Speed Racer review

There are only two words that best describe this movie: Fantasy High. Yes, the world of Speed Racer is exactly that as the movie is a digital overload of visuals. Some people might get dizzy with all the colors and bright lights, but for me it was alright. It must be because I’m used to staring at a computer at work all day that I find it all enjoyable even. The movie is over two hours so I understand how people are negative about it but let’s not forget the story.

Speed Racer is essentially a family movie. Using flashbacks throughout the movie, we are being given piece by piece the history and tragedy of the Racer family. Speed has always been into racing even when he was small. He idolizes his big brother, Rex Racer, who was the biggest racing star at the time. The family racing business is Racer Motors, home of the thundering Mach 5. One day, things started to turn dark. We see how Rex’s relationship with their father deteriorates and the tarnishing of his career as he turns into a dirty racer until his demise in a fatal accident. All of this is being told in Speed’s first race in the movie. Like his brother, he has grown into a star racer in his own right, attracting a lot of sponsors and promoters. With the support of his family and his sweetheart girlfriend Trixie, things are all looking up for Speed.

It wasn’t until he turned down a lucrative and tempting offer from Royalton Industries that Speed uncovers a terrible secret – some of the biggest races are being fixed by a handful of ruthless moguls who manipulate the top drivers to boost profits. Having infuriated the owner of Royalton, the company vows that if Speed won’t drive for them, then they’ll see to it that the Mach 5 never crosses another finish line. It’s now up to Speed to beat Royalton at their own game with the help of the mysterious Racer X, his one-time rival.

Behind all the glitters and lights, the story has a lot of heart. There are a few touching moments and it all comes full circle as we eventually get to learn what really happened to Rex. We also see how the Mach 5 got all those fancy defense mechanisms just like in the cartoon.

What surprised me is the performance of Korean star artist Rain, who plays Taejo a Japanese racer. Like Speed, Taejo is only looking out for the family business (This is probably why I relate to this movie so much). The character really comes across as cool despite only being introduced in the film. Before, I regarded Rain as just another asian pop star. I have much more respect for him now.

And who can forget Christina Ricci as Trixie. She looked so cute here with all the dolly outfits. Ricci usually plays dark roles, women with mental problems. I like her much better in this movie. The role of Trixie suits her. I also like Ariel Winter who plays the young Trixie. She’s equally cute as well. Both of them were really underutilized in the film.

On the whole, this movie is actually a very fun family movie. It’s a little too long but I liked it and hope there’s a sequel. I don’t want to oversell this since there are a number of negative reviews. Go see it for yourself and decide. Oh and after the credits Samuel L. Jackson appears and tells Speed about the Avengers Initiative.

Haha. Just kidding. Go Speed Racer Gooooo….!