The Reel Review
A video gamer, a former race car driver and a motorsport executive form an unlikely alliance to take on the world’s most elite sport – car racing. Archie Madekwe (Saltburn), David Harbour (Stranger Things) and Orlando Bloom star in this sports drama based on the true story of Jann Mardenborough, a Gran Turismo video gamer who became a professional race car driver.
Director Neill Blomkamp (Chappie, District 9) pulls no punches in the action portion of this video game inspired sports drama. His movie is at its best when it’s on the racetrack, with Mardenborough weaving past his competition. The thrilling racing and crash sequences and cleverly incorporated CGI are exceptional.
Where the story lags is in its paint-by-numbers rags to riches format, underdeveloped characters and a performance by Madekwe that is so subtle as to be almost invisible. After a slow, meandering midsection, the story gets back on the racetrack for a rousing, crowd pleasing finalé.
REEL FACTS
• Jann Mardenborough actually finished 3rd in his class at his Le Mans debut, which occurred two years BEFORE the deadly crash involving another racer in Germany.
• David Harbour’s character in Gran Turismo is based on several real life characters.
• Spice Girl Geri Halliwell (aka Ginger Spice), who is married in real life to Red Bull Formula One principal Christian Horner, appears in the film as Jann’s mother.
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