Speed Racer reviewed

From AICN,

STORY – If you’re reading this review, you probably already know the story. For those who don’t, I’ll summarize: As his name suggests, Speech Racer (Emile Hirsch) thinks about one thing: racing. He comes by it naturally, since it’s a family affair. His Dad (John Goodman) runs an independent racing team. His Mom (Susan Sarandon), younger brother Spritle (along with his pet monkey Chim-Chim) and girlfriend Trixie (Christina Ricci) all contribute in their own ways. Speed’s older brother Rex was presumably killed in a racing accident years earlier. When the head of the giant Royalton corporation tries to persuade Speed Racer to sell out and join his team, the answer is a clear “no,” which doesn’t go down well. Speed Racer sneaks off to participate in a race, and Royalton and his racing thugs try to take him down. The rest of the story consists of Speed Racer and his family taking on Royalton to expose his corruption and win the ultimate victory in the Grand Prix race. Along the way Speed is assisted by the mysteries Racer X (Matthew Fox).

ACTING – I don’t know what I was expecting, but I was surprised at the level of acting. The original material isn’t exactly Shakespeare. But I was taken aback and how well the family drama played, especially the tension between Pops (the Dad) and his sons Speed and Rex (via flashback). Perhaps because I have a 4-year old son myself, I thought this was actually one of the most effective elements in the movie. Susan Sarandon and Christina Ricci do well in their roles, although they aren’t really the focus. The movie is obviously geared toward the 12-year old crowd, since Spritle and his money are featured generously throughout. Emile Hirsch also gives a surprisingly emotional performance in what could easily be a cartoon caricature.

VISUALS – What would a Wachowski Bros. movie be without cool special effects? The most noticeable thing that sets the visuals apart is the bright color palette. This is a direct contrast to all of the deep, dark depressing movies these days. It is a visual opposite to “The Dark Knight.” The colors are bright and in your face. I give the directors props for doing something different here. But could they do something different with racing scenes? In a word—yes! The racing is very creative, and even though it’s not realistic in any sense (and it doesn’t need to be), they somehow managed to put things on screen we’ve never seen before. The cars, particularly the Mach 5 and Mach 6, are extremely cool. I felt like a little kid again seeing them on screen.

RATING – I mention the rating not because it’s a particular concern to anyone reading this site, but because I was surprised at the language in the film. There are a few mild expletives, and Spritle gives a bad guy the “finger” in one scene. I was under the impression the movie was going to be rated G, and this will surely be a PG.

Overall, I give the movie and thumbs up for providing a fun film that is mostly family-friendly. Don’t expect anything vastly deep or meaningful from the movie—it’s just Speed Racer. But it’s sure a lot of fun. By the way, the gentleman’s daughter (who was the PR rep) mentioned something about setting up screenings for “The Dark Knight” in IMAX. If I’m lucky enough to see that one, I’ll be sure and send a review.