Grand Prix of Europe is about a young girl who dreams of becoming a Grand Prix driver. Her head is so high in the clouds that she keeps screwing things up down on Earth. And yes, the movie makes sure you understand that — and not in thoughtful, character-building ways. More in messy, selfish, and banging us over the head with character flaw ways.
There’s a familiar emotional lever pulled early on (is parent killing a Disney copyright?), and the inciting incident that puts her in the driver’s seat comes after she straight-up steals a racer’s car. It’s a bold choice. With no negative consequences.
I’m not annoyed that she’s a poor role model. I’m annoyed because it’s lazy storytelling, which lands somewhere around the Paw Patrol movie level. Grand Prix of Europe is clearly aimed at a younger crowd, and it doesn’t pretend otherwise.
Visually, like Paw Patrol, the film often feels like an animated storyboard for something better. You can almost see the version of this movie that exists after the jokes are punched up and the art gets a little more personality — something closer to Sing or Zootopia. The racing scenes play like a video game cutscene, which keeps the stakes feeling a little artificial.
The main character is arrogant, selfish, and frequently frustrating. Almost unlikable. Almost. Her wide-eyed charm just barely keeps her grounded enough that you don’t fully turn on her, and there are a handful of genuinely funny moments sprinkled into the story.
Here’s the thing: somehow, someway, Grand Prix of Europe grows on you. It’s not a movie you’ll seek out, and it’s not one I can recommend. But if you stumble onto it with low expectations (and a generous pour of bourbon), you’ll survive. And occasionally, you might even almost snicker.
🎬🎬🎬
Where to watch
Rating: G (Me: 4+)
Director: Waldemar Fast
Starring: Gemma Arterton, Thomas Brodie Sangster, Hayley Atwell
Run time: 1h 37m
Post-credits scenes: One quick mid-credits joke before the final credits
Sequel? Unlikely as it was created to tie-in to the 50th anniversary of German theme park Europa-Park
If you liked Grand Prix of Europe, check out these films:
- Cars (2006) (5+)
- Turbo (2013) (5+)
- Speed Racer (2008) (7+)
- Ford v Ferrari (2019) (10+)
- F1 (2025) (10+)
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Find this title on the Family Film Recommendations list
