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Gran Turismo — Review: So Much Better Than I Expected
by KJ Proulx
Everything about this film is interesting to me. The fact that it’s based on a true story, while being a film based around a video game, and it’s actually very good? Colour me surprised. I had no recollection of this true story ever happening, so the entire film was fresh for me. Sure, it’s a little cliched and streamlined, but I can usually give all of that a pass when it’s a true story and well-made. Here are the reasons I thoroughly enjoyed Gran Turismo.
Revolving around Jann Mardenborough (Archie Madekwe), Gran Turismo tells the story of how he is ridiculed by his family for playing Gran Turismo on his Playstation console with all of his free time. With hopes of becoming a real driver, he is given the opportunity to qualify for a contest being put on by Nissan. After qualifying, his dreams of becoming a real racer and racing with the best drivers in the world quickly become a reality. Coached by Jack Salter (David Harbour), who believes none of these players can compete in a real race adds a level realism (and humour) as well.
From being compelling on a narrative and emotional level (I even teared up multiple times), to being absolutely thrilling throughout each and every racing sequence, and being well-directed by Neil Blomkamp, I didn’t have many complaints here. I was actually very…
