The upcoming Gran Turismo live-action film, directed by Neill Blomkamp and headlined by a stellar ensemble including the likes of Archie Madekwe, David Harbour, Orlando Bloom, and Djimon Hounsou, is revving its engine on the starting grid.
Despite running the risk of being overlooked amidst a slew of summer blockbuster releases, early reactions suggest Sony’s latest game-to-big-screen venture is poised to speed ahead as a critical success.
According to those who’ve watched the film a month ahead of its premiere, it reportedly offers a fresh, unique blend of a biopic and a video game adaptation. Based on the true story of Jann Mardenborough, it traces the journey of one fortunate Gran Turismo aficionado who harbors the audacious aspiration of becoming a professional race car driver. That audacity, it seems, has translated into the film’s narrative itself.
The #GranTurismo movie is a winner.
The shocking true story told here races laps around most video game titles as films. Found myself hooked, especially in the second half. Slick racing with creative nods for gamers. Great work from David Harbour & Archie Madekwe. Good movie! pic.twitter.com/ianMi6Ogen
— BD (@BrandonDavisBD) July 12, 2023
#GranTurismo is a solid adaptation! Really dug how they incorporated certain game visuals into the movie — and Neill Blomkamp’s style for the film in general for that matter. Lots of very effective handheld and more intimate camera work with real texture that makes it all feel… pic.twitter.com/vFaxE53poC
— Perri Nemiroff (@PNemiroff) July 12, 2023
.@granturismo manages to combine the unbridled passion of the best sports films, the fun details & references of Video Game movies, and the aspirational drive & belief within great biopics
Then mixes them into one of, if not the, greatest video game movie ever#GranTurismoMovie pic.twitter.com/MPKATBS6Nd
— Coy Jandreau (@CoyJandreau) July 12, 2023
Add #GranTurismo to the list of incredible video game adaptations this year. A turbo-boosted sports epic that knows precisely when to accelerate & slow down its pace. Star Archie Madekwe channels the nimbly courageous gamer inside all of us. David Harbour steals the show pic.twitter.com/Efp6kPBVXm
— Robert Butler III (@DirectorRB3) July 11, 2023
So I saw #GranTurismoMovie and I loved it. I think gamers will relate to it a lot because of its story. Hell even people passionate about doing something only to have their parents doubt them will relate to this film. pic.twitter.com/LyOMDM3OT0
— B E A N Z (Miss U Mom) (@BeanzGotGamez) July 12, 2023
While a relatively short runtime of 2 hours 15 minutes means that the film will leave some elements underexplored, the film has been noted as a “highly engrossing and inspiring watch,” that deftly balances its pacing. For Gran Turismo fans, the film promises numerous references and nods, finely woven into the fabric of the plot.
In an industry where video game-inspired films often falter at the box office and with audiences, Gran Turismo may join the growing list of films to have broken the curse. Yet, in a busy movie release schedule, Gran Turismo faces stiff competition. A recent racing film like Ford Vs. Ferrari, which managed to secure an impressive 92% on Rotten Tomatoes and an Oscar, only made $225 million on a $97 million budget. However, the success of Gran Turismo will largely depend on maintaining a conservative budget.
Gran Turismo risks getting buried under the weight of other anticipated releases as well. With Meg 2: The Trench and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem hitting theaters a week before, and a strong set of holdovers, it might not even land in the top 5 on its opening weekend. There’s also the looming presence of Barbie and Oppenheimer, which could pose significant threats to its box-office performance.
Yet, there’s hope. The unique fusion of a biopic and a video game adaptation is likely to appeal to a broad audience, from car enthusiasts and gamers to those who appreciate a feel-good, aspirational story. The film, therefore, may just have the right fuel to speed through the potential hurdles and reach its desired audience effectively.
As August 11 draws nearer, anticipation revs up. Despite the cluttered racetrack of film releases, Gran Turismo stands a fair chance of surprising audiences and critics alike with its heartening narrative, sublime performances, and immersive visuals.
Whether it can zoom past the competition and succeed at the box office remains to be seen.
But one thing’s for sure – it’s a film that, much like its protagonist, isn’t afraid to dream big and take its chances.
