Australian families seeking a cinematic outing this summer have a new animated contender at the box office. Grand Prix of Europe, an English-language dub of a German film, offers full-throttle entertainment, albeit with a few narrative bumps along the way. Releasing in Canberra cinemas to coincide with the roaring engines of Summernats, it provides a cool alternative for young motorsport fans.
A Rodent Racing Dream
The film marks the big-screen debut of Ed and Edda, mouse mascots from Germany's Europa-Park, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year. While it inevitably invites comparison to the might of Disney, Grand Prix of Europe carves its own lane as a pleasant, well-made, and harmless diversion.
The story follows teenage mouse Edda (voiced by Gemma Armerton), who dreams of emulating her racing idol, the four-time champion Ed (Thomas Brodie-Sangster). Her aspirations hit a roadblock as she and her father, retired widower Erwin (Lenny Henry), struggle to save their family amusement park from shady debt collectors. A week is all they have to find the money.
High-Speed Hijinks and Sabotage
The plot shifts into gear when Edda impulsively takes Ed's car for a joyride, resulting in an injury that threatens his chance at a fifth Grand Prix title. The solution? Edda secretly takes his place at the wheel, guided by Ed's instructions via an earpiece. If she wins, the prize money will save their park.
The race itself is a colourful, globe-trotting affair across Switzerland, Italy, and Britain, featuring a cast of anthropomorphic competitors. These include the perennially second-place bear Magnus (David Menkin), the lion-hearted Richard (Adam El Hagar), and the intimidating crow Nachtkraab (Colin McFarlane). The organiser, a fox named Cindy (Rubina Nath), oversees the event.
However, the race is far from fair. Acts of sabotage plague each leg, from greased tyres to other underhanded tactics. While the organisers seem oddly unconcerned—perhaps for the sake of ratings—Edda is determined to uncover the cheater.
Execution on the Track
Visually, the film impresses. The animation boasts detailed character designs, rich backgrounds, and well-executed, physics-defying action sequences. The voice cast, featuring several familiar talents, delivers solid performances.
Where the film occasionally sputters is in its script. Despite a lengthy list of credited writers, the dialogue often lacks sparkle. A running gag involving two commentators—one wildly enthusiastic, the other silent and deadpan—plays out predictably. While some wit may have been lost in translation or dubbing, the overall effect is a story that feels serviceable rather than inspired.
The narrative attempts a late pit stop for emotional depth, introducing touching backstory and a couple of surprises as the finish line approaches. However, these moments can feel a tad forced, not quite earning the emotional payoff they seek.
The Final Verdict
In summary, Grand Prix of Europe is not a masterpiece of animation. It won't dethrone the giants of the genre. Yet, for its 98-minute runtime, it provides serviceable family entertainment. If you and the kids have already seen the major summer releases and have a need for speed, this German import offers a harmless, visually engaging detour. Just don't expect a perfectly smooth ride.
