The movie Gran Turismo Starring David Harbor and Orlando Bloom, the Hallmark film’s screenplay benefits heavily from the edgy and rhythmic directorial style of Neill Blomkamp, known for his excellence district 9.
Motorsport lends itself beautifully to the big screen (just watch Rush or Ford vs Ferrari or even the entire Fast and Dangerous saga to see that), and based on that observation, filmmaker Neill decides Blomkamp, adding a strong dose of adrenaline and thus catapulting Gran Turismo out of certain mediocrity. Because the noise of the engines, the soundtrack and the IMAX format create an environment that effectively propels the viewers onto the tracks of the world’s racetracks, including a fatal accident, the location of which has been redesigned for the needs of cinema.
And this re-imagining of a true story makes Gran Turismo look like a giant commercial for the PlayStation console, the Sony brand, and the Nissan brand. Because Jann Mardenborough (Archie Madekwe) is a British teenager who only dreams of becoming a racing driver. Unfortunately, since his parents (Geri Halliwell-Horner and Djimon Hounsou) weren’t rich, he had to make do with a video game console and the title Gran Turismo, the screenplay by Jason Hall (American Sniper) and Zach Baylin (Creed III) reminds us constantly considering how realistic and innovative the title is.
When Danny Moore (Orlando Bloom), Nissan’s marketing director, convinces the Japanese company’s bosses to start a GT Academy – a driving school that will enable the world’s top Gran Turismo players to become professional racers – Jann is chosen. Through hard work and relentlessness, the disadvantaged teenager, his team and the life lessons of his trainer Jack Salter (David Harbour) will win the 24 Hours of Le Mans… Yes, we are actually in a Hallmark movie.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY CTMG
However, Jann Mardenborough really exists (we see him in the credits, it’s him who does some of the stunts), he really has won races (including the 24 Hours of Le Mans), had a serious accident (but not then). (as stated in the film), the GT Academy was actually founded (by a certain Darren Cox, actually Head of Marketing at Nissan)… and Jack Salter was made up entirely for the needs of this 134-minute production, which should have been trimmed a bit.
With its familiar setting, inspiring despite all the clichés, and its dynamic production, Gran Turismo will satisfy fans in search of thrills.
Gran Turismo hits theaters on August 25th.
Rating: 3 out of 5