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Gran Turismo (2023): Racing from Pixels to Pavement—A Cinematic Expedition

Writer's picture: Dan BrooksDan Brooks

Jann is an avid gamer from Cardiff who spends his days playing Gran Turismo, refusing to succeed in the real world. Meanwhile, in Tokyo, Danny, a marketing manager for the Nissan automobile corporation, is running an advertising campaign and, together with the management of Gran Turismo, hatches a plan to launch a competition inviting gamers to try their luck in real racing cars. Needing help organizing an event, Danny turns to Jack, a former racing driver and incorrigible cynic. When fate brings Jann together with Danny and Jack, the gamer becomes the driver of a Nissan racing car, plunging headlong into the fight for a place in the sun in the competitive world of real racing.



Hello, fellow movie aficionados! Buckle up because we're about to immerse ourselves in the world of "Gran Turismo," where pixels transform into pavement, and David Harbour is more than just our favorite grump from Hawkins with a steering wheel. After a few laps around the trailer (seriously, it's worth the replay), I've got thoughts—brace yourselves.


Let's dive into the star-studded ensemble. David Harbour, Orlando Bloom, and Archie Madekwe—a trio that sounds like the perfect casting for a Hollywood racing epic. Their synergy might not be a result of a celebrity go-kart race, but it's undeniably impressive.


Before we hit the gas, check out the trailer [see link above] for a symphony of screeching tires, pulsating beats, and, of course, the unmistakable sound of David Harbour's perpetual grumpiness—because, let's face it, that's his signature move, and we're here for it.


Now, onto the plot, where pixels collide with reality in a way that turns every gamer's fantasy into a tantalizing reality. Meet Jann, our protagonist and Cardiff's resident gaming legend, who's living the dream of rejecting adulthood in favor of the pixelated thrill of Gran Turismo. Meanwhile, in the neon-lit streets of Tokyo, Danny, a marketing maestro at Nissan, decides to throw reality a curveball. He hatches a plan, fueled by ambition and a touch of insanity, to turn gamers into real-life racers. To execute this digital-to-analog conversion, he recruits Jack, played by David Harbour, a former racing driver and card-carrying member of the Cynics Anonymous club. What could possibly go wrong?


As fate twists and turns, Jann, Danny, and Jack find themselves on a collision course of destiny. Jann transitions from button smashing to stomping on the gas pedal of a Nissan racing car. It's like witnessing a butterfly emerge from its chrysalis, only with significantly more horsepower and tire smoke.


Now, let's downshift into what I enjoyed about the show so far. First off, it's inspired by true events. Real-life gamers turned pro racers? That's like discovering your favorite snack is also a superfood—unexpectedly awesome. And can we talk about David Harbour's portrayal as the grumpy coach and mentor? It's a masterclass in sarcasm, as if the role was designed specifically for him.


However, not every pit stop is flawless. There were moments when the animation and CGI around the characters felt a bit cheesier than a Wisconsin cheese factory. I get it—balancing realism with movie magic is a tightrope walk, but let's not turn the racetrack into a theme park ride, shall we?


Now, for the extra info that'll rev up your engines even more. Jann Mardenborough, the real Gran Turismo player turned pro racer, plays a stunt double in the film for the actor portraying himself. It's like movie-ception. And shoutout to Orlando Bloom's character, Danny Moore, inspired by the real-life Darren Cox, a marketing genius who decided to turn gamers into racers. Talk about life imitating art imitating life imitating... you get the point.


As the credits roll, I'm strapping on my critic hat and giving "Gran Turismo" a revved-up 7.5/10. It's a wild ride that hits the sweet spot between humor, heart, and a need for speed. So, fellow cinephiles and speed demons, rev up your excitement, hit the theaters, and join the race to glory.


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