Speed Racer dreams of someday becoming champion of the racing world and earning the respect of his father and brother who are fellow racers. But when he rejects a lucrative contract, angering Royalton Industries owner, he also learns that cheating and fixed races may be part of the game.
Emile Hirsch (Speed), Nicholas Elia (Young Speed), Susan Sarandon (Mom), Ariel Winter (Young Trixie), Scott Porter (Rex), Kick Gurry (Sparky), John Goodman (Pops), Christina Ricci (Trixie), Roger Allam (Royalton).
Speed Racer begins with a fair amount of backstory and character introductions before the main plot shows up. Once Speed comes of age and begins racing, things get a bit more interesting with the introduction of a love interest and some plot depth. From there the story is one of the little guy fighting the big bad corporation on a racetrack. While interesting the story never feels like it develops serious depth, but that would fit the genre.
Acting was okay. Hirsch did a decent job but could have used a bit more energy. Sarandon and Ricci both delivered well. Goodman contributed some strong energy and humor, as did Allam and Elia. Porter was solid but felt under used. The remainder of the cast was enjoyable.
Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were heavily integrated with CGI and definitely over the top throughout. That said, they worked well with the almost cartoonish quality of the overall film. Dialogue was decent with some chuckles. Sound and soundtrack are good.
Speed Racer from the Wachowski's brings the Japanese franchise into big screen anime obviously target for younger viewers. While billed as a family film, I doubt this one will hold much interest at all with adults. Those who enjoy anime or sci-fi action should enjoy this film.
With some very mild nudity, and a lot of comedy violence, this should be fine for preens and above.
Released: 2008
Reviewed: 5.9.18
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Family, Anime
copyright ©2018 Dave Riedel
Emile Hirsch (Speed), Nicholas Elia (Young Speed), Susan Sarandon (Mom), Ariel Winter (Young Trixie), Scott Porter (Rex), Kick Gurry (Sparky), John Goodman (Pops), Christina Ricci (Trixie), Roger Allam (Royalton).
Speed Racer begins with a fair amount of backstory and character introductions before the main plot shows up. Once Speed comes of age and begins racing, things get a bit more interesting with the introduction of a love interest and some plot depth. From there the story is one of the little guy fighting the big bad corporation on a racetrack. While interesting the story never feels like it develops serious depth, but that would fit the genre.
Acting was okay. Hirsch did a decent job but could have used a bit more energy. Sarandon and Ricci both delivered well. Goodman contributed some strong energy and humor, as did Allam and Elia. Porter was solid but felt under used. The remainder of the cast was enjoyable.
Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were heavily integrated with CGI and definitely over the top throughout. That said, they worked well with the almost cartoonish quality of the overall film. Dialogue was decent with some chuckles. Sound and soundtrack are good.
Speed Racer from the Wachowski's brings the Japanese franchise into big screen anime obviously target for younger viewers. While billed as a family film, I doubt this one will hold much interest at all with adults. Those who enjoy anime or sci-fi action should enjoy this film.
With some very mild nudity, and a lot of comedy violence, this should be fine for preens and above.
Released: 2008
Reviewed: 5.9.18
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Family, Anime
copyright ©2018 Dave Riedel
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