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We’re in late August, but we’re still getting some interesting new releases. Below is my take on the films I saw this week. As always, follow all my film viewing on Letterboxd @Knighthawk7734

Gran Turismo (Theaters)
Starring: Archie Madekwe, David Harbour, and Orlando Bloom
Synopsis: When a racing movie hits, it hits hard. With Gran Turismo, which draws inspiration from the Playstation game as well as the real-life account of Jann Mardenborough. After two weeks of preview screenings, it opens wide on Friday and it’s a fantastic way to close out the summer movie season. In the film, Madekwe plays Jann, a skilled gamer who one day dreams of racing for real. When a marketing executive for Nissan (Bloom) pitches the idea of recruiting the best Gran Turismo players in the world for a shot at driving for the team, Jann is one of those selected. There, he competes with other players from around the world under the direction of Jack Salter (Harbour). After coming out on top in the school, he gets his shot. But can Jann prove he has what it takes to step out from behind the screen and into the cockpit? He’s put to the test by other drivers on the circuit as he fights to live out his dream. This is based on the true story, so many will likely know how it plays out. More than that, if you’ve watched these type of sports films, you know how it’s going to play out. But here it isn’t about the destination, it’s about the journey. And this is a journey that’s well worth taking. I love the way director Neill Blomkamp tells the story. The use of effects to build a car around Jann while he’s playing the game, and then again to strip a car away as he’s leaning into his skills is creative. The racing sequences are thrilling and well-crafted, too. We feel the tension of being in the cockpit with Jann as he tries to achieve success on the track. I enjoyed the pacing and the execution of the story as well. This is one that has you on the edge of your seat, particularly the last hour as we move into Jann’s career on the track. It leans into some familiar troupes of the genre but executes them at a high level. A great deal of the appeal also comes down to the performances. Madekwe is winning as Jann. He’s an engaging lead that you can’t help but root for throughout the story. But my favorite performance was from Harbour, who excels in the mentor role. He gives one of my favorite supporting performances of the year. This has been a summer of some really engaging and excellent films, and this is the perfect way to end that season. I loved the action, the story and the performances. This is one of my favorite films of the year so far.
Rating: Rated PG-13 for intense action and some strong language.
Verdict: Four and a half stars out of five

Vacation Friends 2 (Hulu)
Starring: Lil Rel Howery, John Cena, Yvonne Orji, Meredith Hagner, Carlos Santos, and Steve Buscemi
Synopsis: Way back in the summer of 2021, Hulu had an original comedy about a couple (Howery and Orji) who had their vacation interrupted by the wild couple (Cena and Hagner) who latched on to them. That continued as they returned home and, eventually, a real friendship bloomed. Now, the stars of that film are back with a follow up. This time the foursome are friends on purpose, headed out on another luxury vacation. This one is also an audition for Marcus (Howery), as he’s trying to land a major account for his firm. Ron (Cena) and Kyla (Hagner) are trying to help, but when Kyla’s father (Buscemi) shows up, all bets are off. The characters here are already defined, so this is about building the stakes and the world. Some of it works and some of it is just OK. The film still thrives off the unlikely pairing of Howery and Cena, and that still mostly works. The addition of Buscemi is fun at times but the story meanders and it sometimes feels a bit long at 105 minutes. The film is OK, providing some laughs and working as a simple streaming option. It’s not deep, but if you enjoyed the first one this will likely be right in your wheelhouse.
Rating: Rated R for pervasive language, some sexual references and drug use.
Verdict: Two and a half stars out of five

You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah (Netflix)
Starring: Adam Sandler, Jackie Sandler, Idina Menzel, Sadie Sandler, Sunny Sandler, Jackie Hoffman, and Luis Guzman
Synopsis: Adam Sandler is continuing to make movies a family affair. This time literally, as wife Jackie and daughters Sadie and Sunny star in this adaptation of the book from Fiona Rosenbloom. File this one under the category it’s hard to be a teenage girl. If you were thinking it was a classic Adam Sandler film, you’ll be a little disappointed. He’s mostly a supporting part here as the focus is on Sunny here, who is preparing for her big day while surviving a fall out with her best friend Lydia (Samantha Lorraine). The plotting here is predictable, and the humor is fairly PG. For the right target audience, this will work well. For most viewers, especially Sandler’s normal fanbase, this probably isn’t what you’re looking for. Still, it’s a fine addition to the Netflix catalog and a solid piece of pre-teen entertainment.
Rating: Rated PG-13 for some crude/suggestive material, strong language and brief teen drinking.
Verdict: Two stars out of five