Game Over

Sony Pictures

2/5 stars

For decades fans have been arguing with detractors about the artistic merits of video games. Where critics see toys, simple distractions, and mindless wastes of time, gamers see a medium that can offer creative and engaging works of art. However, I don't think many have argued that gaming can drastically change a person's life until Gran Turismo (or Gran Turismo: Based on a True Story as some ads have been calling it) hit theaters. The film's premise is so ridiculous, it had to come from real life. Sadly, its presentation is riddled with so many cliches that they bog the rest of the film down.

This is the true story (did I mention it's based on a true story? Because the promos really want us to know that) of Jann Mardenborough (Archie Madekwe), an avid Gran Turismo player who is given a literal million-to-one shot to use his gaming skills in actual races. He must overcome competition from the other gamers, an extremely tough trainer (David Harbour), the ire of professional racers, and the disapproval of his father (Djimon Hounsou) to reach his dream of going from gamer to racer.

It's an intriguing premise but director Neill Blomkamp chooses to fill it with every trope from the "rags-to-riches" playbook. From constant montages, to villain characters who couldn't be more obvious if they wore "I'm a bad guy" signs, to descriptive text over everything, the film never seems to trust its audience's intelligence enough to tell a good story. There is a glimmer of hope here because the idea of a working class kid overcoming the elitism of pro racing is fascinating. I just wish it hadn't been delivered in such a rote way. 

Directed by Neill Blomkamp // Written by Jason Hall and Zach Baylin // Starring Archie Madekwe, David Harbour, Orlando Bloom, Darren Barnet, Daniel Puig, Josha Stradowski, Thomas Kretschmann, Maeve Courtier-Lilley, Pepe Barroso, Emelia Hartford, Geri Halliwell, and Djimon Hounsou // Sony Pictures // 135 minutes // Rated PG-13