Movie Review for Speed Racer (2008)

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Review #642 of 365
Movie Review of Speed Racer (2008) [PG] 129 minutes
WIP™ Scale: $13.25
Where Viewed: AMC Theatres Orchard 12, Westminster, CO
When Seen: 9 May 2008
Time: 12:01 am
DVD Release Date: 16 September 2008 (click date to purchase or pre-order)
After the Credits: No Additional Scenes
Film's Official Website • Film's Trailer

Soundtrack: Download now from Ali Dee and The Deekompressors - Go Speed Racer Go (Theme Music from the Motion Picture "Speed Racer") - EP - or - order the CD below

Directed by: The Wachowski Brothers (The Matrix)
Screenplay by: The Wachowski Brothers (V for Vendetta) Based on the Animated Series by Tatsuo Yoshida

Featured Cast (Where You Might Remember Him/Her From):
Emile Hirsch (Into the Wild) • Roger Allam (The Queen) • Susan Sarandon (Enchanted) • John Goodman (Bee Movie) • Christina Ricci (Black Snake Moan) • Matthew Fox (We Are Marshall) • Scott Porter (Prom Night) • Kick Gurry (Buffalo Soldiers) • Christian Oliver (The Good German) • Mark Zak (Fay Grim) • Richard Roundtree ("Heroes") • Nicholas Elia (War) • Paulie Litt (Jersey Girl)

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Definitely NOT a movie for everyone, The Wachowski Bros. nonetheless, with Speed Racer the movie, have created an occasionally motion sickness inducing, either 200% cheesy or 200% quotable, but always psychedelic tribute to a cult-classic cartoon show which forces viewers into the future of filmmaking and the cinematic experience itself much as George Lucas's Star Wars redefined expectations when it came to special effects in film back in the late 1970s. First, for a primer on Speed Racer lore, there's a good distillation and briefing (here). Research shows that, in fact, the Wachowski Bros. script does hold true to the basic elements of the series original history which should please most of the diehard fans. The plot for the film unfolds as sort of a condensed version of the overarching story of a family of race car builders and drivers called the Racer family led by Pops (John Goodman) and his three sons: Rex (Scott Porter), Speed (Emile Hirsch/Nicholas Elia), and Spritle (Paulie Litt). They are kept in line by Mom (Susan Sarandon). Their omni-present mechanic Sparky (Kick Gurry) is ready at a moment's notice. Keeping the romance factor alive is Speed's girlfriend Trixie (Christian Ricci).
…occasionally motion sickness inducing, either 200% cheesy or 200% quotable, but always psychedelic tribute to a cult-classic cartoon show which forces viewers into the future of filmmaking and the cinematic experience…
Young Speed is constantly in trouble at school for thinking about nothing but automobile racing as his older brother Rex storms the racing circuit setting records and reaching the top of his game in the family's super car, the Mach 5. But, as is so typical, Rex and Pops get into a dispute regarding his life choices in driving, forcing Rex to the difficult decision to leave home and eventually end up dead in a terrible accident. Years later, with Speed now filling the role of his deceased brother, he too reaches the top of the closed circuit driving world. He's so outstanding, he's approached by Mr. Royalton (Roger Allam) of Royalton Industries to join his racing team of drivers and super cars to push himself to the next level. Of course, there would be lots of incentives for his family; and, what he doesn't know, plenty of detriments should he decline. Bad vibes lead Speed to choose to decline he offer leading to the many promised detriments.

Deceptively simple on one hand, the plot, which of course, follows the inevitable course of Speed trying to overcome Royalton's evil plans while simultaneously establishing himself as the world's premiere race car driver, is deceptively simple—maybe not for people who immediately become lost in the acronym-laden dialogue. There is the mysterious Racer X (Matthew Fox) who seems to be protecting Speed for unknown reasons and Speed's subsequent suspicions that he is his long-lost brother, Rex. There are the subterfuge elements of the underworld of racing indicating that the premiere championship Grand Prix has been fixed for 50 years. There is the atypical emergence of a morally grounded young man amidst a culture of corporate corruption and seduction of big money and fame. When mapped onto the expectations and lives of any young men today suddenly handed a $20 million basketball contract, there's much to be learned from Speed Racer the character.

When it comes to the acting in the film, one has to remember that the actors performed most of the film in front of green screens with very little of the physical world around them being real. Recognizing that this in and of itself adds to the challenge of the portrayals, one must also note that the surreal and fantastical world can quickly overshadow an understated performance. Hence why none of these portrayals could be described as such, though there could be a case built that there is too much cliché when it comes to the characters. The success of the film hinges on the performance of Emile Hirsch and his subsequent acceptance as Speed Racer. The depth of the young actor's broodiness comes in handy for this role, obviously, and helps to translate the two-dimensional character from the small to big screen. There's no doubt he has the physical capacity for the role matched politely with an almost southern charm. He avoids coming across as overly cartoonish despite the setting and the sometimes cheesy dialogue. He plays as he has all of his roles, Speed Racer with passion and insight offering little doubt that he really is Speed Racer (poofy, Elvis-inspired pompadour and all while maintaining his signature forehead curl).

…hinges on the performance of Emile Hirsch…and the depth of the young actor's broodiness comes in handy for this role…no doubt he has the physical capacity for the role matched politely with an almost southern charm. …
Roger Allam as Mr. Royalton conjures up another delightfully cunning performance as the film's chief villain. Though not as well known in the USA, this film could finally make a name for him here despite brilliant performances in The Queen and V for Vendetta. John Goodman and Susan Sarandon's roles as Speed's Pop and Mom proved insightful as both seasoned vets rose to the occasion. Probably more than any other two characters, these two come across the most like they are really in a live action comic book, which of course, it sort of the point. You would want to maintain some elements of the original in making this tribute film. Also praiseworthy were Matthew Fox's occasionally overly melo-dramatic but nonetheless genuine portrayal of Racer X and up and coming Scott Porter's turn as worship-worthy big brother Rex. Less likable on many levels were Christina Ricci's Trixie whose character never emerges from the backdrop and Paulie Litt's incredibly annoying portrayal of the mischievous Spritle.

For some, it might go without saying, that when the Wachowski Brothers, Andy and Larry, do anything, they do it big, but they also do it methodically and with the utmost of brilliant insight and care. Their benchmark film series experience, The Matrix, will be looked upon for decades as one of the most remarkable film achievements in motion picture history when it comes to advancing the technological expectations in effects, capturing the paranoid mood of a conspiracy theory-ridden culture, and populating the subtext of American life in general with their own catch phrases and insight into the world. Their unique vision has the capacity to grab hold and toss you down the rabbit hole into an entirely new yet familiar world. Thus is partially true for Speed Racer as well. Claims of creating a truly family-friendly film to the contrary (maybe vs. The Matrix this is a kid friendly film but not in a Disney•Pixar® comparison), Speed Racer is nonetheless one of the least violent, least carnage-oriented, complex action thriller of its time. It's certainly a departure for the Wachowskis. Fans of theirs will be both disappointed and amazed as they've created a completely new psychedelic world of the future with amazing cars, racing environments, and cities that glow in the dark, but without the sense of underlying, complicated double meanings that were The Matrix universe.

Don't see Speed Racer on limited sleep or without movie snacks. You'll need to keep your brain fully alert to follow certain parts, and you'll want to be able to stay immersed in the experience not bet getting up for treats mid-movie.

… pushes the envelope and sets a new bar of expectations and possibilities in filmmaking…
Speed Racer pushes the envelope and sets a new bar of expectations and possibilities in filmmaking, though the overall impact of the story falls far short of that of The Matrix. Obviously, the originality factor in some aspects was predicated by a desire to hold true to the look and feel fo the original series which the film does. The overall impact, however, therefore is not as keen. Some people will begrudge the film as being one gigantic, Lite-Bright®esque, live-action anime commercial conceived to sell related products despite its obvious bashing of evil industry, but they will not do the same for Indiana Jone, Chronicles of Narnia, or The Dark Knight (aka Batman Returns 2). Well, shame on them. The intention, though albeit slightly unfulfilled due to some unnecessary foul language, cartoon violence, and advanced themes, was to make this a more family-friendly Wachowski film. They have done this. No 13-year old kid is probably going to see anything here they don't see in prime time television. And, if it spawns another generation of successful marketing tie-ins, that's the name of the game and how studios justify budgets now in excess of hundreds of millions of dollars. Let Speed Racer race!

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Cast Members
Emile Hirsch • Susan Sarandon • John Goodman
Christina Ricci • Matthew Fox • Scott Porter
Kick Gurry • Christian Oliver • Mark Zak
Director
The Wachowski Brothers
Writer
The Wachowski Brothers


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Review-lite Speed Racer (2008) [max of 150 words]
Don't see the Wachowski Bros. Speed Racer on limited sleep or without movie snacks. It pushes the envelope and sets a new bar of expectations and possibilities in filmmaking, though the overall impact of the story falls far short of that of The Matrix. Obviously, the originality factor in some aspects was predicated by a desire to hold true to the look and feel fo the original series which the film does. The overall impact, however, therefore is not as keen. Definitely NOT a movie for everyone, The Wachowski Bros. nonetheless, have created an occasionally motion sickness inducing, either 200% cheesy or 200% quotable, but always psychedelic tribute to a cult-classic cartoon show which forces viewers into the future of filmmaking and the cinematic experience itself much as George Lucas's Star Wars redefined expectations when it came to special effects in film back in the late 1970s.
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