Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Gran Turismo’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Archie Madekwe and David Harbour as Jann Mardenboroguh and Jack Salter in Neill Blomkamp’s GRAN TURISMO. (Photo Courtesy of Sony Pictures/Playstation Entertaiment.)

This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn’t exist.
​
One particular aspect of modern stories about dreams, and our pursuit of them, that is quite fascinating, is how they have become so incredibly realistic in nature. For tales revolving around dreams used to be quite fluffy and majestic. Where the only real hardships a character would ever deal with in chasing their ultimate dream, was themselves. For they were filled with doubt, filled with fear and once they stood up to those internal problems, wonders would take place on the screen or on the page. For these noble folks would rise, seize the day, and seize their dream, and of course… they would enjoy peace untold. Because according to those stories, grabbing hold of the dream is supposed to solve all of our problems, and well, those fluffier concepts simply no longer appear in stories of this caliber.

For now, they point out that grabbing hold of our dreams doesn’t solve all of our problems. They do solve plenty mind you, but hard work has to go into finding real happiness, the kind that involves self-work and discipline and healing. Plus, these stories also inform us now that life doesn’t stop, when we’ve reached the top, and we should be prepared for that. And this evolution doesn’t end with stories in that vein. For even tales that revolve around those once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, where someone that believes their dream is a long shot, gets the opportunity to grab hold of it… are no longer stories that feature meteoric rises to the top. No those too are grounded in more realistic moments now, and even reflect moments in our world, as evidenced by the new Sony Pictures/Playstation Entertainment feature, Gran Turismo.

A feat that this story accomplishes, by retelling the incredible tale of Jann Mardenborough. Who back in 2011, used his vast knowledge of the popular game of the same name of the film, to win the GT Academy. Which afforded him a chance to drive for Team Nissan and allowed for him to live out his life-long dream of becoming a professional racer. But of course, we only know the end of that tale and that’s why this film is so engaging and refreshing. For it truly dives deep into the concepts we’ve just discussed. How one person’s shot at obtaining their dream doesn’t mean that they will suddenly be a dynamo at it and wow the world with a skillset that will prompt everyone that ever doubted that person to feel nothing but regret and foolishness, and shame.

---

No instead, this is a story that informs us… that an underdog shot will instead bring forth, incredible challenge. For while a person may indeed be gifted and motivated and ready to enter a new career field, there is a learning curve, and it is a tough one. Because now, that person is learning on the fly and doing their best to become a master in record time, and we watch that happen with Jann here. For while he understands the core concepts of racing, the nuances, the realities, and the hardships of being a winner behind the wheel, are presented to him in a fast and furious manner. One that challenges him like never before, all while offering us a realistic look at what he went through to reach the top, while also showcasing the dedication and drive it takes to do so. Which brings forth an inspiring and powerful film that pulls no punches on chasing our dreams and offers so much more.
​
Because this is also at its core, a hardcore racing film, one that offers up plenty of scenes on the racetrack and that leads… to some intense and breathtaking moments. The kind that plunges us into the various races themselves in a manner that is visceral and intense. In fact, on several occasions, this writer could hear people in the theater gasping for air and reacting in shock over how intense things would get during the racing sequences. Which is a testament to Neill Blomkamp’s stellar direction. Since making the audience apart of the race is no easy task, but Neill accomplishes it here courtesy of stunning visuals, quick cuts, and let’s be honest… characters that we care about. Since Jann and his team are people that are genuinely good and genuinely relatable, and we want to see everyone here defy the odds and grab hold of their dreams.

But of course, it takes great acting to have an audience properly care about the characters, and that is present here as well. Since David Harbour and Orlando Bloom are electric as Chief Engineer Jack Salter and Nissan Executive Danny Moore, respectively. For they help to ground the story and offer fascinating perspective on the pursuit of one’s dream. But it is Archie Madekwe that steals the show here, for his portrayal of Jann Mardenborough is nothing short of spectacular, since he brings real honesty to the role and sells the hunger Jann harbored within. And all of the elements bring forth, a phenomenal motion picture, one that you should absolutely see. Because it is high-octane, feel-good entertainment. The kind that inspires us with truthful lessons, about how we need to be prepared to give our dream our all when the time comes to obtain it, and to always say yes to any opportunity that comes our way regarding it. Because you never know if a singular moment will be the one to give you the chance you’ve been waiting for.

---