This movie could easily pass as the biopic origin story of Dom Toretto because when you see this light skin kid and hear how deeeeeeep his voice is LOOOL you just start to think of… yes you guessed it… FAMILY! However, its unrelated, it’s based on the video game and the true story of Jann Mardenborough.
Jann is a super gamer and racing car fanatic who lives with his parents and brother. Specifically, he’s obsessed with the Gran Turismo series and happens to be quite the expert at it. His father was a former professional football player and isn’t quite keen on the concept of video games and would rather he pursue football or just get a “normal job” (maybe be a reviewer I don’t know). On the other side of the world Danny Moore, a motorsport marketing executive is launching the GT Academy to prove GT gamers can be converted into real motorsport racers and has recruited Jack Salter an ex-racer and now engineer/trainer to train these new gamers. Jann is selected to take the trial on the video game and if he beats the time he will go to the academy to train, law and behold he beats it. His family still don’t believe in this route as a career path so he sets out to prove them all wrong. This feature film definitely took me by surprise because I didn’t think I’d like it at all let alone like it as much as I did. It’s a fun ride (pun intended)!
Archie Madekwe plays Jann Mardenborough with the deepest voice around at the moment. He’s youthful so can easily get away with playing a teen and he does the best he can with the role. When a flick is based on a real-life person it’s hard to tell if the role is being played out badly or if the character was just bland. Archie feels motionless and stale even in the scenes where he’s trying to display rage. It’s quite hard to connect to his character but he carries us through. David Harbour is Jack Salter and he’s the tough neck teacher figure of the story.
He’s the highlight of the film and most importantly he’s the heart. Withered down ex racer who didn’t achieve his goals and pushes the next generation to do so. His presence and passion coupled with his humour make for a likeable character.
Orlando Bloom’s Danny Moore is based on the real-life founder of GT Academy, Darren Cox. He is the source of the humour here. He’s zealous and energetic and it’s great to see him back on the big screen. Steven Mardenborough is played by Djimon Hounsou. Djimon is a legend for me but this weren’t the role for him. They asked too much of him and he just didn’t deliver. Again, the emotions weren’t weighty enough and it was hard to connect. We got the message but the character felt distant. Geri Halliwell aka Ginger Spice was the surprise of the film. She made up her mind she’s coming for all the awards, taking any and every opportunity on screen to shed some tears. She did what she could. Darren Barnet and Josha Stradowski play Matty and Nicholas the antagonists who again, not enough character development for us to even care why they want to be the bad guys. Besides the obvious big stars, it was a meedi casting and they powered their way through.
This is a top-notch production feature. The sound is where the film shines. You feel the roar of the engines, the gravel on the tracks, the explosions etc. they really went out of their way to make us feel we are on those race tracks. The camera shots are on the fly and working overtime here. The use of drone shots to capture the aerial angles, cockpit shots to show the focus and wheel/tyre shots to show the traction against the tar. All this is really to emphasise the adrenaline being pumped through. Being based on one of the most famous video games in the world it was only right they incorporated elements of the game. The blend is seamless and astonishing. The gamer fandom in me came pouring out as I could relate to Jann’s view point of seeing the real world as a game with a HUD and points. It was fun to see. With my keen eye I am very sure they use in game footage for some of the scenes and it can easily be missed.
It’s an ok film which surprised me. It won’t be labelled the best video game adaptation but it took the most basic premise of a video game, stuck a minimal story behind it and it worked. The true-life elements of course helped guide it into a direction. Harbour and Blooms chemistry is brilliant. They bounce off each other well. Harbour shows more of his range. He delivers numerous monologues, some for comedic value and some for dramatic effect. You have Archie’s playlist which is a cute theme through the whole film, he plays these tunes via headphones to get him prepped for races, giving Kenny G that air time. There’s an emotional edge to the film but it just doesn’t cross over as planned. An empty shell for the most part with a love story with minimal interest, lacklustre nemesis ideas which don’t develop into much and a family feud that gives some drama but falls short. The pacing is off as it just rushes its way to the end.
On the whole, as a gamer definitely tune in when it’s out on streaming. Otherwise, there’s not enough here to warrant yourself the big screen experience. The audio quality is worth trip and where it shines but I will still say you can save yourself a few quid from a cinema trip. One thing is for sure, I won’t be drinking any champagne in celebration of this flick… maybe just a sip!
Which vehicle was your best vehicle? Are you a gamer? Where does this rank on video game adaptations? Did you catch the in-game blend scenes? React and comment below…
I agree with your character breakdown! Okay film for me – top highlight was the in-game blend scenes, that was really cool.
This is a fantastic true story. Determination, not just faith, but consistency and hard work can be a reality. Also don’t underestimate the power of gaming. Not going to spoil but I will say great film and worth a watch.
Feed our children’s inspirations and dreams as they are the next hero’s this world has to offer.