Super Grand Prix

Edda is a mouse with grand ambitions. After getting another mouse named...Ed injured, she manages a spot in the titular Grand Prix. Will she win? Or do a few sabouteurs get in her way?

Overall this movie is pretty serviceable plot wise. No major reveals, no in-depth character drama, and that's alright. The animation is a cheap-looking CGI, but at least they get the textures rights.

A mild recommendation.

Such a lovely movie! My nieces and nephews loved it, and now I'm officially the cool aunt for taking them to the premiere! They have never been to Europa Park, but you don't need to be a fan - the film stands on its own and tells a fun, heartwarming story that kids (and adults!) can enjoy. The idea of a race isn't new, okay, but it's still cute, and the development of the story, especially of the characters, shows that it has a lot to say. A really impressive debut - fun, sweet, and really well made. It seems like making kids happy is their mission, whether it's through rides or films.

Downside: I'll have to go back to the cinema a second time with a horde of little brats!

"Edda" lives and works on her father's struggling fairground but has dreams of driving a Grand Prix car, however unlikely that may be. Meantime, with the challenge for the world title about to take place, the charismatic "Ed" is poised to win his fifth consecutive championship and cement his place in the history books. Determined to sneak a look at his car, "Edda" gets into his garage and decides to take it for a spin. He catches her but not before she has got behind the wheel and hit the streets of Paris - quite literally! With him now sporting a dislocated arm, "Edda" suggests that she don his helmet and pretend to be him for the forthcoming races. It's a risky wheeze, but it might just work - except, well there appears to be something nefarious afoot and when things begin to go slip, sliding away amidst a sea of green gunge it looks like "Edda" has her work cut out to thwart someone's devious plans and to keep "Ed" convinced that it isn't actually her who is threatening his chances. It's quite a basic, but still a quickly paced and enjoyable animation with loads of action very much in the "Wacky Races" vein with plenty of super-stunts, a little bit of menace and even a soupçon of romance as these red leather critters hurl themselves around the streets where there's even some room for action for a big red London bus. It's got the usual tones of inter-reliance and team spirit to keep it whizzing along and I quite enjoyed it.

This animated family film is light, breezy fun. Designed for younger audiences but still offers enough charm and heart to engage viewers of all ages. It may not reinvent animation or storytelling, but it delivers a cheerful, high-speed adventure with a meaningful message about courage, family, and chasing dreams.

🎥 Overview

Edda, a young mouse and daughter of a struggling fairground operator, dreams of becoming a race-car driver. When her father's business is under threat, she gets the chance to step into the racing world. Partnering with her idol Ed to compete in the Grand Prix of Europe, uncover sabotage, and fight for her family's future.

✅ What Worked

1. Bright, family-friendly tone: The story is accessible and optimistic. Great for kids and families.

2. Distinct character design & animation: The choice of mice characters racing in glamorized motorsport setting is fun and visually novel.

3. Voice talent & production values: With a seasoned cast and high production quality, the film looks and sounds polished.

4. A meaningful message: It emphasizes perseverance, believing in yourself, and the importance of helping your family. Solid values for a children's film.

5. Trans-media appeal: It ties into the real-world brand of the German theme park Europa-Park and its mascots, making it extra charming for visitors and fans.

❌ What Didn't Work

1. Fairly predictable plot: The structure follows familiar beats (underdog rises, sabotage, big race) so surprises are limited.

2. Targeted primarily at children: Adults seeking deep themes or complex characters may find it light.

3. Underdeveloped supporting characters: Some rivals and side characters feel a bit one-dimensional in service of the main hero arc.

4. Cultural marketing tie-in feel: Because it's built around a theme-park brand, some moments feel more like brand promotion than pure storytelling.

💬 Favorite Quotes & Moments

"Dreams aren't just for the fast. They're for those brave enough to drive." (approximate paraphrase) The scene where Edda takes the wheel for the first time: a thrill and a turning point.

Discovering the sabotage in the race: a fun twist that adds stakes to the adventure.

The family reunion, saving-the-fairground moment: simple but emotionally satisfying.

🎬 If You Liked This, You Might Also Enjoy

1. Cars (2006): another animated racing story with heart and innocence.

2. Turbo (2013): about a slow snail with big racing dreams.

3. Stunt & Soul: family-oriented racing/adventure stories.

4. The Adventures of Tintin (2011): for slick animation and globe-trotting fun.

5. Theme-park tie-in films or series, which mix brand appeal with storytelling.

💭 Final Thoughts

Grand Prix of Europe is a breezy, colorful animated adventure that hits the right notes for its intended audience. Children and families seeking fun, friends, dreams, and a little bit of racing glam. It may not challenge the genre or deliver big surprises, but it does what it sets out to do: entertain, inspire, and feel like a ride you'd happily hop into.

Final Verdict: (6/10). "Sometimes the finish line isn't the destination. It's the courage we find in getting there."

This is honestly a very conflicting movie. Grand Prix of Europe is a massive mixed bag where it's hard to determine if the experience of watching this is worth it or not.

There are some things that it does very well like some fun racing scenes, solid animation and some nice voice acting, but because of the weak script that delivers a generic story, bad comedy and a cast of at best tolerable characters, it's honestly debatable if the film could be considered an okay sports film to celebrate the Europa-Park's 50th annyversary or just be a forgettable kids distractor.

If you are a fan of the Europa-Park, maybe this is worth seeing for yourself to check if you may like this more than I do, but I don't think you'll miss out on this if you choose to pass on this one.

At the most, my recommendation is that this is worth having in the background, where you can look up when some cool action happens, then go back to your own thing afterwards.