Gran Turismo

Cert: 12A | ★★★✩✩

The story of gamer-turned-professional-racing-driver Jann Mardenborough is told in this charming but slightly formulaic biopic from acclaimed sci-fi director Neill Blomkamp best known for District 9 and Elysium.

The film follows the rise of British teenager Jann Mardenborough (played by up-and-coming Archie Madekwe) an avid player of the racing simulation game Gran Turismo, into a real-life champion racer in GT Academy, a Nissan-sponsored promotion which aims to get the public to fall in love with cars

Growing up in Cardiff in the shadow of his father’s hugely successful career as a football league player, Jann has found it hard to convince his baffled parents (Geri Halliwell Horner aka Ginger Spice and Djimon Hounsou) that a career in motorsports is a possibility. They would rather see him back at university.

The Nissan competition is the idea of the company’s head honcho Danny Moore, played by Orlando Bloom, who wants to make racers of gamers. It’s on this basis that Jann is given the chance to drive a real racing car. Moore whittles down candidates in the in the hope that the winners will show the game is capable of creating champions.

To help train the group, Moore hires taciturn mechanic and former racer Jack Salter, played brilliantly by the David Harbour, who grumpily tells the gamers that it’ll never happen. But in the event, Jann and Jack develop a strong working relationship  and a personal bond as the young gamer surprises everyone with his talent on the circuit.

Gran Turismo 2

David Harbour in Gran Turismo (Photo: Photo: Sony Pictures/Gordon Timpen)

The most dramatic moment is when he’s in an accident. Will it derail the young man’s burgeoning career?

South African-born Canadian Blomkamp’s film is yet another example of the growing trend for brand biopics that is sweeping Hollywood.

And while nobody could fault Madekwe’s sensational performance and Harbour’s equally brilliant turn, ultimately this nothing more than a glorified publicity spot for both Nissan and Sony.

Motorsports fans will of course enjoy the movie, especially those who also dabble in a spot of simulation. (I can say with this confidence because my better half is that thing).

But the truth is it would be difficult to think of a more niche narrative than this,  and the fact it’s punctuated with naff dialogue and cartoonish villain-like characters does not help matter.  Neither does Halliwell Horner’s dreadful performance.

Still, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t entertained and even moved by Mardenborough’s story.