Review of Speed Racer (2008) by Eric G — 20 Jun 2010

Sure, I'm a couple years late with this review, only I didn't really care much to see this film. It's been sitting on my netflix queue for the past year and a half as one of those that almost makes it to the top of the queue, only to be cut in line by newer films.

However due to the "long wait" of a couple movies (I'm blaming Shutter Island for this one), Speed Racer crept by and ended up being sent.

My first reaction is, wow, if I did drugs, this movie would be quite a trip.

Fortunately (unfortunately to some), I don't, and after viewing this film as dry as a cactus in the middle of the desert, I have to say, for what it was, Speed Racer was a passable entertainment, which is an achievement, given the source material it came from.

I found the way the story was told really worked. I really kind of enjoyed being introduced to characters, showing flashbacks, amongst other things, during surprisingly creative and breathtaking races.

Even better was the films style. I can honestly say that I have never seen a live action/animated film pop with so much vibrant color, in fact, if 3D was as popular in 2008 as it is today, something tells me this movie would have been a much bigger hit.

Sure, the story was predictable, and no suspense could truly be mustered as you never felt like the protagonist was in any real danger. Additionally, I didn't by the twist thrown in the middle about Racer X's identity, and was a little disappointed when the end confirmed my suspicions.

And dare I say Speed Racers younger brother and pet monkey were unnecessary and could have been written out the the story entirely (I'm assuming they were kept for the fans).

Regardless, for what it is, Speed Racer worked.