Grand Prix of Europe Review — A Family Film Fueled by Imitation and Grand Theft

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The new animated family film, Grand Prix of Europe, is the latest type of feature film made for a specific purpose: to be sold or licensed to streamers after a brief theatrical run. That is today’s cartoon cinema. Long gone are the days of the great Disney hand-drawn masterpieces, such as The Lion King (1994) and Beauty and the Beast (1991). Even classic Pixar films today seem to be made just for streaming content.

To continue, Grand Prix of Europe might as well be called If Fievel Had a Need for Speed. The new animated film is perfectly fine, playing it far too safe and borrowing from a host of movies—you might call it eclectic, but it borders on outright thievery. Yes, all your favorites are here: Ratatouille’s rodents chasing big dreams, Cars’ rivalry beats and eventual teamwork, Zootopia’s species-based stereotypes, and even the bottom of the barrel—Turbo’s fast and furious storylines.

What’s Grand Prix of Europe about?

Gemma Arterton, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, and Hayley Atwell star in Grand Prix of Europe (2025) | Image via Viva Film Company

Yes, Grand Prix of Europe hits all the cartoon family film erogenous zones, as if the movie were outlined and animated for the audience’s satisfaction. Clearly, the movie is run through the artificial intelligence studio machine, and it is colorful and flashy enough to keep even the kids with the worst attention deficit disorder in their seats. Meanwhile, parents can either enjoy their kids’ laughter or close their eyes, hoping the talking rodents keep them glued to their seats.

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The story follows Edda (Gemma Arterton), an adventurous mouse with a passion for racing. Edda works at her father, Erwin’s (Lenny Henry), family-owned and operated theme park in the countryside, just outside Paris. Erwin is also a former Grand Prix champion, so racing is in her blood. However, the amusement park game is not Edda’s dream. In fact, her dying mother’s wish was for Edda to pursue her dreams.

Grand Prix of Europe Review

Gemma Arterton, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, and Hayley Atwell star in Grand Prix of Europe (2025) | Image via Viva Film Company

Inspiring Edda is the legendary figure Ed (The Queen Gambit’s Thomas Brodie-Sangster), who has won the mythical Grand Prix an amazing four times. Of course, those are several of the script’s carrots, so here’s the big old stick: Edda discovers that her father’s business will close without a quick and large influx of cash as debts pile up. Somehow, that leads to Edda sneaking into Ed’s car on the big race’s opening day and taking it for a joyride.

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Of course, Ed is injured, but to make things right, they strike a secret deal: Ed, impressed with Edda’s skills, will have her secretly race in his place. In return, the winnings will cover Erwin’s debts, saving the family business. Director Waldemar Fast, working with a script that’s had more hands on it than a pit crew, goes down the standard trope route, introducing eccentric racers meant to serve as red herrings for a character who is obviously the real villain.

Is Grand Prix of Europe worth watching?

Gemma Arterton, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, and Hayley Atwell star in Grand Prix of Europe (2025) | Image via Viva Film Company

Is Grand Prix of Europe perfectly benign? Yes — it fits the bill, plays it safe, and lands squarely in the middle. The relationship between Arterton’s Edda and Henry’s Erwin hits the right heart-swelling notes at times. The result is a lively yet underwhelming experience. Still, if you’re seeing this movie to watch your kids laugh, giggle, and have a good time, that joy will fill your heart, no matter how formulaic the movie can be.

The new animated film Grand Prix of Europe isn’t worth watching because, frankly, how can anyone afford to take their kids and pay for concessions for an import meant to celebrate a real theme park, yet blatantly steals from some of the 21st century’s most recognizable animated films? You deserve more for your dollar; make the studios work for it.

You can watch the Grand Prix of Europe only in theaters starting November 7th!

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