SPEED RACER (drug references) REVIEW

When the word ‘Speed’ comes to mind… some people think of fast cars… others think of the drug. It is very clear from the beginning of the credits that the Wachowski brothers (directors) actually thought it would be an excellent idea to combine the two. Your first impression of this movie will be a lasting impression. Visually the only word that be used to describe it is… epileptic. The colours are strong and vibrant and often too vibrant to the point of painful. Yet somehow through the convoluted  imagery there seems to be a pretty interesting and surprisingly deep story.

The story begins with a tale of a young boy named Speed whos interests lie with anything that relates to his name. He idolizes his older brother Rex, a race car driver, and wishes one day to emulate his feats. This dream is shattered when his older brother is killed whilst racing. His death only spurs Speed into becoming the greatest driver that ever lived. His skill is unsurpassed, and managed by his family team it seems as though the world is his oyster. His success attracts the riches of the Royalton Industries, a powerhouse in the racing world. They offer him a proposal that he cannot refuse. Yet he does. With the help of the ‘mysterious’ and somewhat lame.. Racer X. Speed must take on the megalomaniacs of Royalton in an impossible challenge and protect the family he holds dear. 

Whilst the cast do their job (with the exception of the youngest). The story seems too deep for children to understand yet the animations seem too ridiculous for any adults watching this film. Which leaves a small demographic of people that can sit through two hours of psychedelic colour schemes…. hippes and drug runners. The movie isnt horrible by any means, and with less child like sequences and a shorter running it would have been great, yet it imposes on your mind. You either begin to lose interest or you just vommit in your popcorn bag. 

 

THE GOOD

• captivating visuals and special effects
• distinctive characters
• the overall design of the movie is very unique
• the last race is worth waiting for

THE BAD

• visuals can also be irritating for some
• the youngest son and the chimpanzee are not funny
• not as much racing as you would think
• story is too deep for children
• mathew fox is an idiot and every word he says is laughable

IN SHORT

should have called it slow racer

6 / 10