Speed Racer (Theaters)

The Wachowski Brothers have struck again! Speed Racer was 100% pure unadulterated eye candy. Everything from the bright lush colors, smooth animation, and great action sequences make this film an extremely worthwhile experience and a pure adrenaline rush. My only wish would have been to see this in the IMAX theaters rather than just at the regular box office, but I was extremely impressed with the outcome overall.

The movie starts off fairly quickly and within minutes of the opening credits we get some incredible adrenaline pumping racing done in the most unrealistic manner possible. These highly futuristic vehicles masquerading as race cars are seen flipping, jumping, tumbling, crashing, exploding, and roaring toward the checkered flag. Its was truly a spectacle to see the attention to detail the producers put into the cars and the race tracks, and the cinematography will completely blow your mind away.

The storyline was obviously going to be pretty basic, since it was based on a actual cartoon, and I highly suggest that you do not listen to the critics when it comes to watching this film. If anyone actually watched the animated 1960’s versions growing up they immediately appreciate the fact that this film stayed true to the original animated series.

My take on this film? Its another one of those MUST SEE’s in the theaters. The experience will be less effective in the home environment. If you have an IMAX theater in your area, it would definitely be worth spending a few extra bucks for the full experience. I wish we had one here on Guam. Without hesitation, I’d watch this film in an IMAX for a second time.

Synopsis:

The story begins with Speed Racer who is a young man with natural racing instincts whose goal is to win The Crucible, a cross-country car racing rally that took the life of his older brother, Rex Racer. Speed is loyal to the family business, run by his parents Pops and Mom. Pops designed Speed’s car, the Mach 5. The owner of Royalton Industries makes Speed a lucrative offer, Speed rejects the offer, angering the owner. Speed also uncovers a secret that top corporate interests, including Royalton, are fixing races and cheating to gain profit. With the offer to Speed denied, Royalton wants to ensure that Speed will not win races. Speed finds support from his parents and his girlfriend Trixie and enters The Crucible in a partnership with his one-time rival, Racer X, seeking to rescue his family’s business and the racing sport itself. SOURCE: IMDB