The Wachowskis return in their first directorial feature since the Matrix trilogy, producing a high-octane thrill ride that is a sight for the eyes. With this film, the Wachowskis attempt to transform the family-film genre the same way they transformed the action genre with the Matrix trilogy. If this is a family film, it's a family that is hoped up on Ritalin. Speed Racer is NASCAR on steroids, full of excitement and non-stop speed. Based on the English adaptation of the Japanese anime, the Wachowskis manufacture a frenzied original, a visually dazzling piece of eye candy.

Speed Racer (Emile Hirsch) was born to race cars. He is aggressive, instinctive, and fearless. Speed is loyal to his family and the family racing business, led by his father, Pops Racer (John Goodman), the designer of the Mach 5. When Speed turns down an offer from Royalton Industries to drive for their racing team, he infuriates the company's criminal owner (Roger Allam) and uncovers a terrible secret that some of the biggest races are being fixed by ruthless profit tycoons. The only way for Speed to save his family's business and the sport he loves, Speed has to beat Royalton Industries at their own game. After the death of his brother, Speed discovers that racing is not just a sport, it is his life, his blood. He determines that the only way he can save the sport and change the world is doing what he does best: racing. With the support of his family and his loyal girlfriend, Trixie (Christina Ricci), Speed teams up with the mysterious Racer X (Matthew Fox) to bring down the evil corporations that corrupt the sport.

The film is stuffed with striking special effects and colors so crazily high-def that some may find themselves hypnotized or seizing. With much of the acting taking place in front of greenscreens, many of the actors performed their characters surprisingly well even though they were unable to interact with each other or the sets. The great cast of the film takes a back seat to the cotton candy visuals. The Wachowskis are quick to remind us who the true star of the film is: the entire color spectrum.

The hit of the film has to go to the duo of Speed's kid brother, Spritle (Paulie Litt), and his pet chimpanzee, Chim Chim. The two combine for hilarious laughs and comic situations, including a funny scene where the two mock an anime fight scene by freezing in the frame.

Speed Racer has the feel of a kid in a flashily colorful candy store full of flashing lights, frantic action, and overactive colors. The film keeps the viewer spell-binded in visual awe and wonder. When Speed puts his Mach 5 into full-speed around those glamorous race tracks or across through adventurous yet dangerous terrain, the film can only be considered a visual feast with enough for seconds and thirds. Rated PG for sequences of action, violence, and language, Speed Racer is not just a film for the kiddies. It is a visual film based in the avante-garde mold for a family of all ages.