Speed Racer

Year: 2008
Director: Andy & Larry Wachowski
Starring: Emile Hirsch, John Goodman, Susan Sarandon, Christina Ricci, Matthew Fox, Roger Allam

Synopsis:

Speed Racer (Emile Hirsch) is a promising young race car driver. The head of Royalton Industries (Roger Allam) offers to sponsor Speed. When Speed refuses, he uncovers a conspiricy involving Royalton to cheat and fix races. Angered, Royalton tries to give the Racer family a bad name. Speed enters a dangerous cross country race, known as The Crucible, which earlier killed his older brother Rex. In order to save his family, and the sport he loves, Speed must parter with his former rival, Racer X (Matthew Fox) in order to win.

Review:

Garish. Psychedelic. Surreal. Headache Inducing. Those are just a few words I'd use to describe this movie. I didn't think it was a bad movie, but it was definitely different. When I was about 3 or 4 years old, Speed Racer was one of my favorite cartoons. The Wachowskis did a good job with this one, taking cues from anime and comic books. Parts of it were not quite easy to watch, though. It was hard to follow any of the racing scenes, with the cars bouncing and spinning around a track that looked like it was designed by a rollercoaster builder on acid. Aside from the blindingly colorful visuals, I would have to say that the acting was actually pretty good. John Goodman nailed the role of Pops Racer, and Emile Hirsch wasn't too bad either. And I would have to say that Christina Ricci was hot as Speed's girlfriend, Trixie. The only complaint I have with any of the characters was Sparky. He had a purpose in the original cartoon, but the character seemed more or less useless in the movie, as if they added him only because he was in the cartoon. When it comes down to it, I did like the movie, even though parts of it were a blur, and gave me a headache. So, if you liked the original cartoon, or if you like fast paced action, go ahead and see it, just remember to bring sunglasses and aspirin.

My Rating:
7/10