Review of Speed Racer (2008) by Than F — 31 May 2012

I loved Speed Racer, in fact it grows on you the more you watch it. The Wachowski brothers' films are all about the "hero's journey" and this one comes full circle very neatly. The film has the furious energy of the Matrix, but also loads of humour and warmth.

Much like the Matrix, it is the power of love and family, our essential humanity that overcomes an apparently all-powerful evil (corporate greed). That message is highly relevant, given the damage those entities have done in recent years.

Plus, Michael Giacchino's score provides the right cues and tugs the heart strings in all the right places. Way ahead of its time, if you didn't like this film, have another look. You might get it on the second lap.