Uncover the Racing Film to See Before 'F1': Now Streaming on Hulu
Ready for some high-octane entertainment that'll have your adrenaline pumping? Well, if you can't wait till June to catch Brad Pitt in "F1," I've got just the thing to keep you satiated - "Gran Turismo" is now streaming on Hulu.
Based on the breathtaking true story of race car driver Jann Mardenborough, this lesser-known racing flick takes you from bedroom gaming sessions to supercharged race cars on iconic tracks. Archie Madekwe plays Jann in this gripping tale, as Nissan teams up with PlayStation to launch the GT Academy, offering him a chance to turn his virtual driving skills into reality.
Guided by Nissan exec Danny (Orlando Bloom) and former racer-turned-trainer Jack (David Harbour), Jann embarks on a thrilling journey to demonstrate that he's not just a masterful Gran Turismo player but also a pro race car driver in the making.
Despite my initial skepticism, I must admit that I was pleasantly surprised by "Gran Turismo." While it may seem like just another attempt to adapt a video game franchise for the big screen, Jann's underdog tale is perfectly suited for a heartwarming, feel-good movie. The emotional depth is intensified by personal struggles such as a disapproving father, adding an extra layer to the story.
I absolutely loved the way director Neil Blomkamp weaves video game elements into the film through seamless transitions and impressive effects. It serves as a constant reminder of Jann's virtual racing origins, making his real-world success feel all the more remarkable.
What sets "Gran Turismo" apart is its innocent, almost naive tone that makes it easy and enjoyable to watch. Sure, there are deeper moments, such as a tragic on-track accident, but the overall vibe of the movie is uplifting – it's about chasing improbable dreams and proving the naysayers wrong.
As expected, the racing sequences are the standout moments in the film. They're skillfully edited, intensely paced, and slick as oil. Even when the narrative becomes predictable, it rarely takes away from the excitement as we get closer and closer to the next racing scene.
Of course, David Harbour shines in a supporting role, starting as a skeptic before eventually becoming a firm believer in Jann's abilities. Madekwe and Bloom deliver strong performances as well.
Critics didn't exactly slam "Gran Turismo," with a respectable 65% score on Rotten Tomatoes. However, audiences appear to be in love with the film, awarding it a 98% score on the Popcornmeter (RT's audience rating). Recent reviews praise it as "excellent from start to finish," "very entertaining," and "one of the best car movies ever."
So, if you've got a Hulu subscription and are in dire need of something to tide you over till "F1" hits theaters, "Gran Turismo" is an excellent choice. It may lack the grandeur of films like "Rush" or "Ford v Ferrari," but its underdog story is captivating, and the high-speed races are thrilling beyond words.
And if you're searching for more top picks on Hulu, check out our guide to the best movies to stream on the platform right now! I know I'll be spending the next few days convincing my colleagues that "Gran Turismo" deserves a spot on the list.
So, go ahead and stream "Gran Turismo" on Hulu – and enjoy the ride, my friends!
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- Brad Pitt's 'F1' movie just got one of my favorite trailers ever
Enrichment Data:"Gran Turismo" is a feel-good, underdog sports drama based on the true story of Jann Mardenborough, who transformed from a skilled video game player to a professional race car driver. The film follows Jann's journey as he transitions from playing the Gran Turismo video game to joining Nissan's GT Academy program, which allows gamers to put their virtual driving skills to the test in real-world racing scenarios. Throughout the film, Jann collaborates with Danny Moore (played by Orlando Bloom) and Jack Salter (David Harbour) to pursue his racing ambitions. The film includes a cameo appearance from the real Jann Mardenborough, who served as his own stunt double. Significant events in Mardenborough's career, such as the 2015 incident at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, which resulted in a fatal crash and several injuries, are depicted in the film[1][2][4]. "Gran Turismo" is known for its focus on Jann's determination and resilience in the face of adversity[4][5].
This sports drama, "Gran Turismo," based on the true story of Jann Mardenborough, follows his transformation from a Gran Turismo video game player to a professional race car driver. As he joins Nissan's GT Academy, racing becomes a reality for him, with help from Danny Moore (played by Orlando Bloom) and Jack Salter (David Harbour). With its focus on Mardenborough's determination and resilience, this racing film offers an underdog narrative that will leave you cheering.
