Speed Racer

Starring: Emile Hirsch, Matthew Fox, John Goodman, Christina Ricci, Susan Sarandon, Richard Roundtree, Paulie Litt
Directed by: Andy Wachowski, Larry Wachowski
Rating: PG
Genre: Action, Sports
2008

Times Seen:
Tim: 3

Summary: Speed Racer (Emile Hirsch) is a promising young racer whose career is threatened when he refuses to join a large, shady corporate racing team. This puts himself, his father (John Goodman), mother (Susan Sarandon), and girlfriend (Christina Ricci) in danger. The only help he gets is from the mysterious Racer X (Matthew Fox).

Review:

Tim: I was really, really disappointed that this film bombed at the box office. I very much enjoyed this movie. I have to disclose I was a huge fan of the cartoon series way back in the day, and I was so excited for this movie. The cast is excellent, and the Wachowski brothers give us a film that recalls the awesomeness of the first Matrix movie.

Let's start with the cast. Emile Hirsch is just perfect as Speed Racer. He's exactly what I envisioned, and gives a great performance. I've been increasingly impressed with his acting ability over the last few years. John Goodman and Susan Sarandon are both perfect as Mom and Pops Racer. Christina Ricci excellently embodies Trixie. Sadly, the actor playing Spritle, Paulie Litt is so incredibly annoying. He is actually very much like Spritle from the cartoon series, but it doesn't take away from the fact that he nearly ruins the movie by himself (well, he does get some help from Chim-Chim). Matthew Fox is one of the best casting choices- I absolutely love him as Racer X. He is perfect in the role, and I only wish he and Hirsch had more scenes together.

The Wachowski Brothers give us a movie that is almost difficult to take. The colors are so vivid, and they create a world unlike anything we've ever seen. Whereas The Matrix gave us a dark, deadly world, this film gives us a live action movie that feels like it should be a cartoon. It is amazing to see on screen.

The real attraction of this film are the races. The race scenes are unlike anything you've ever seen. The cars flips, turn, jump, and defy the laws of gravity. The cars almost fight each other, and it is amazing to see. Whether this is on a track course or a cross-country, you will barely believe your eyes. The races are simply breathtaking, and everyone needs to see them. They were astounding.

I also have to mention the film's climactic race. This is where the Wachowski brothers are at their best- they draw on the influence of The Matrix (you'll seem some obvious comparisons), but it just works so well. It is one of my favorite movie moments- it is amazing to see the Mach 5 and what it can do, especially when the stakes are the highest. Best of all, the film never sacrifices character development for glamorous car races- this is very much a film about an individual and his family. That is where the film works best.

While I really enjoyed Speed Racer, the film is far from perfect. There are so many scenes that are so absurd, so ridiculous, that they just detract from the film. Most of these involve Spritle and Chim-Chim. All you can do during these moments is laugh, shake your head, and suffer through them until the next great race scene starts. This comes because the Wachowskis really tried to channel the cartoon origins of the characters. I'd have preferred a little less cartoon focus- it would have made the movie much better. As is, Speed Racer still gives you some things you have never seen before. I liked this movie.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 8



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend:
The Matrix trilogy, Vantage Point, Into the Wild