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Synopsis
The Wachowski brothers, the duo behind The Matrix Trilogy, are back with Speed Racer. Hurtling down the track, careening around, over and through the competition, Speed Racer (Emile Hirsh, Into The Wild) is a natural behind the wheel. Born to race cars, Speed is aggressive, instinctive and, most of all, fearless. His only real competition is the memory of the brother he idolised-the legendary Rex Racer - whose death in a race has left behind a legacy that Speed is driven to fulfill. Speed is loyal to the family racing business, led by his father, Pops Racer (John Goodman), the designer of Speed's thundering Mach 5. When Speed turns down a lucrative and tempting offer from Royalton Industries, he not only infuriates the company's maniacal owner but uncovers a terrible secret... With the support of his family and his loyal girlfriend, Trixie (Christina Ricci), Speed teams up with his one-time rival-the mysterious Racer X (Matthew Fox, Lost) - to try and win the race that had taken his brother's life: the death-defying, cross-country rally known as The Crucible.
Product Description
Emile Hirsch, Susan Sarandon, Matthew Fox, Christina Ricci, John GoodmanDirectors: Andy Wachowski, Larry Wachowski
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
22 of 25 people found the following review helpful
Format:Blu-ray
There is something about the Wachowski Brothers that film critics, and much of the general public, simply don't get. We have already seen how their brilliant Matrix sequels were panned by critics - largely on the grounds that these people simply didn't understand them - and now we're seeing the same thing with Speed Racer, which is being subjected to some of the most undeserved vitriol from critics that I have ever seen.
I loved this movie. It's not perfect, and it's not a work of genius like the Matrix trilogy was, but it's yet another example of how these two brothers attempt to push the boundaries of film-making. The editing - including the floating wipes and non-linear narrative - are top-notch. As one online reviewer put it, the Wachowskis have managed to transcend the boundaries of time and space in this movie. Not only have they achieved shots in which we are looking at two different things happening in two different places at the same time, they are also able to move us back and forward through time with effortless ease, and without disrupting the flow of the story.
If you're an idiot bent on hating Speed Racer no matter what, though, it's likely that the complex, visual style of storytelling on display here will befuddle you beyond redemption. I read with amazement, for example, the amount of people who found the opening sequence, during which we see scenes of one of Speed's races interspersed with his back-story told through flashbacks, completely bewildering. And yet the storytelling couldn't BE any clearer, in reality. I even shook my head in dismay as I read the Guardian's Peter Bradshaw claim that in the film, cars go through other cars "like ghosts". No one who understood the film (and thus was worthy of reviewing it) could have made such a simplistic, embarrassing assertion.
Anyway, this is in fact a brilliant film. Ignore all the reviewers' tropes about "over-reliance on special effects", "style over substance", "no characterisation or soul", etc. All of these criticisms miss the mark at a basic level. Watch it free of the shackles of prejudice and prepare to be blown away by a tour de force in imaginative, visual film-making. I certainly was.
Besides, the film has a chimp in a hard hat, riding a buggy while rockin' out to Freebird. Need I give it any higher an endorsement?
I loved this movie. It's not perfect, and it's not a work of genius like the Matrix trilogy was, but it's yet another example of how these two brothers attempt to push the boundaries of film-making. The editing - including the floating wipes and non-linear narrative - are top-notch. As one online reviewer put it, the Wachowskis have managed to transcend the boundaries of time and space in this movie. Not only have they achieved shots in which we are looking at two different things happening in two different places at the same time, they are also able to move us back and forward through time with effortless ease, and without disrupting the flow of the story.
If you're an idiot bent on hating Speed Racer no matter what, though, it's likely that the complex, visual style of storytelling on display here will befuddle you beyond redemption. I read with amazement, for example, the amount of people who found the opening sequence, during which we see scenes of one of Speed's races interspersed with his back-story told through flashbacks, completely bewildering. And yet the storytelling couldn't BE any clearer, in reality. I even shook my head in dismay as I read the Guardian's Peter Bradshaw claim that in the film, cars go through other cars "like ghosts". No one who understood the film (and thus was worthy of reviewing it) could have made such a simplistic, embarrassing assertion.
Anyway, this is in fact a brilliant film. Ignore all the reviewers' tropes about "over-reliance on special effects", "style over substance", "no characterisation or soul", etc. All of these criticisms miss the mark at a basic level. Watch it free of the shackles of prejudice and prepare to be blown away by a tour de force in imaginative, visual film-making. I certainly was.
Besides, the film has a chimp in a hard hat, riding a buggy while rockin' out to Freebird. Need I give it any higher an endorsement?
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Blu-ray
Forget about the story as you know whats going to happen at the end about a young car driver driving for an independent family company.. oh theres races?? hmmmm is he going to come first??! of course he is... but for the people missing the actual point of the film is entertainment.
The action sequences are flashy,your television spits out colours you never knew possible and your eyes are in for a real treat in all things graphics and speed of the animation.. yes the story does suck.. and anything that includes a pet chimp (rise of the planet of the apes doesnt count here!!) you know you cant take this film seriously.
Some parts slow right down and sometimes you just wish some races would finish (mountain pass being a boring one coupled with fighting... sighs..) but all in all,esp blu ray its worth getting for the action set pieces and cranking up the volume..switch your brain off too... :D
The action sequences are flashy,your television spits out colours you never knew possible and your eyes are in for a real treat in all things graphics and speed of the animation.. yes the story does suck.. and anything that includes a pet chimp (rise of the planet of the apes doesnt count here!!) you know you cant take this film seriously.
Some parts slow right down and sometimes you just wish some races would finish (mountain pass being a boring one coupled with fighting... sighs..) but all in all,esp blu ray its worth getting for the action set pieces and cranking up the volume..switch your brain off too... :D
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Blu-ray
I loved The Matrix, was disappointed with Reloaded, and pretty much appalled by Revolutions. Just thought I'd get that out of the way - as apparently one's opinion on the Matrix Trilogy is of some importance when it comes to reviewing Speed Racer, which I happen to absolutely love.
What works about it for me is how focussed it is. The cartoony graphics, corny dialogue, hammy acting are all perfectly suited to the story and the characters therein - nothing feels out of place, and you know what's going to happen from the outset. But that's kind of the whole point - the skillful direction ensures that the whole thing hangs together beautifully to create a wonderfully stylised film that I've watched more often than any other film I've bought in the last few years.
Of course, all of the above means that there is a chance you'll hate it, but I know a lot of people who have been pleasantly surprised by this film, and as such I would highly recommend you give it a chance.
Put it this way - it's one of the very few DVDs I'm looking to double up on BluRay
What works about it for me is how focussed it is. The cartoony graphics, corny dialogue, hammy acting are all perfectly suited to the story and the characters therein - nothing feels out of place, and you know what's going to happen from the outset. But that's kind of the whole point - the skillful direction ensures that the whole thing hangs together beautifully to create a wonderfully stylised film that I've watched more often than any other film I've bought in the last few years.
Of course, all of the above means that there is a chance you'll hate it, but I know a lot of people who have been pleasantly surprised by this film, and as such I would highly recommend you give it a chance.
Put it this way - it's one of the very few DVDs I'm looking to double up on BluRay
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Brain Off, Accelerator Down!
It's very easy to say 'Turn your brain off' when you watch a film and having enjoyed the Matrix (even the slightly duff third one), I made the mistake of reading too many negative... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Filthy Raider
Go Speed Racer Go!!! - Absolute mind blowing fun!!!
Looking for a movie the kids would enjoy over the weekend and stumbled across this absolute gem! Great fun and they loved it! Read more
Published 3 months ago by Dougsmoog
Sugar Rush Cinema
If you want to buy a blu ray movie that will show off the full capabilities of the format (visually at least), your tv and your blu ray player, then look no further. Read more
Published 4 months ago by M. Carter
totally awesome
an unexpected move after the matrix, but absolutely brilliant in every aspect
the cast couldn't be better either, even korean pop star rain fits in perfectly
i watched it... Read more
the cast couldn't be better either, even korean pop star rain fits in perfectly
i watched it... Read more
Published 8 months ago by M. V. Volgin
Great special effects, but why did they change racer X?!
I used to watch the Speed Racer cartoons as a kid, so I was happy to see this Bluray with the remake (I must have missed it in the movies). Read more
Published 11 months ago by Berlin Spieler64
Languages & Verdict
Blu-ray all zone
Ratio of the feature film:
2.35:1
Languages of the feature film:
Dolby 5. Read more
Ratio of the feature film:
2.35:1
Languages of the feature film:
Dolby 5. Read more
Published 20 months ago by James
Amazing!
Amazing picture and sound quality, the movie is GREAT. Nothing elso to say about the only Dolby Digital sound because I use the TV speakers.
Published 22 months ago by Azlan96
Simply incredible...two words....'buy it'!
I'll keep this review simple - this blu-ray is easily the best piece of visual entertainment I have ever seen and you have to buy it! Read more
Published on 9 Nov 2009 by Nicholas Clark
made for blu ray
SPEED RACER MUST HAVE BEEN MADE FOR BLU RAY EXCELLENT PICTURE AND SOUND REALLY TESTS YOUR SYSTEM.........JUST KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE CHIMP!!!!!!!
Published on 27 Jun 2009 by Mrs. S. tucker
bright
picture is perfect, very bright, sound is perfect, this kid movie is a top one
langage includes french amongst many other
susbtitles includes french amongst many... Read more
langage includes french amongst many other
susbtitles includes french amongst many... Read more
Published on 13 May 2009 by G. Courtheoux
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