Review of Speed Racer (2008) by Fraser M — 10 May 2011

Harmless. That's probably how I would best describe the Wachowski's Speed Racer. It is absolutely beautiful to look at, moves at an engaging pace, and features enough intrigue to stay, well, intriguing. There is no bad language, only mild cartoon violence, and plenty of action. Perfect for kids and adults wanting to zone out and watch the pretty colors.

Downsides? While the over-the-top acting is no doubt intended to mimic the equally overt tv series, it can get a little grating. The monkey and Spirtle (annoying fat kid) are just obnoxious and completely unnecessary. Some of the slapstick feels contrived, perhaps trying too hard to capture the whacky nature of the cartoon. But, for the most part the action (the racing sequences especially) are stunning.

Converting the pastel shades of the animated series into live-action works a treat, this is a very pretty film. Worth a look and definitely deserving more attention than it initially received.