Beyond that brief outline, I am hesitant to say more. As I mentioned earlier, there is not a lot to this story. That is not a criticism; the movie is definitely, and properly, targeted to a younger set. While the story does not offer considerable depth, it does not pander. It is a movie that sets out to entertain, and that it does in spades and in a way not seen on the big screen in some time.

Written and directed by the Wachowski Brothers, this is a definite departure from their previous work. This is their first foray into the world of family cinema, toning down the violence and other R-rated elements that infiltrated their previous four films. Beyond the target change, substance-wise Speed Racer is the opposite of what they did with the Matrix series. Where the sci-fi series had layers upon layers of subtext, alternate meanings, and symbolism (to varying degrees of success), this film does away with those elements in favor of an amped up fun factor that employs many of the visual flourishes that they used in the earlier films.

I must admit to being very happy with how the movie turned out. The movie, which runs over two hours, is in a constant state of motion. Even in the few quieter moments, I still felt as if we were surging forward. The screen is littered with big colors that are moved around the screen in a kaleidoscopic way.

The Wachowskis use all manner of inventive visual techniques to move us from scene to scene. Cars racing by, heads floating through view — if you can wipe across the screen with it, they did it. Beyond the wipes and transitions, they do something early on that really drew me into the character and chained me to the action. What was it, you ask? It is during that initial big race in which we see Speed and the way it gets tied to his brother, and is intercut with flashbacks to Speed as a child. It is a wonderful way to draw in an audience, it helps you connect with a character that has little depth, while simultaneously introducing a "Wow!" moment in the visual arena.

There is no denying the fun factor in the visuals. I found the races and the wild things that happen during them to be beautifully delivered. I had no trouble following the action, other than during moments where confusion is required. I truly felt as if I was in another world where things like this could happen.