The live-action version of Speed Racer screamed onto movie screens this past weekend. The snarling, high-velocity, throaty roar of big engines gunning for the checkered flag brought fans, young and old, to the theater. But whether or not the movie is a success depends in large part on why you went there to see it.

If you go see the film to revisit your childhood with an eye to layering in computer graphics and getting vibrated by Dolby sound or THX, you’re going to get your money’s worth. If you take your child there to let them indulge in a new hero (complete with new cartoon series and video game to back it), you’ll probably be happy.

But if you go to the theater expecting something new and different, or something serious, you may be somewhat underwhelmed.

The original cartoon (anime) run of the series debuted in 1967 in Japan, and was the first breakout hit to sweep the American television audience. Although it was heavily edited to bring it to within the parameters of an American family show, the episodes still had more plot than youngsters were used to getting with their cartoons. Still, they plopped in front of the set and pushed it to one of the hottest shows on any network.

The recent movie release stays with the familiar story. Speed Racer is a young daredevil driver that ends up competing in organized races against nefarious foes. He’s supported by his family. John Goodman turns in a fun rendition of Pops, while Spritle and Chim-Chim are there in all their glory – getting into all kinds of mischief and eating their weight in snacks every time they’re onscreen. Susan Sarandon stars as Speed’s mom and portrays a mix of June Cleaver as well as modern sensibilities and pride.

Matthew Fox (Lost) stars as Racer X but doesn’t really do a lot more than let the uniform act. He delivers lines, but they’re pretty light given the movie. Still, he’s a guy that portrays the caring, older brother well.

Christina Ricci plays Trixie, Speed’s gal Friday, and looks absolutely charming. Unfortunately, the main drive in this film is the car and CGI. Ricci doesn’t get enough screen time to leave a mark.

Emile Hirsch stars as Speed. He looks the part, even in the traditional racing outfit that Speed wears that no NASCAR driver would be caught dead in. He’s given a few emotional scenes, but they’re too few and spread out too far during the course of the film.