“Gran Turismo” Falls Short of Becoming a Stirring Underdog Story
In the world of car racing, dreams are often fueled by passion and adrenaline. The latest movie to hit the screens, “Gran Turismo,” attempts to capture the essence of this high-octane sport. However, despite its compelling premise, the film fails to deliver as a stirring underdog story.
One of the main drawbacks of “Gran Turismo” is its slow build-up. The movie takes an unusually long time to set the stages, making it less suitable for a big-screen attraction. This pacing might be more fitting for home platforms, where viewers have the luxury of patience.
A notable aspect of the film is its integration of a game component. This is consistent with Sony’s recent trend of adapting games into movies and TV shows. “Gran Turismo” centers around the journey of skilled gamers who aspire to become real race car drivers. The protagonist, Jann, a young British lad, wins a golden ticket through an online virtual-driver contest, thus setting the wheels in motion.
The movie provides a compelling exploration of Jann’s training to become a professional driver. The audience gets a glimpse into the extensive and rigorous process he undergoes, showcasing the dedication and determination necessary to excel in the world of racing.
As the plot unfolds, the film delves into the skepticism faced by racing veterans towards Nissan’s “sim drivers.” Jann’s participation in the grueling Le Mans race becomes the focal point of the narrative. Director Neill Blomkamp effectively brings excitement to the racing scenes, illustrating the practical application of gamers’ skills in real-life scenarios.
However, “Gran Turismo” is not without its flaws. The movie falls into the trap of sports movie clichés and unnecessarily veers off into detours involving Jann’s family and love life. These unnecessary plot elements detract from the main storyline and disrupt the overall flow of the film.
To avoid fierce competition, the US release of “Gran Turismo” was delayed. The film finally premiered on August 25 in theaters across the country. It received a PG-13 rating, making it accessible to a broad audience.
In conclusion, “Gran Turismo” offers an intriguing premise that merges the worlds of gaming and racing. It highlights the potential for skilled gamers to transition into real-life race car drivers. While the movie showcases exciting racing scenes and demonstrates the practicality of gaming skills, it falls short in terms of pacing and unnecessary plot detours. Nevertheless, it may find a more receptive audience on home platforms where viewers can appreciate its unique attributes.
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