Filmmakers attempt to balance the PG rating for younger viewers and the older hard core fans… the older fans win most of the time. More conventional elements of the plot build on family and good morals, which boost the appeal to younger, more general audiences. The Racer family promotes honesty, honor, and support, especially when Speed needs some help during the rally races. This sequence also includes some baffling, but mildly funny ninja (or “Non-ja”) attacks which bring the family even closer. The fighting sequences basically play off kung fu fantasies. Filmmakers use the snow to trace fighting movements just like they use neon-like lighting to trace car movements. The “rules don’t mean squat” when someone with integrity tries to rule the sport and spoil everybody’s fame-grabbing and money-making schemes.
Filmmakers also try a balance between fantasy and the authentic sport of racing. This film doesn’t really capture the magic of racing until the ending Grand Prix sequence, though the 5000-mile rally racing segment has a nice, epic start. The hyper speed excitement of the Grand Prix crowd diverts your attention away from eyebrow movements and forehead wrinkles, but you still can’t really see what’s going on. As Speed slowly flicks his earlobes as he finally takes off his helmet to hear the roaring sounds, audiences can finally rest... and exit after a marathon of largely unfulfilling entertainment.
This movie is a rare feast for Speed Racer and Japanese pop culture fans, but most general audiences will likely let this one race on by. Recommended with several reservations and rated PG for action, violence, and language. Based on the 1960s cartoon series created by Tatsuo Yoshida. The ending does leave a sequel possibility open. Due to a lackluster third place U.S. opening weekend, another installment looks extremely unlikely — until you consider the international box office tallies (see The Golden Compass).
Article comments
1 - patrick
The Wachowski bros certainly put a lot of effort into making Speed Racer... the movie overall looked and felt like a cross between anime, a kaleidoscope, that Flintstones movie, a video game and the Dukes of Hazard
2 - koko
show the movie