Speed Racer - Review Thread

[WriteSimply]

Speed Racer has a lot of hurdles it has to jump over. From movies adapted or inspired by manga and anime to the expectations of long-time fans, it's not a task for an inexperienced director. But directed by the Wachowskis, it works. This movie, in spite of how it looks in the trailer, works and more importantly, it has a massive heart. So hats off to the writers, which also happens to be the directors!

The film language they used is also vastly different from other movies. The first sequence sets the tone to the story and to how it is being told. Once that is done, the film just blasts right through it. Fans of Speed Racer and anime of that era will LOVE it.

Again, you can't judge it from the trailer but the acting is spot on. The ENTIRE CAST - except maybe the young Speed - is impressive and enjoyable to watch. Yes, that includes the chimp. Emile Hirsch as Speed is a talent to watch as he makes the transition from a boy to man effortlessly. John Goodman, Susan Sarandon, Paulie Litt, Kick Gurry and Christina Ricci are joys to watch. So is Roger Allam as the heavy. Matthew Fox as Racer X is always a joy to watch.

Visually, its EYE CANDY. It's about as realistic as anime using primary colors but all of it flows together. Sound design is immersive and fun. It doesn't sound real life unlike Driven or Cars but then the race track and the racing maneuvers itself is not unconventional. Combined, the movie delivers on the audio and video front.

Speed Racer is a surprise in that it is deeper than its trailer let on. Give it a try, either in theaters or on BDs later. This is eye candy that fills you up.


fuad

[HDJK]

Cool

Thanks for the review. I will definitely watch this in the theatre

[MOONPHASE]

looking forward to seeing this movie

[Cyorg]

Originally Posted by WriteSimply

fuad

This is a little off topic, but what the hell is fuad?

Oh, and nice review.

[Ectoplasm]

The whole of the Korean nation is posed to watch this because the singer/actor, "Rain" is one of the guys in this. I don't know if he has a very major part, but it's a pretty big deal here. Did you catch him?

[Giyomu]

Originally Posted by Ectoplasm

The whole of the Korean nation is posed to watch this because the singer/actor, "Rain" is one of the guys in this. I don't know if he has a very major part, but it's a pretty big deal here. Did you catch him?

I know this guy is popular in Japan, heard few times but it s not my kinda music

[WriteSimply]

Originally Posted by Cyorg

This is a little off topic, but what the hell is fuad?

Oh, and nice review.

Thanks. And it's my name. My ego demands that people know it (Say my name, say my name) but I must allow the fact that these things happen.

Originally Posted by Ectoplasm

The whole of the Korean nation is posed to watch this because the singer/actor, "Rain" is one of the guys in this. I don't know if he has a very major part, but it's a pretty big deal here. Did you catch him?

I didn't know it was Rain that I was watching but I found out later after reading the credits list on IMDB; I do have the press kit for online publication. He was good and appears shirtless in some scenes but I'm guessing his fans have already seen that.


fuad

[Grubert]

Hm, I was totally against seeing that. I'd probably end up renting it because I'm such a huge Christina Ricci completist. But now I'm more interested.

Originally Posted by WriteSimply

Thanks. And it's my name. My ego demands that people know it (Say my name, say my name) but I must allow the fact that these things happen.

Maybe if you put a hyphen before your name and put the initial F in capitals then people would get the hint.

[Deadset]

I want to see this movie just b/c the colors look so vibrant in the previews. Not many movies look so colorful, last one that I saw that reminds of that is What Dreams May Come.

[coolmilo]

Thanks for the review Faud. I am looking forward to watching Speed Racer this Friday. I believe that Bill Hunt will post his thoughts about this movie today or tomorrow and so it will be interesting to see if you two guys agree.

Unfortunately the critics aren't very positive so far: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/speed_racer/

[WriteSimply]

Originally Posted by Grubert

Maybe if you put a hyphen before your name and put the initial F in capitals then people would get the hint.

Then I'd have to explain why the hyphen and is it REALLY my name. Then it's all downhill from there...

Originally Posted by Deads3t

I want to see this movie just b/c the colors look so vibrant in the previews. Not many movies look so colorful, last one that I saw that reminds of that is What Dreams May Come.

Indeed it is colorful. I think if you can find a digital cinema presentation of this movie, you'd appreciate the eye-popping color scheme more. I saw a 35mm print so while it still popped, it wasn't as eye-popping as it could be as print color can vary within reels.

Originally Posted by coolmilo

Thanks for the review Faud.

AHEM!

Unfortunately the critics aren't very positive so far: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/speed_racer/

Not every movie can be Superman The Movie, X-Men 2 or Iron Man that pleases both the critics and the fans. Critics panned Wild Hogs (rightly so) but the audience loved it. Critics loved Ratatouille and it didn't do so well in the US.

Here's the thing. I didn't like Cars as much as I like Speed Racer.


fuad

[DutchBoy]

I really am looking forward to this, both in theaters AND on BD when it hits.

I think it's going to be visually amazing.

[darkblueme]

Seeing it this Friday. Looks AWESOME!!

[Moefiz]

Seem that Bill enjoyed this movie.
http://www.thedigitalbits.com/#mytwocents

[SlmShdy1]

I'll probably end up seeing this movie in IMAX. Hopefully there's a Dark Knight trailer in front of Speed Racer.

[JUDGEMENT 4400]

Cool!

[Ice2Dragon]

Expect a fast release to dvd on this one.

Its on track for about 30-35 mil this weekend on the high mark -_-V

Doubtful it will recoup its budget (reported 100 mil plus). The movie just doesn't have the huge marketing Iron Man did, nor the star power.

Plus, the reviews havent been as kind as they were to IM, so its doubtful this will be a blockbluster

[Quad]

Saw the preview in HD, some real eye candy there. Hope the BD is full screen.

[WriteSimply]

Originally Posted by Quad

Saw the preview in HD, some real eye candy there. Hope the BD is full screen.

It's 2.40. So no fullscreen.


fuad

[HDJK]

Originally Posted by Moefiz

Seem that Bill enjoyed this movie.
http://www.thedigitalbits.com/#mytwocents

Since it is such a good interpretation of the original animé, how about a SE BD with the original show on a bonus disc ?