I didn't know much about the movie's plot when I seen the previews for the first time. All I know about Speed Racer, is that he wants to win the race...always, and he talks way too fast. I know of course, on the US TV Show they were trying to keep with the movement of the mouth of the characters. Still, that was some of the annoying things I heard in my entire life. So as for this movie, when I first seen the teaser trailer online, I was trilled, then the TV spots were giving me second thoughts about the movie. So I didn't want to see the movie in theaters after that. Boy was I wrong, dead wrong about this movie. It was everything a Speed Racer movie should be. So I first rented this movie, liked it, and now I own it on DVD.
Let me point out what I like about this movie. I like the plot, it was very strong and understandable. I like the cast, especially Matthew Fox. He portrayed Racer X in the way I imagined the character to be portrayed into a live-action adaptation to the original 1960s TV series. Just because this movie wasn't much like the show, doesn't mean it's not great. Although the colorful effects on the vehicals and enviroments were a bit childish and friendly, but I completely ignored that. The Wachowski Bros. definitely made a movie, where the enviroment fits the characters and the plot so well. I couldn't do it better myself, and I am a script writer. Ironic, huh? It makes sense that Speed Racer might take place in somewhat far off in the near future. I mean c'mon, do we actually have T-180s like the Mach 6 now? I don't think so. The only few things that made me tweeked about this movie was when Spritle and Chim-Chim came onto scene. Especially Spritle, who was played by an unknown child actor Paulie Litt. And boy, was he annoying. He just wouldn't shut up. But you have to admit, when things go wrong for Speed, Spritle is there to make us, not laugh, but kind of give us a little chuckle at the poor guy. It's sad that the actor didn't get much attention from the publicity. But what do we expect? Like I said he is an unknown actor, and Spritle isn't our favorite Speed Racer character at all. Sad...
To finsih off here, I like the look of the Mach 5 and 6. And also the Shooting Star that Racer X drives in. They were well designed and very realistic. To tell you the truth, I wish I had a car like that. But first I need a driver's license. The cast was great, the concept designs of the enviroments and vehicles were colorful and very artistic, and the plot was very well made. Now don't go on to say that I diss on The Dark Knight, 'cause I like Speed Racer as much as that one, but I like movies that have great plots and crew. This is where Transformers missed it spark, is a good plot, not just special effects that makes us go "Wow!" Although this movie does make you feel that way when it comes to the racing and action scenes. But admit, when you see this, that it's a good movie in it's own way. But for me, it wasn't just a movie, it was an experience thrill-ride. And I hope and expect to see a sequel soon. Thanks Wachowski Bros., for this wonderful movie. You did something great this time.
P.S. I don't care what some of you Speed Racer fans say that it doesn't stick true to the cartoons or the comics. This movie stuck true to the source in every way, you just didn't notice it yet.
codyX - 8/20/2009 (reply)
that sucks