Lorne Balfe made a really fun score that seemed to have a nostalgic feel of an 80s, or maybe even 90s game, or music period. If there were any potential downsides to Gran Turismo, it would likely be that the film could have showed whether or not there were certain issues near the end of the film that were fully resolved. We have to imply that they most likely were, I suppose. Still, it would have been nice for the film to go a little more in depth in that regard, you know?
And that’s my review for Gran Turismo! It is a fun film that should have performed better at the box office than it has seemed to in the end. The acting is superb, the story is engaging from start to finish, and there are some really great lessons to take away from this film. I would highly recommend that you go see this movie. If Gran Turismo is still playing at a local theater near you, then definitely try to take some time to see it on the big screen. It’s one of those movies that truly deserves to be seen in theaters rather than just at home, and On Demand. So, go see Gran Turismo, and see what you think!
Final Grade: A
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