‘Speed Racer’ is an Accomplishment in Visual Storytelling
-----When I went in to ‘Speed Racer’ I had no idea what to expect. I had seen the colorful commercials and knew about its’ anime roots, but what really excited me were the men behind the film. The Wachowski Brothers made their triumphant return to directing with this film and it easily lives up to the visual prowess seen in the Matrix Trilogy. Little did I know I was about to watch one of the most original, visually astonishing, and underrated film’s of 2008.-----‘Speed Racer’ starts off with an excellent segment detailing the history of the characters through flashbacks while Speed simultaneously flies along the tracks of a roller coaster inspired race track. The film continues to thrill from this exciting opening segment, detailing dark pasts, corruption, and of course, Speed’s undying love for automobile racing. Many may pass the script off as goofy or melodramatic, but the leads turn in convincing roles and the movie avoids pretending to be something it’s not. It’s been said that Sin City wasn’t a comic book made into a movie, but a movie made into a comic book. And if ‘Sin City’ was a movie made into a comic book, then ‘Speed Racer’ is a movie made into a cartoon. So thrilling are the visuals and so true are the ideals that you’ll quickly forget that you’re in a theater as you leave all your problems at the door.
-----Emile Hirsch turns in an excellent performance as Speed, never sounding cynical, and staying true to the classic character he portrays. This is the case with many of the cast including John Goodman’s best role in quite some time. Christina Ricci too finds a nice chemistry as Speed’s faithful girlfriend Trixie. Matthew Fox should be given a nice pat on the back after saving many lines that could have quickly made the movie go south. His role is effective and subtle as the mysterious yet relatable Racer X.
-----The art direction in this film is about as stunning as you’ll ever see. Some find the vivid colors and cartoon-like style dizzying, but I think it makes for one of the greatest joy rides in cinema history. The Wachowski’s again think outside of the box with their use of HD cameras allowing them to focus the foreground and background simultaneously. This adds intensity and originality to the cinematography and provides an interesting look to the film. Often times you will see announcers and characters flying across the screen, making for fast paced and exciting transitions.
-----The musical score, like many aspects of this film stays true to the original anime, providing us all with that sense of wonder we used to get while watching Saturday morning cartoons as children. It’s nicely updated and even nuanced in places all to the betterment of what truly is a movie going experience. It helps to provide many of the film’s larger than life and even epic sequences with an implied mood.
-----When all is said and done ‘Speed Racer’ blew me away and stayed in my thoughts for weeks after I saw it. There are few films that are so unashamedly entertaining and fun, and ‘Speed Racer’ passes many of them. Don’t be quick to judge and pass this off as a children’s flick. This film will be great for all ages going in with an open mind. It could be considered a love it/hate it scenario, but I think if you can put your own ideas and preconceptions aside for two hours, you’ll be able to enjoy a great film. ‘Speed Racer’ reminds us why we go to the theater, and virtually redefines the meaning of “movie magic.”
Oscar Watch: The Academy may want to give this one a chance at Best Art Direction.
