Review of Speed Racer (2008) by David B — 07 Jun 2014

Speed Racer (Emile Hirsch) is living up to the legacy of his late brother Rex (Scott Porter) who died in a crash and was dismissed as a cheat on the track. Speed is offered a contract with the corrupt Royalton Industries but when he declines the CEO (Roger Allam) sets out to destroy his career and his family's business.

Speed bands together with Inspector Detector (Benno Furmann) and Racer X (Matthew Fox) to expose the corruption of Royalton Industries which, you guessed it, involves a lot of racing rather than investigating.

Speed Racer is a special effects extravaganza but sadly the effects are not very good often with too many glitches and the bright coloration may give you a headache. The majority of the acting isn't great, and the whole concoction is simply corny, predictable and even cheesier than Bill Pullman's speech in Independence Day.

The biggest crime is seeing the likes of John Goodman and Susan Sarandon having to resort to films like this. Kids may enjoy the races but the adults will be too busy with their heads in their hands to even care.