Comment

IN 1999, the Wachowski brothers Andy and Larry changed the cinematic landscape with The Matrix.

Blowing away film fans with its use of new "bullet-time" technology, it was something exciting and brilliant, forever establishing the siblings' reputation.

The two follow-up films of the trilogy, Reloaded and Revolutions, were disappointments, and, aside from some involvement in the excellent V for Vendetta, this is their first project as co-directors since Revolutions' release in 2003.

It's a treatment of their childhood favourite show, a Japanese manga series Pilot Ace, which evolved into a 1967 programme called Mach Go Go Go, which then became Speed Racer, an English-dubbed American cartoon, six months later.

And they've assembled an international cast from Britain, Australia and Asia to ensure it appeals to as many bases as possible.

Into the Wild's Emile Hirsch plays the eponymous hero most people here will never have heard of, who's born into a racing family and is a youthful hot property in the WRL (World Racing League).

Haunted by the ghost of his brother, who was involved in a horrible accident years previously, he pushes himself to become the best, despite the worries of his parents (John Goodman and Susan Sarandon).

Smarmy baddie Royalton (V for Vendetta's smarmy baddie Roger Allam) comes-a-calling, trying to recruit him to the dark side of corporate sponsorship. Fearing the worst, Speed refuses, but in doing so, he encourages Royalton to unleash his full might against him.

Right from the opening credits until the chequered flag, Speed Racer is full-on sensory overload, crammed with colour and movement.

Everyone involved in its creation has spoken of their desire to make a film that is fun for all the family, and yes, this computer game approach might be one that is ideally suited to children.

Aside from one nastier scene, the action throughout is completely cartoon. The monkey character throws poo in someone's face, and at one point a henchman holds a child actor at arm's length while the latter is flailing his arms like a windmill. The baddies may have guns, but they don't use them.

The racing cars drive at insane 400mph speeds - on tracks which reminded me of the hallucinogenic rainbow circuit from Mario Kart - and are capable of jumping up and doing all kinds of stunts, yet no drivers are ever in danger. As each accident occurs, it's made clear that they float away in a protective bubble.

But why is this supposedly children's film well over two hours long? The directors should have knocked at least 30 minutes from the over-extended running time, as it's too anti-climactic to ask an audience to get involved and excited, cheering your hero on in a long race, and then to have to do it all over again.

Just a warning for mums and dads who end up escorting their progeny to see Speed Racer - you may require a nice lie-down in a darkened room afterwards.

Print

Email this

Comment