The Gran Turismo games are racing simulations which try to emulate the appearance and performance of a large selection of vehicles. Unlike the other video game adaptations in development, the Gran Turismo movie will severely deviate away from the source material as the movie is supposed to tell the story of Jann Madenborough who became a race car driver by playing Gran Turismo video games. As it happens the reviews are now in, so read on to find out more!
Gran Turismo Reviews Roundup – “A Basic Film”
Through this overarching story Sony has found a way to develop a big budget movie based on a racing game series that is historically devoid of storytelling. Based on the true story of Jann Mardenborough, the teenage Gran Turismo player who turned professional driver, the Gran Turismo movie is unique in that’s both a biographical tale and a video game adaptation. Well, the first trailer of the film was very well received and the early reviews by critics hailed it as one of the greatest video games adaptations ever made. But now is the moment of truth as the actual reviews are now in and the embargo has lifted. The film debuted with a score of 60% of Rotten Tomatoes which has now fallen to 58% based on 43 reviews. Here’s what critics have to say.
Justin Lowe (Hollywood Reporter) – Not a world champion, but clearly a contender.
Todd McCarthy (Deadline Hollywood Daily) – The film touches on many aspects of life, big and small, and Blomkamp keeps things running at a brisk clip.
Lindsey Bahr (Associated Press) – Gran Turismo has taken this opportunity and made the cliché version in this year of movies like “Barbie” and “Air,” which showed audiences that “brand” movies don’t have to be basic. Score – 2/5
Eric Francisco (AV Club) – Neill Blompkamp’s Gran Turismo is too unconfident, too distracted, too rote, and simply too short on gas to earn a place on the winner’s podium. Score – C
Kristen Lopez (TheWrap) – “Gran Turismo” works best because it eschews its video game origins quickly before settling into a standard race car film.
John Nugent (Empire Magazine) – Despite some warm performances, it’s very hard to ignore the feeling that this is largely just two hours of product placement. Score – 2/5
Clarisse Loughrey (Independent UK) – Nothing here feels real or tangible. You could argue that makes for a better recreation of the game – but then why bother heading to the cinema when you simply could stay home and hop on a controller?
Owen Gleiberman (Variety) – It’s made with a spontaneous humanistic grace, and the racing sequences, which dominate the movie because they’re truly the story it’s telling, are dazzlingly directed and edited.
Christian Zilko (indieWire) – “Gran Turismo” is what happens when talented filmmakers take on ridiculous projects and do a great job. Score – B
Ryan Gilbey (Guardian) – This is a simulation of cinema, with scarcely a human fingerprint anywhere on its chassis. Score – 1/5
Gran Turismo will release in theatres near you on 11th August 2023.
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