Summary
Neill Blomkamp's Gran Turismo film receives mixed reviews but has a 98% audience rating.
The popularity of the Gran Turismo video game series and its dedicated fanbase may play a role in the differing opinions on the effectiveness of the film.
The involvement of David Harbour, recognized for his roles in thrilling productions, might have aided in engaging and satisfying the viewers, leading to comparisons with his past performances.
Critics and audience opinions diverge when it comes to Neill Blomkamp's Gran Turismo. The film tells the inspiring true story of Jann Mardenborough, a teenager who achieved professional racing success and the GT Academy through his mastery of the racing simulation game. Headlined by Archie Madekwe as Mardenborough, with notable performances from David Harbour and Orlando Bloom, this movie combines elements of a biopic and an underdog tale through the lens of gaming.
Rotten Tomatoes reviews exhibit a clear split between the perspectives of the audience and the critics regarding the film's effectiveness. While the highly anticipated Gran Turismo garnered an impressive rating of 98 percent from over 250 audience ratings, the critics' reviews have only managed to reach 58 percent from 99 evaluations at the time of writing.
Why There Is A Difference Between Rotten Tomatoes Scores
Possibly, the discrepancy can be attributed to the target audience of the movie. Initially launched in 1997, Gran Turismo has since released numerous standard and anniversary editions, establishing itself as one of PlayStation's most successful franchises. The film capitalizes on the game's widespread appeal by recreating its thrilling racing scenes and emphasizing impressive special effects, potentially surpassing the impact of typical action movies.
Additionally, David Harbour's involvement in the film may also contribute to its popularity among viewers. Known for his roles in series and movies like Stranger Things, Black Widow, and Hellboy, Harbour's inclusion adds credibility to the project, as he portrays another authoritative character that audiences may compare to his previous work, ultimately winning their approval.
While gaming callbacks and feel-good story tropes may not impress critics, they likely appealed to the majority of people who wanted to see the game turned into a movie. Gran Turismo can attract a large audience by incorporating elements of an underdog story that resonates not just with players of the game, but also with those seeking escapism during the summer blockbuster season.