|
|
Speed Racer
Movie Review
May 18, 2008
Directed by the Wachowski Brothers
Starring Emile Hirsch, Christina Ricci, John Goodman, Susan Sarandon, Scott
Porter, Matthew Fox, Roger Allam, Rain, and Paulie Litt.
Backstory
In the grand realm of anime, Speed Racer is one that I was always vaguely aware
of. Outside of a very catchy theme song, didn't really know much about it.
However, I was aware that a live-action movie was in development for a long
time. And then when I heard that the Wachowski Brothers, those responsible
for The Matrix, signed on to do it, I was hooked. With its unusual
trailers that had people going WTF, I was more and more intrigued. I knew
I had to see this film.
Plot
The Racer family had long been a proud, independent team in the world of racing.
And their son and star driver, Speed Racer, is on the verge of dominating the
sport. After turning down a sponsorship offer from the powerful Royalton
corporation, young Speed learns a horrible truth. The world of racing is
fixed, with the most powerful sponsors forming a cartel that determines the
outcome of the races. Rocked to his very core, Speed sets out to blow the
lid off this conspiracy. A fellow driver, Taejo, has gathered enough
evidence to implicate Royalton and shut down the cartel. And he will turn
over the evidence if Speed and the mysterious government agent Racer X help him
win the Crucible, a devastating rally that claimed the life of Speed's older
brother. Can Speed win the big race, clear his family name, and help bring
honour back to the sport of racing?
What I Liked
When The Matrix first came out, some of my more cynical friends said "Yeah,
well, if you liked The Matrix, you just haven't watched enough anime."
With Speed Racer, the Wachowskis have truly made a live-action anime. From
the colour pallet to the editing to the pacing of the story...all the techniques
used in Japanese animation are here in full force. The acting is honest
and sincere, the races are spectacular and exciting, and the musical score
knocked my socks off. Oh, and Christina Ricci is just so darn purty.
What I Didn't Like
Wow...not much. Subtle it ain't. I mean, one of the villains is
named "Snake Oiler." The heroes and the villains are clearly defined, and
the plot is rather thin.
Final Assessment
Fun, exciting, spectacular summer entertainment.
4
Nibs
Comment on this Review
Return to the Movie Reviews
|
|
|
