Gran Turismo - Budget of $100 million - 2 hours and 14 minutes
Jann Mardenbourogh (pronounced Yan) unwraps his new steering wheel and prepares to race. He doesn't need to play Gran Turismo at the Gamerland Café with the new wheel (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). Jann's father, Steve, wants Jann to be realistic. He thinks Jann should get a degree in mechanical engineering or play football because racing is an expensive pipe dream. Jann reminds Steve that racing is his only dream. Jann believes he will find a way.
Danny Moore flies to Japan with a grand idea based on Kazunori Yamauchi's masterpiece, Gran Turismo (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). He believes that people aren't excited about driving cars today. They would rather play on their phone while riding in an Uber. The only people who enjoy being behind the wheel are gamers. He wants to take the best players in the world and enroll them in GT Academy. The winner will compete in actual races. Danny leaves feeling defeated, but a Nissan executive catches up to him. They love his idea, but he must hire a Chief Engineer for the team for Nissan to back his contest. After exhausting the list, Danny calls Jack Salter, who promptly says no.
A former racer, Jack Salter, works as the Team Capa Garage's mechanic. He enjoys the high life but thinks the team driver is entitled. Jack advises the team driver during a celebratory dinner, and the driver snaps at him. Jack leaves the table, calls Danny, and agrees to lead the academy.
Jann gets a call from his friend during work. Jann's console at the café announces Jann as a finalist for the GT Academy because he got the fastest time on that station for that course. He must place first to earn his spot. Jann makes it to the café at the start of the race and wins. He joins nine other gamers from around the globe to compete. Jack tells the gamers they don't have what it takes to race professionally. Motorcar racers are top-level athletes, and he thinks gamers are lazy with no respect for the sport. Jann crashes during the training but impresses Jack with his car knowledge and skills. When Jann wins the final race by one-thousandth of a second, Jack wants Jann. However, Danny believes the 2nd place driver is better suited to deal with the public. Jack won't relent and forces Danny to pick the winner, Jann. Jann celebrates graduating from the academy, but he has more challenges to face. He must place to obtain his FIA license, overcome a deadly freak accident, and become immortal.
Never has a movie put you in the driver's seat like this since Days of Thunder (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). And Jann, himself, is a stunt driver for the film. You feel every heart-pounding second on the track while seeing what Jann sees. He envisions the racing track like the game and senses the imperfections in the car. He has the mind for racing but must gain stamina and confidence. Jann never disrespects the sport by being cocky or belittling. He understands that he has to listen to his coach and pit crew to achieve his dreams. Jack seems callous but knows the downfalls of messing up on the track. You can't reset like a game. One mishap equals death. This film will have you on the edge of your seat with anticipation, fear, and joy. Jann's story proves that anything is possible with dreamers, innovators, and coaches. If you can see this film in 3D or 4D, it's worth every penny. See this film on the big screen and be inspired.
I give it 5 out of 5 stars
It's just a game - Jann
Finish your lap - Jack
Great pep talk, Churchill - Dynny
