Gran Turismo – The Movie

It seems that movie makers have finally gotten back to putting good films back into movie theatres and Gran Turismo is exactly that. But is it a movie about a video game or car racing? Turns out it’s a movie about both. Cathryn and I were skeptical when we heard about this one, both being clueless about simulated racing video games. Our fears were short-lived.

In a nutshell, Gran Turismo is something played by ‘gamers’. But in this case, Nissan runs a contest to see who the best ‘sim-racer’ is, in the hopes of putting him or her behind the wheel of one of their real life race cars. The challenge seems impossible to all but the promoter, played by Orlando Bloom, the only big name actor in the movie.

Based on a true story, Nissan selects contest winners from around the world and sends them to race car training camp. From that point on this flick is a Cinderella story. There are some suspected pitfalls and other pleasant surprises that easily keep the audience interested.

If you’re a gamer or racing enthusiast, this movie is for you. The special effects in both worlds is high octane action, where you can almost feel the excitement and g-forces the young drivers experience. It’s hard to believe this story really happened and you should see it for yourself. Cathryn and I both loved it and each give it a 10 out of 10.

Rants, Raves, and Reviews – Ford v Ferrari

ford-v-ferrari-onesheet-1-1559568904First off, let me make it clear that I’m not a motorhead or even a car buff. I rarely watch car racing events on television. Having said that I have to admit I’ve enjoyed some movies that have covered the sport in the past. Leery of the mixed reviews for the Mr. Rogers movie, Cathryn and I took a chance on Ford v Ferrari. I say that because the trailers made the movie look goofy.

They say not to judge a book by it’s cover and the same holds true for movie titles. “They” were definitely right in this case. The story was easy to fall into with catchy tunes and upbeat music that brought more to life than roaring engines and squealing tires. The characters did seem a bit odd, but they were real people that had a profound impact on the production and racing of automobiles.

Continue reading “Rants, Raves, and Reviews – Ford v Ferrari”

The Race – Clive Cussler – Isaac Bell Series

the raceThe Race (Isaac Bell, #4) 
by Clive CusslerJustin Scott (Goodreads Author)

15204490

Edmond Gagnon‘s review

Mar 07, 2018  

 

This makes two Clive Cussler novels in a row that I’ve read, but this one was the last book left in the pile that was left here at the apartment in Mexico. I like the Isaac Bell Detective series, but found this book was a cookie cutter version of the last one I read. The good guy chases the bad guy, almost catches his two or three times, gets a little banged up on the way, then gets the girl and lives happily ever after. The names of the characters have been changed.
Need I say more? Okay, in fairness it is a good read and a bit different than all the other crime fiction stuff out there in that the story is about the birth of aviation and a race across America to see who has the best machine.