20 Video Game Movie and TV Moments That INSULTED Fans

Gran Turismo is, and always has been, the gold standard of racing games, offering a vast array of real cars from the world’s leading automobile manufacturers, allowing players to experience all the major tracks we normally only see on TV, with lifelike physics and mechanic-level customisation.

Despite the game series being non-narrative, its scale and cultural impact mean it makes sense that it would also get a film adaptation. Thus, in 2023, uhh, Neill Blomkamp assembled David Harbour… Orlando Bloom (?!) and, umm, Geri Halliwell, to burn some rubber.

Based on the real story of British teen Jann Mardenborough (Archie Madekwe), a gamer with a passion for GT and the seemingly impossible dream of becoming a racing driver, the film joins him as he comes face-to-face with the real thing. Joining GT Academy – an initiative set up to recruit the world’s best gamers into racing – Jann trains under reluctant former pro racer Jack Salter (Harbour) and manages to make it into the big leagues.

Unfortunately, the film takes every opportunity it can to thumb its nose at gamers – the very people who built the Gran Turismo gaming franchise! Harbour’s character in particular is constantly berating the very concept of video game racing, dunking on the players hoping to turn pro and upholding dated stereotypes about nerdy, cowardly, out-of-shape gamers.