Grand Prix of Europe
A lot of wholesome fun with endearing characters, Grand Prix of Europe is a wild journey that takes viewers all across the most famous sights the continent has to offer – from the Swiss Alps and the Eiffel Tower across to Big Ben. It follows Edda, an aspiring racer who’s obsessed with the egotistical Ed, the frontrunner to win the Grand Prix of Europe. Head above the clouds with daydreams of Ed and one day racing at the grandest stage of them all, she neglects her work at her family’s theme park, which doesn’t help the bankrupt state of the business. When a chance encounter with the man himself presents the opportunity to turn things around for the theme park and achieve her dream of racing in the Grand Prix of Europe, she jumps on it with no hesitation. But there’s a dark figure looming in the shadows, one who will do whatever it takes to win.
The most charming aspect of this animated feature is the characters. Based on the adorable mascots of Europa Park – a theme park in Germany celebrating its 50th anniversary – the cast is bursting with colour, life and a diverse crop of personalities. Grand Prix of Europe centres on themes of friendship, family and chasing one’s dream, and the characters truly embody these simple yet universal messages.
Thomas Brodie-Sangster’s Ed is infuriatingly obnoxious, but there’s heart and a playful energy to him that will appease the audience. Böckli, voiced by DJ Bobo, is by far the best character. Cute, humble and an ever-loyal friend, the backstory given to him and the relationship he builds with the other racers is delightful to watch. Colin McFarlane as Nachtkraab is also a much-needed presence; a touch sinister and intriguingly mysterious, he injects the piece with a little bit of challenge and darkness. Hayley Atwell’s portrayal of Cindy adds a surprising comedic layer to the picture, and even Gemma Arterton’s Edda, who is initially clumsy and overbearingly selfish, starts to grow on those watching with her headstrong persistence and mischievous dynamic with Ed.
The visuals are hit or miss; the sights, scenes and backdrops are beautiful and electric, highlighting the cinematic brilliance of these European cities. However, the character animation errs on the side of static and expressionless, which undermines the emotional weight of the voice performance. The red herrings and villainous twist at the end are also a predictable endeavour, but the film does manage to add a bit of suspense through the build-up in illogically amusing ways. The climax is enjoyable; it has a battle-on-two-fronts format, cutting between Ed and Edda’s respective tasks. However, Edda’s perspective is quick and short, with more detail and focus given to Ed. This is a shame because her side of the battle has a more interesting angle and offers plenty of visual spectacle if given the chance to shine.
Grand Prix of Europe – with its wealth of puns, engaging cast and characters, and magical sights – is not the most innovative of animated features. But what it does offer is plenty of comedy, a pinch of sadness and an abundance of adventures. It has ups and downs, but at its core, the message of friendship, family and dreams coming true stands strong and wonderful.
Mae Trumata
Grand Prix of Europe is released in select cinemas on 22nd August 2025.
Watch the trailer for Grand Prix of Europe here:
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