A review of ‘Gran Turismo’: An adrenaline rush

25 years ago, a computer game changed the world. At least, non-gamers would call it a game. Those who play it, will call it an integrated automotive simulator. Think astronauts or pilots— before they go up in the air, they practice on simulators. Gran Turismo is that. A racing game like no other. The difference? You can play it on a Playstation and buy the gear to oomph up the experience at home.

The movie Gran Turismo is about the crossing over from inside your bedroom or basement to the actual race track. Where one driver went from simulator to the real thing. It’s the sport bio of how a dream became reality. It’s hard not to keep harping on that fact because it is so unbelievable and yet it actually happened. The movie is based on a true story. Of how racer Jan Mardenborough moved out from behind the screen to behind the steering wheel. It’s a man’s equivalent of the underdog Cinderella going to the Royal ball and how she gets to stay there.

You’d think it’s a man’s movie. Hell no. This movie, despite the fact it’s all about racing, is for everybody. It had me at the edge of my seat, clapping, crying, clapping again, and gasping in excitement. It’s been awhile since I’ve heard the audience in a theater give that many ovations throughout the film.

Director Neill Blomkamp of District 9 fame brilliantly gives you the experience of being on the track right in your seat, swapping shots from inside the car and birds eye views, making the entire story so immersive that you will root for Mardenborough from the get go. Being based on a simulation there are many callbacks to the games display elements, and lots of eye-popping graphic elements which are right up Blomkamp’s wheelhouse.

Archie Madekwe played Jann Mardenborough flawlessly. He will grip your heart and keep squeezing. And you’ll be happy about it. David Harbour who plays Jack Salter, Jann’s mentor is rough, rigid and in the long run, lovable. Orlando Bloom as Danny Moore is a far cry from the elegant handsome Legolas he’ll always be known for but he works! In fact, the entire cast was nicely put together. No eye candy to sell to the masses. There was no need for it. The story alone and their acting sells the story. Here’s an insider tip… see and spot a Spice Girl if you can.

Normally, in any movie where you see ‘product placements’, the magic gets stripped away for that brief moment. Admittedly, the entire movie is like a brand parade. But it honestly doesn’t matter. I didn’t care and neither will you. And thank heavens, no femme agenda or inclusivity agenda gets rammed down your throat either. The story stands on its own and I love the fact that it is real. Jann Mardenborough is still racing in real life until now and even if you know that fact, it’s not a spoiler for the movie.

Gran Turismo has raced itself into one of my favorite movies of the year. It is riveting entertainment, an adrenaline rush, and an emotional feel good inspirational movie. I can wax on with the adjectives but it all boils down to this. Watch it. You won’t regret it. — Margaret Rose Tipton Siytangco