5 Stars (out of 1`0) Annoying Woke Content: None

Gran Turismo Simulator

Went to see a movie IN A THEATRE Saturday during Labor Day Weekend. My wife decided to see the Barbie movie instead, so I was by myself in an empty theatre. For the 7 p.m. show, I was one of 3 people in the entire theatre. The lobby was practically empty when we entered. I fear the future of the theatre business, as I still like to go out to see a flick sometimes. Where can you short the stock of the theatre industry, and the poor schmucks who hold the leases on these otherwise useless and soon to be vacant buildings?

Any way, Gran Turismo follows the TRUE story of some gamers who became experts on a Gran Prix racing simulator of the same name. As a publicity stunt, Nissan agreed to let the winner of a simulator race series actually drive one of their cars in a race.

The first act follows a young Brit named Jann Mardenborough, who not only won the simulator competition but the subsequent racing contest (actual cars this time) among the 10 finalists of the simulator.

The second act of the film is a blast, with some great scenes that make you feel like you are in the car. Tension is built, a horrific accident happens. I was treated to a new effect, that the side walls had scenes projected on them as well. Very impressive and fun. Of course, the youngster actually wins races and raced professionally for 19 years in Japan.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jann_Mardenborough

The actual Jan Mardenborough

The movie is really mostly interesting due to the fact that the unbelievable actually happened. The actors, including Archie Madekwe as Jann, David Harbour as his gruff but loving mentor, and Orlando Blume as the madcap marketing guy, are game although not outwardly memorable. Mostly they hew to movie stereotyping of such characters, including having fights with parents as the young hero/heroine pursue their improbable dreams etc. There is the Top Gun story about overcoming a tragedy emotionally. Meh.

So, the movie essentially follows the tropes of similar underdog competition shows. Rocky, the Bad News Bears, and 10 others you could name.

The third act has the penultimate race scene, and a reconciliation with the previously unsupportive father.

Given the felicity to many movies you have already seen, I can’t give the movie more than five stars. Extra bonus for the lack of woke narratives or associated hackneyed dialog. Note that if you like Gran Prix racing, you will like it more than that. (I fit into that category). Vroom!