High-Octane
Summary
Gran Turismo is a fun ride with some thrilling racing scenes and a scene-stealing performance from David Harbour.
Plot: Based on the unbelievable, inspiring true story of a team of underdogs – a struggling, working-class gamer, a failed former race car driver, and an idealistic motorsport exec – who risk it all to take on the most elite sport in the world.
Review: Neill Blomkamp is one of those directors that I’ve liked ever since District 9 came out; Elysium was one that I found to be quite underrated especially at that time, but was quite disappointed in Chappie as that felt rather rushed and was dull at times.
When he was announced to direct this film, I had mixed feelings as films about racing are usually hit or miss (at least to me) with some being quite good like Days of Thunder and Ford V Ferrari and others being quite disappointing such as Driven.
Well, Gran Turismo was one of those pleasant surprises that you get now and then as this manages to have way more heart to it than I expected it to have.
Archie Madekwe showcases here that he has the potential to be a capable actor as he’s quite likable and sympathetic throughout; Orlando Bloom was also solid, but the real standout to me was David Harbour who continues to showcase that he’s a diverse actor who has an incredible amount of range which is showcased here brilliantly.
Speaking of Days of Thunder, the racing scenes reminded me of it particularly during certain sequences, but Blomkamp still manages to make it his own without making it too kinetic and allowing the tension to build while still being thrilling.
Blomkamp moves the film at a fairly good pace without making certain scenes feel needlessly long or drawn out unlike how many films would do.
Overall, Gran Turismo is an entertaining film that makes good use of its cast with an engaging story, thrilling race sequences and is well-directed by Neill Blomkamp making it one of the more pleasant surprises of the Summer.