| Overall Grade: |
A |
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| Story: |
B+ |
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| Acting: |
A- |
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| Direction: |
A |
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|
| Visuals: |
A |
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Speed Racer is AMAZING
by AustinB (movies profile)
Jul 8, 2008
33
of
38 people found this review helpful
Today I went and saw Speed Racer. First off, I have to let you all know that I am a die hard Speed Racer fan. Heck, my cat Trixie is named after Speed’s girlfriend. So when I saw the previews for this movie, I was very excited, but also very afraid that it would be ruined. Still I was optimistic that I would enjoy the movie.
I can gladly say that I was not disappointed! The movie was WAY better than even I had thought! The first half of the movie was a little slow, but by the end of the movie, I was so happy with it that I would rate this movie even above Iron Man! (Though not too much).
The movie was pretty true to the original cartoon, even including a few jokes and winks to the audience that only people familiar with the cartoon would understand, such as the ringing jingle during a slow motion jump made by the Mach 5, and other things, that I can’t really talk about without giving away too much of the movie. However, at the same time, the writers also added their own lush flavor to it, which changed the feel and atmosphere of the movie from the original cartoon a little, though not too drastically.
All the cars in the movie had the ability to spring out jacks from the bottom of the car allowing the cars to jump and flip over other cars and obstacles. (An ability that only Speed’s Mach 5 could do in the original cartoon). Also, all the car’s back wheels turned as well as the front ones, allowing them to spin around while moving forward and make very sharp turns. These two features allowed the cars racing to perform maneuvers that were unbelievably cool. When added with all the cars unique (and sometimes silly) weapons, which reminded me of Mario Kart, the races became truly awesome.
The directors (who I understand also did the Matrix movies), did a very good job of making the races fast and action packed with lots of crashing, flipping and explosions, but the action was still easy to follow. I always knew who was who and what they were doing. The only time I was a little lost was once during a maneuver in the end of the last race. They did a really good job of putting in slow-motion at just the right times, allowing you to get a good look at particularly cool or detailed moments. There was also a fight scene where everyone was out of their cars at the base of a mountain. The camera flew around the fight, showing each person. Every time it switched it moved at a fast speed, but the fight slowed down. That along with the colors and falling snow made this scene especially fun to watch, and I couldn’t help but grin when I watched it.
Another thing that I was really impressed by with this movie was the unique sense of style. Everything seamed futuristic, but also retro. For example, the cars were advanced, and most things had that streamline futuristic look, but the clothes, haircuts and interior design was all very 60s. Everything was boldly colored, and over the top, but the over the topness was half the fun! In many ways, this movie was like a work or art. Everything was colored so that it was all bold, but meshed together well. The entire world of the movie was very entertaining just to look at.
The acting was also very good. Everyone did a good job as what they were supposed to, all except the younger speed, who seamed too much like he was just reciting a script at times, but that was only a very small part of the movie, and not really enough to knock it down for. The actors and writers did a good job of making you really like the characters too. Behind me, there was a little boy who got really into the movie. He would shout out things like “GO SPEED GO!” and even though I sat quietly, every time that boy cheered, I wanted to cheer Speed on too!
Oh, and if it looks like a kiddie movie to you, don’t worry. Granted at the beginning, in the flash back of Speed’s childhood, and a couple little parts with Sprittle and Chim Chim, it did seam a little that way, but never for long. This movie also had more action and language than most PG rated movies. It never got bloody, but there was lots of fighting, shooting, explosions and crashes. I can honestly say that this is a movie that people of all ages can enjoy.
The critics all gave this movie very low ratings…I am really not sure why, I personally loved the movie. A lot of them complained about the story, but come on, the movie is based on a cartoon! You shouldn’t expect Gone With the Wind! And anyway, the story was not bad either. If the story had been any more complicated, it would have distracted from the awesome-ness of the races, the loveable characters and the world they were in.
The movie was pure fun, I enjoyed every moment of it! I do not remember coming out of a movie and being so hyped about it in a very long time. As soon as I got out of the theater, I had a very strong urge to drive. I honestly can’t wait to see it again, and I still can't stop whistling the theme song! |
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