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Movies Forum Index » Movie Reviews Forum » Review: Speed Racer (2008)...
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| Scott Mendelson... |
 Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2008 11:58 am |
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Speed Racer
2008
135 minutes
rated PG
by Scott Mendelson
I have never cared for Japanese anime. I have never read Manga. I have
never seen more than a glimpse of the original 1960s Speed Racer
cartoon. I don't have a jones for cars. But, surprise of surprises, I
do love Speed Racer, the live-action adaptation of said cartoon.
Directed by the Wachowski brothers (Bound, the Matrix trilogy), this
is one of the best family adventures made in years. It's a ripping
action picture, a surprisingly potent family drama, and a visual
wonderland that is literally unlike any other movie ever made.
A little plot: Speed Racer (Emile Hirsch) is the oldest surviving son
in a family of race car enthusiasts. Pop Racer (John Goodman, giving
his best performance in years) builds his own race cars in the family
garage. Mom (Susan Sarandon, also bringing her 'A' game) is the
supportive matriarch. Spritle (Paulie Litt) is the hero-worshiping
youngest sibling. Although Speed is quickly become a top-notch racer
in the professional circuits, the entire family is still haunted by
the death of the eldest son, Rex Racer, in a shady underground race
several years prior. After an impressive performance, Speed and the
entire family are propositioned by the evil tycoon Royalton (Roger
Allam), who wants Speed for his races and Pop's technology for his own
industrial use. Disaster strikes when Speed turns down Royalton's
offer and the entire family must mobilize to restore their honor,
bring down Royalton, and mend their own lingering scars.
As the previews promise, the entire world of Speed Racer is a candy-
colored blast of visual nirvana (see it in IMAX if you can). The
screen is filled with bold, bright colors, and the races unfurl at a
breakneck speed that defies reality but always respects the rules of
this particular universe. Jokes have been made about this movie
resembling the video game series Mario Kart, and they aren't
completely off-base.
Aside from the colors and the physics of the racing, the entire film
has a swift swirly look to it, using montage in completely unique ways
to quickly dispense exposition or flash back to pivotal moments
without really leaving the present action. It's hard to describe, but
it works seamlessly. And no, this film will not cause motion sickness.
Despite the lightning-fast races and the sheer physical momentum of
the action, it is all blocked and staged in a way to maximize
geographical clarity. We are not always supposed to know exactly
what's going on in every moment of the race (the opening race is more
of a backdrop for character introduction than a relevant action
scene), but when we need to know, it's always crystal clear.
That the film would be visually spectacular is a given considering the
pedigree behind the camera . Less expected is the top-notch acting,
clever dialogue, and complicated storyline that never panders or talks
down to kids. The film is intended as a family film, but it never
sacrifices action, story and drama for that PG rating (it's full of
action, but with only enough violence and profanity to make kids think
they're getting away with something). Yes, the film is fast when it
needs to be, but it is unafraid to slow down or quiet introspection or
character development.
Story-wise, it's a smart thing they do here. Knowing that the plot
involving fixed races and white collar corruption is far too
complicated for young kids to follow, the script has characters
occasionally express their own confusion and then state in more
relatible terms just what's at stake for them ("I don't know anything
about corporate crime. I just know they hurt my family, and I want to
hurt them back.").
All of the actors are in peak form, and it helps sell the drama
immensely. Susan Sarandon, John Goodman, and Matthew Fox (as the
mysterious Racer X) all have scenes that belong on a career highlight
reel. Roger Allam has a long villainous monologue at the end of the
first act that is a joy to listen to. By never winking at the
audience, the film becomes a surprisingly moving family drama that
makes the action count for more than just visceral movement.
Especially when the main conflicts kick into gear, the non-racing
scenes are every bit as watchable and satisfying as the main event.
Speed Racer works splendidly on all levels. It is a top-notch action
picture with real emotional pathos and strongly developed characters.
It is a visual landmark that is a joy to watch, yet it remembers to
contain dialogue that is a joy to listen to. It is easily the best
film of 2008 thus far (yes, it's better than the under nourishing and
overrated Iron Man), and it's a surprising treat for the whole family.
Grade: A- |
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