Go, Speed Racer, Go!
Here’s the deal: I’m back from seeing Speed Racer. I don’t know what the critics and those panning the film saw, but it sure wasn’t the movie I saw.
I was expecting an “anime come to life,” and that’s just what I got.
The visuals are amazing, and the racing sequences had me gripping the armrests.
It bucks the trends set by so many of the comic book-to-film adaptations by remaining true to the vibrant color palette of the classic TV series — and this makes certain characters, like black leather-clad Racer X, stand out even more.
(Caveat: If you’re prone to light-triggered seizures or headaches, you’d best wait until you can watch it in a well-lit room at the proper distance from the TV.)
It shouldn’t have been marketed as a “family,” i.e., “kids” film.
Rather than calling this a “family film,” I’d place Speed Racer in the same category as the first Star Wars and Indiana Jones movies. They were movies for adults that the whole family could watch and enjoy, rather than being a film targeted toward the kids.
Speed Racer was intended to be a fun thrill ride.
If you’re looking for a serious plot, complete with social commentary, you’re not going to find it here. That’s not a failing of the movie, especially when it has a sense of humor. To me, the over-the-top scenes came across as intentionally over-the-top, and they were often accompanied by a nudge and wink of some sort.
The casting was stellar and enhanced the characters rather than overshadowing the story.
Emile Hirsch was convincingly earnest as “Speed,” and the rest of the “Racer” family was also fun. However, the stand-outs to me were Scott Porter as “Rex,” the deceased, eldest Racer brother, and Matthew Fox as “Racer X.”
Seen in flashback sequences throughout the film, Porter quickly and effectively inhabits his role, and viewers witness first-hand why his younger brother so idolizes him. Thanks to Fox’s portrayal of Racer X, viewers understand why Speed wants to think the mysterious, cool, and ruthless driver could be his brother.
Also, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for Peter Fernandez, the voice of “Speed,” from the 1960s TV series. He’s the very first announcer you see providing commentary during the first race sequence. It’s a nice nod to the series’ history in the West. 😊
This was a FUN film. I’m happy I had the chance to see it on the big screen.