Speed Racer (Three-Disc Special Edition + Digital Copy) [Blu-ray]

Ever since i was a kid, I always dreamed of the day they'd make a Speed Racer movie. So when it finally came, it was going back to my childhood years!!!! I was so excited that at the end I was shouting with the audience!!! Now, having this wonderful Blu-ray edition at home allows me to enjoy over and over again the adventures that kept me going as a child!!!

Now, I've seen my share of cartoons elevated to live-action in The Big Hollywood Show. Some were abysmal, like Casper. Some actually were pretty good, like the first Scooby-Doo movie. But while the movies and the originals are related, they're still separate elements, each their own thing. A cartoon can't be live-action and stay true to its cartoon-ness. Cartoons offer impossible contortion and endless manipulation of set and scene, action and POV, and most importantly the complete and total abrogation of the laws of physics, not to mention that whole life/death thing. But then came this movie. This movie is as true to the original Speed Racer cartoon as it possibly can be; it is without a doubt the best live-action cartoon that has yet to be made.

Now, what do I mean by live-action cartoon? Well, Shoot 'Em Up is a cartoon, and its success is that it knows this, and doesn't take itself that seriously. But junk like the The Fast and the Furious and The Transporter Collection movies, they pretend to some kind of legitimacy, while telling an action-packed story they're essentially remaining in the realm of the possible, despite physical laws and imperatives going out the window with the first chase scene.

A live-action cartoon is not just swapping people and sets for cells and/or backgrounds, auteur production designers for Korean animators, and the mandatory CGI green screen. It's so much deeper than that. A true live-action cartoon is about the delicate translation of the unique cartoon cosmos, the rhythm and feel of the original cartoon into live action, about pacing and timbre and capturing the essence--nay, the very soul!--of a that 2-D rendering in the immensely challenging venue of full-on 3-D, with real actors.

Of course, the CGI helps immensely, and this movie has got it like mad. But, despite the numbing presence and absolutely crucial role CGI plays in setting the scenes and keeping the action excruciatingly intense, the computer power does not overwhelm and take over the film, as so unpleasantly was the case in the The Golden Compass, Narnia, etc.

If you're a deep fan of the original Speed Racer cartoon, you'll love this film. You'll see more in the characters, the scenes, the posing and in the action than others will. You've got the original Speed Racer theme song, pumped up and roaring. You've got Spritle and Chim-Chim in the trunk, with the candy. You've got the cartoon-impossible car-racing action, right out of the original show, with the gadgets and flips and spins. You've even got Speed's classic pose from the end of the opening credits, if you're quick enough to catch it.

Two of the film's fight scenes, one with the family in a hotel room and the other with the bad guys in a mountain wayside are what made this film for me. Both are right out of the original cartoon, with Pops wading in with his moustachio'd, huge-armed ferocity and hilarity. The editing and pacing are right out of the cartoon, with the moves and even the camera angles so very similar. This was as live-action as it could get, and they worked as original/derived action sequences, while evoking the sweet childhood memory of afternoons sneaking off to a buddy's house to watch the cartoon.

The cartoon fantasy starts immediately. Physics as we live it is completely irrelevant, with cars traveling somewhere around 500 mph, the drivers intentionally doing flips, spins and pirouettes while airborne as part of their racing craft. The physical structures in the scenes are beyond outrageous, as are the characters, the cars and the engines that power them.

In keeping with the original cartoon, no one is killed in this movie. My mother forbade me to watch this show, its fighting and gunplay, car wrecks and explosions too violent for her taste. I nodded in solemn resignation, then went down the street to Adam's house to watch it every day. But in this film, as in the cartoon, no one dies. It's like the The A-Team; the driver is thrown clear from his car, with futuristic escape and safety devices. The physical violence is thoroughly cartoon-y, with no blood or gore.

The film even keeps the original character names, with Snake Oiler and even Crusher Block. Inspector Detector plays a major role, but I guess that CGI just hasn't progressed to the point to always have his beard sticking perpendicularly out from the side of his face. You've got the car acrobatic team, racing through ice caves, driving up a mountain, helicopters chasing the race, a bit of Mammoth Car homage, and with more than enough Japanese content to place the film in its original Nippon.

And the colors, oh, the dizzying colors. They are intense as they can be, a near-nauseating blast of sparkling, flashing, whizzing and blurring colors, with everything in motion. This isn't the straightforward chromatic assault we got from Dick Tracy, but is a thousand times more intense, all of the colors brighter, more day-glo, more intense, and always moving.

The film bogs down only slightly in a couple of spots, when we get a bit too deep into Speed's adoration of his martyred brother and the overemphasized father-son relationship themes. Racer X's treatment and portrayal are outstanding in every way, right down to his car. I was disappointed to see the ravishing Susan Sarandon made out to be far more of a boring matron than I perceive her to be.

Bottom line: I loved Speed Racer as a kid, but watching the original cartoon now is a joke because it is so low-budget and truly one-dimensional. It's clear the Wachowski Brothers loved the show, too, so meticulous is their deep and spot-on translation of this Japanime classic into a CGI-powered memory for the next generation.

Clearly, if the creators (The Wachowski brothers, directors of The Matrix) of the movie want you to remember anything about it- it's the BRIGHT COLORS.
This is movie making from the pages of a comic book, with the colors, acting and plot that this entails. When it started, it was so garish and hyperkinetic that I prepared myself for the worst... however, I have to admit that as I watched it, it actually did start to suck me in to this bizarre pseudo reality, and I began rooting for Speed Racer (That's his name, not just his title..).
Speed Racer is the car obsessed son in the Racer family, his father the designer of racing cars. When he starts performing in major races, a huge corporate sponsor woos him, but amazingly, it turns out that the big corporation has money, and not the best interests of the Racer Family, at heart. A few chases later, via a mysterious ally, an uneasy alliance with a rival Japanese driver, and ninjas, we reach the good versus bad confrontation.
Nothing about this is real - everything is hyper real in a calculated way - remember, this is adapted from a Japanese anime. Yet the actors, even in a wide eyed cartoon style way, do gradually do make you accept they might just be believable. Even if on the podium the winners drink a hyper white milk, rather than any other sparkling drinks...
The story linking the action scenes is actually passable, and is actually a welcome relief from the action scenes which could leave you woozy with an overdose of movement and primary colors which are pretty sickly after a while...just remember this is skewed young, yet the story does have a little depth for grown-ups too.
The gimmick here is the effects, and though the effect may not be to everyone's cup of tea, the effects are seamless. This sort of cartoonish hyper reality may just be what cgi was meant for.
The movie as a whole is not a complete success.. that's for sure. But neither is it a disaster.. this is at the very least innovative and imaginative cinema - you wont see another movie like Speed Racer this year, and the derision it received in some quarters smacks of close-mindedness. So if you can stomach the nausea inducing frantic movement of bright pink and red and yellow, and want to see something a little different, then why not give it a shot?

Reviewer [AYBL30P5NXNZ4] | Date [November 30, 2008]

The critics were absolutely DEAD WRONG about this movie. If you Metacritic this movie, the disconnect will become readily apparent. The Critic average was 37% while the User average was 79%. I unfortunately didn't pay much attention to the general public reviews at that point, but seeing Speed Racer utterly changed my opinion on that, especially after the critics gave Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull a 75% average (I can only assume that they were paid off).

Luckily my sister convinced me to give Speed Racer a try. I was blown away. It is the most visually innovative film I have seen in I don't know how long. The races are spectacular, from the CG cars burning through the completely improbable tracks to the mid-race close ups that zoom from car to car, never breaking the flow of action. I expect the visual techniques used in Speed Racer to be emulated in much the same way that the techniques of The Matrix were and still are today.

As for the story and characters, they are fun, simple and over the top, precisely as they should be for this kind of movie. This brings me to one of the main points about this movie and why it succeeds so well, where so may other movies fail. Consistency. There is a consistency of language, tone, themes and visualization in this movie that is completely engaging. It never breaks its hyper-realistic form. Few films achieve the level of consistency that Speed Racer does. It's not Shakespeare and it never tries to be. It is a fun and exciting rollercoaster ride that rarely, if ever, lets up, all the way through to the spectacular ending.

Forget the critics on this one. If you want to have a fun, furious, visually explosive movie-going experience you owe it to yourself to see this movie. I can't recommend it enough.

The 3-disc set is great! The bonus features are cool and the digital copy is nice to keep on your computer. Blu-ray graphics are amazing!

simply brilliant!!! Love the film and the complete Unique style of the visuals. I heard bad things from the reviews about this film, but when I took a chance on seeing it and buying the blu ray, I was simply astonished by it!

Being a fan of the original cartoon I thought the idea of a live action movie would lose the camp feeling of the series, but i was wrong. its faqntastic, and I'm quickly becoming a Wachowski fan.

and again love Michael Giacchino's score, brilliant music capturing the fun of the film. AND Matthew fox as Racer X was perfect!!

Seriously reccomend everyone at least give the movie a shot! It may not be to everyones liking, but it sure is a unique experience

I enjoyed this movie very much, the effects and action scenes were amazing and I think the wachowski's did an amazing job with the source material. The story was a bit cliched and shallow, but hey, the cartoon wasnt known for having deep and thoughtprovoking storylines. It is what it is, if your a fan of speed racer or of action filled family flicks, you'll thouroughly enjoy it, just dont expect a pixar film, lol.

The Wachowski Brothers' (The Matrix Trilogy) adaptation of the Japanese children's cartoon Speed Racer falls between a rock and rather hard place if you will. On the one hand, the cartoonish humor and imagery is incredibly faithful to its roots and will certainly dazzle the kiddies. On the other hand, the film's storyline, which deals with race outcome fixing, stock markets and corporate takeovers, will most likely fly over the head of anyone who hasn't taken at least high school economics.

Still, I can't help but love this movie. Maybe it's because I love fast cars and racing, and this is the first movie I've seen that really works to convey the love driving for the sake of driving. I know it's certainly not because of my history with the TV show the film is based upon, as I have none. I think it's more that the film, even with it's gravity-defying race scenes and weird and wacky humor, has so much heart.

Movies filmed in front of green-screens aren't known for their emotional resonance, and most actors will admit that it's harder to create the performance they'd like when they have nothing visual to go off of. The fact that Speed Racer has emotional depth that it does is a testament to the terrific cast. Emile Hirsch hits the nail on the head perfectly as Speed, as do John Goodman and Susan Sarandan as Pops Racer and Speed's mother. The rest of the ensemble cast, including Matthew Fox (whose agent should consider his role as the enigmatic Racer X an audition for the upcoming Captain America film) and Christina Ricci as Trixie, are great also.

It may wear its cheesey heart on its sleeve, but at least the film has a heart. You feel the close-knit bond of the Racer family every time they're on screen, and Hirsch channels Speed's utter adoration for his older brother Rex beautifully without ever over doing it. Even amidst all the CG race cars, the family and their relationships are never lost, and one can't help but cheer Speed on in the film's fantastic, if predictable, climax.

Call it cheese, but I can't help but adore this movie. It might not work as either a proper kids movie and might be too silly and outlandish for most adults, but if you can strike that chord with it, Speed Racer is a beautiful movie. A hidden gem, and one the critics completely missed the boat on.

I have two sons, ages 6 and 4, who love to play Mario Kart on the Nintendo DS. They loved the racing scenese in this movie but the dramatic scenes between each race bored them silly.

This is a movie aimed at young boys, but perhaps ages 8-10 is the right target. There's just too much soap opera drama stretching this story past the hour and a half mark for younger kids. However, the dazzling special effects are something you don't want to miss.

If you're into color, this film is for you. It's hard to imagine a movie with more and bolder colors and wild action that is presented here on this Blu-Ray disc, whch looks spectacular.

The story is predictable and a bit juvenile but I'm an older guy. For kids and most of the family, this should be very enjoyable. For those who like auto racing, you'll love it.

For those, like me, who love special-effects and stylish visuals, it was definitely worth a look, particularly on high-definition. Some of it is simply amazing.

Did not care for the movie at all. It appears to have been made for children but was laced with profanity and crudeness. We gave it away to a friend.

This movie was everything that was enjoyable about watching an old-school Anime in live action. The acting was exactly right, the shots, the effects. The plot was great and they didn't waste time.
Don't believe the critics; this was a fantastically fun, exciting movie.

this is one of those films that the blu ray disc makes the experience intense.

I took my 4-year-old nephew to see this over the weekend because he too saw the commercials and has been dying to see it. He's at an age where he's really into cars, as well as fire engines and trains, and I thought this was right up his alley. I was right. He loved it. It was fast, it was exciting and it was fun for kids. Speed's little brother Sprital and his pet chimp Chim-Chim cracked up every kid in the theater and I have to admit they were pretty funny. The scene where Sprital is offered all the candy he wants made every kid laugh hard. It was creative in ways I would never think of and interesting for both kids and adults. There was a nice little message about family and integrity too. The portrayal of young Speed and his love of racing and his older brother was excellent. One of the best quiet little parts was when lil' Speed gets picked up from school by his big brother, in the Mach 5! What kid wouldn't love that? I don't get why people are saying there is no heart in this movie. It has plenty. I ended up liking the Racer family more in this movie than I ever did in the cartoon. While there are a couple of fight scenes they are more action-y than violent or vicious. Again, Sprital and Chim-Chim leaven the fights with humor. I don't know why the critics have their undies in a bunch over this one. It's plenty entertaining.

Anyhow, check out this movie for no other reason than you get to see a chimp de-pants a ninja

Well its corny, its colorful and its a fun movie experience. If you like anime, its a lot like that only with people and it is way better than the old cartoon. Very beautiful fun movie that might have you say go speed go!

This movie gave me a big headache. So much crap going on so quickly for over two hours got a little old. This movie is perfect for ADHD kids whose concentration only lasts for a short period of time but for the rest of us it becomes vomit enducing to sit through this film.

The things I liked about this film is the cool graphics and race car scenes. The plot was a little thin but that's okay for a Speed Racer show. I thought some of the acting was really good with John Goodman and the main evil dude. I liked how this was very family friendly. Not a lot of over the top violence, no sex and very little, if any, swearing.

The things I didn't like about the film is that the film was a little too busy with too much going on the screen at the same time. (maybe I shouldn't have watched it when I had the flu). I thought that Speed Racer's brother and the monkey were a little lame as well.

Wow! This film was everything I wanted it to be. I remembered see the horrible trailers and still being drawn in to see it. Unfortunately I didn't see it in theater because I allowed my boyfriend to talk me out of it, NEVER again! I saw the film in Blue-Ray and ate it up. I won't summarize the film because you can find that info. elsewhere.

First of all the imagery was out of this world, and I think it should have been. This film is literally a cartoon come to life, so the colors are very saturated and intense, but for me it wasn't distracting, it let me know how this film was going to be approached and it allowed me to leave the real world behind and enjoy what was unfolding before me.

The characters, ALL of them, where so endearing. So people said that they were two dimensional, but I didn't feel that way at all. I don't feel that people need to 'fall' and realize their mistakes to be real. I love the fact that Speed is true to himself and what he believes in and fights for that. I love that Trixie loved and accepted Speed for who he was. That his parents where adults and allowed their kids to have their own lives and believed in them. And Spritle and Chim-Chim were fun characters, they were never annoying to me. I love the fact that you have good-good guys and bad-bad guys. I feel that America movie industry is turning more dark in theme and America loves it and wants it to go that way. This feel is very uplifting and inspiring for me and because it breaks the mold people get mad.

I think the film was PERFECT in its length, nothing should be taken out. To understand the characters and why they make the decisions they do, you need that interaction with them, I LOVE all the races, they are visually stimulating and have enough on-the-edge-of-your-seat action. I think it is strange that people say they could sit through it all because I see people and hear people set through TV show marathons, or watch shows that are 1 hour shows back to back all the time.

The music is perfect for the film, it gets your motors running, excuse the pun. It allows you to know what is going on, which characters to look out for and such, but with out being in your face about it. It intensifies the drama and the action. Great all around.

I think this movie should be seen at least once, if it doesn't grab you then fine, but at least give it the chance it deserves. I believe this movie will become appreciated more and more as time goes by. I feel like it's legs where cut from below it before it had a chance to prove its self because of poor marketing, bad release date, and people just adverse to it, not knowing or having seen it.

*stand up and pumps fist* GO SPEED! GO!

A visually appealing updating of a late-1960s TV anime that had 52 episodes, the movie tackles a contemporary and controversial issue in motor sports; a family business being wedged out of the game by the huge dollars of multi-national corporations. And with that theme comes the tug-of-war between fairness and corruption, on and off the track.

Clocking in at a bulky 135 minutes, actor Emile Hirsch does a credible job as Speed Racer, while John Goodman (Pops) is the talented driver's father and car designer in a family business. The plot bogs down, though, due to multiple story lines which do not enhance what should have been a powerful theme of family values and the quest for truth on a track of lies.

In life imitating art, a promotional tie-in was with NASCAR's Petty Enterprises, as its famous #43 car advertised the movie in a race. That family-operated business recently took on a major investor because it has struggled to compete against teams with major corporate backing.

Though it may not take the checkered-flag, the movie has some high spots that keeps it from running out of gas before the end of the race.

Great Movie! Lots of action and color. Looks awesome in HD! Great story and sticks very true to the original cartoon. This is a great family movie! Definately Recommend!

Kids may like this or grown-ups who are kiddies in mind. However, this movie should be used as an example of "over produced"! Holy Cow! Too much color! Like a rainbow threw up on the screen! Loud and too much happening to try to follow as scenes fly by. I can appreciate the work that went into designing the the production but the end result is all for little with the silly story. Still, it can be interesting to watch, just bring something for a headache.

Speed Racer is one of the most unique and visually stunning movies I've ever seen. But what made me fall in love with this movie was it's beautiful portrayal of family, loyalty and fighting for what you believe in at all costs.

In this coming of age film, Emile Hirsch does a fantastic job of playing Speed Racer, a teen misfit whose first love is racing and is beginning his career as a professional driver. When off the track, I found the character sort of flat. He seemed to lack a lot of confidence, and be sort of stuck in his own awkward teen phase - not able to relate to people his own age because of his lack of interests outside of racing and the tragedy of dealing with his brother's death. However, it was on the track that we see Speed come to life. He is brilliant, aggressive and confident and as Mom Racer says, he just takes your breath away.

The rest of the cast is just as brilliant. Matthew Fox, John Goodman, Susan Sarandon, Paulie Litt & Christina Ricci all do a fantastic job bringing their characters to life. They are a joy to watch and they add a terrific emotional depth to this movie.

The film borrows heavily from anime visuals, and I think it can be enjoyed best if the viewer remembers that they are watching a cartoon. Not all laws of physics are obeyed and there are large amounts of silliness especially in the kung fu battles, but the over all feel of the film is so uplifting and fun, it's fantastic to watch.

I fell in love with this movie. I saw it several times in the theater and every time came out just as thrilled and emotionally high as I did the first time (maybe even moreso). Overall this is a great family film and definitely in my top five favorite movies of all time.

So the cynical critics dumped on this movie, and ripped it because they said it lacked plot, character, was too long, etc. Sure, it was a little silly at times - but its based on a cartoon that was a little silly at times. Come on - did you really "love" the last few Academy Award "Best Pictures," like "No Country for Old Men," or "The Departed," on some deep personal level. No you didn't. But if you remember coming home after school and watching Speed Racer the cartoon on the local UHF station on your parent's RCA color tv when you were five or six, you will probably love this movie. Brilliant movies reach you on some deeper emotional level - connecting you with something deep in your gut or past, like those songs that remind you of your feelings, sights, and sounds of a specific night years ago. Well, that qualifies this movie as brilliant. If you don't have that kind of nostalgia, then buy this movie to test the limits of your HD TV. There is so much eye popping high def. candy going on in this movie it takes repeat viewings to catch it all.

Critics gave this film a bad rap. For those of us who grew up with the experience of Speed Racer as an Americanized Japanese cartoon with sometimes outrageous action and clearly defined characters with brilliant nuances, this film delivers on all counts! Everything a Speed Racer fan would expect is present and stylistically depicted in this remarkable treatment. The Wachowski brothers understood very well the appeal of this property and used their Hollywood clout to defy the norm to create a film that was just as eclectic as the cartoon. The English translation of the original cartoon made for an unusual type of story that could not shed its Japanese narrative. Instead of reinventing the story to accommodate the general audiences, Larry and Andy Wachowski chose to create a film version that contains the same nuances as the original cartoons. The major themes being represented makes this a joy for those who loved the cartoon and makes fans out of those who were curious about the film's origins.
Watching Speed Racer (the film) made me want to go back and watch the original cartoons again because of the dramatic special effects and character representation. Audiences will just have to give in to the fragmented storyline and understand that the theme of the film id consistent with the best episodes of the cartoon.
There is one unfortunate scene where Spritle, Speed's kid brother, gives the bad guy the finger. This is totally uncalled for and needless. I found it offensive to the cartoon, but overlooking this, the story and characters are very much what made the source material memorable. Fans will love it and those wishing to experience the original cartoons would be wise to enjoy the original cartoon and then revel in the brilliant achievement of this film.

This is probably the best family film I have seen in years. I saw it during it's opening week, and I absolutely loved it. The movie has a good story with likeable characters, and has a lot of solid family values that I felt set it apeart from typical "flash and bang" movies.

However, that's not to say that the movie does not have lighting fast action scenes and some of the most creative visuals that I have ever seen in a movie. After you see this film, watching NASCAR will look like watching a turtle race. If you need a description, think of Star Wars Episode 1's pod race scene, but with the speed dial cranked up from 5 to 10, and mixed with the video game "F-Zero." Yes, I did compare an aspect of this movie to a video game, but I mean that in the most positive way it can be said.

Overall, this is a love it or hate it movie: if you love it, you will see all the great things the movie has to offer, but if you hate it, you'll just say: "this looks like a cartoon" and move on. The thing is though, that the movie IS a live action cartoon in the truest sense of the word, and the fact that the Wachowsky brothers were brave enough to take a risk and make it is commendable. I just wish that they had been rewarded for it, instead of being chastised by pop culture over the film's poor box office take.

The racing scenes were bleeding spectacular. I mean "spectacular" in a way that has never even been imagined. Honestly, it deserves an Oscar nod just for art design. What's so ingenious about the opening sequence is that it not only sets up all the characters with entertaining and emotional efficiency, but it also establishes how the cars work in this fantasy world. So despite the races being faster than anything you're ever likely to see, the main action beats are always delivered with a clarity and a style that will keep you thrilled beyond belief. Each race is perfectly crafted with the stakes and the challenges rising further and further with each successive scene...until we reach a final showdown that leaves you utterly breathless. Literally. And the "visual vocabulary" of the film is truly innovative. It's like the camera is no object. As an audience member, you've never felt freer. Unlike the stylistic approach of the recent 'Star Wars' prequels, which generally used locked off cameras and relatively tame tracking shots, 'Speed Racer' ducks into, under and around the action in a way that opens up the medium like no other film before it. Compared to other film in its greenscreen sub-genre, this leaves movies like 'Sin City' and '300' looking rather timid by comparison.

But at the heart of it, this is really a film about fathers and their sons. A coming of age story about hope, expectation, and the pain of loss. I found myself with a lump in my throat while watching the movie. Wait, let me rephrase. I found myself with a lump in my throat within ten minutes of the film starting. Emile Hirsch, John Goodman, Susan Sarandon, Matthew Fox and Scott Porter as the young Rex Racer all provide intimate and genuinely moving performances. Make no mistake about it, this film is the definition of joviality on celluloid. But the story is basically driven by the shadow of a lost family member from the very first scene in the film, and that's what really makes the film worth watching. As well as being immersed in a fantasy world of drop dead gorgeous visuals, of course.

In the same way that 'Sin City' was an exaggerated, impressionistic noir, and just as '300' was an exaggerated, impressionistic war movie, 'Speed Racer' plays as an exaggerated, expressionistic 1960s kid's show. Which is exactly what it is. It's campy. It's fun, And it's full of humour and heart. Of course, brooding characters and over-the-top gore is easier to sell than camp, colourful fun, but allowing oneself to become absorbed in the film's style makes for a rewarding experience. I've heard complaints about the film's exposition, but the only scene where I could perhaps understand that criticism was about half way through when Taejo's family troubles were being told. But even that zipped by very quickly and the audience still understands exactly what was at stake in the upcoming race. So if it is a flaw, it's a minor one at best.

The characters are warm and lovable, the villains are wonderfully hissable, the actors' performances are all suitably camp, and the morality tale at the center of it - the battle of family versus corporatism - gives the story a real spirit. And makes the races all that more enthralling to watch. It's infectiously charming, and even at 129 minutes the film glides like a T-180 on ice. I was convinced I was only in there for about thirty minutes, and when it finished I was left gagging for more.

So what's the verdict? While the story wasn't exactly the peak of literary greatness, it was very well told. Despite its two hour plus running time, the narrative was sharp, the emotionality was touching, and the plot turns were genuinely exciting. If the film was not such a special effects extravaganza, it would probably have been given a 4 star rating. But the film DOES have incredible special effects. And it DOES offer an absolutely sublime spectacle. Not only that, but the Wachowskis seem to have yet again set another industry standard - one that will likely be copied and mimicked for years to come. Until the Brothers reinvent the wheel for a fourth time, that is. And as such, the rating for this film is for something that could easily end up becoming highly influential classic.

Bring on 'Speed Racer 2'!

Okay, I'm just going to go ahead and say this -- I enjoy a good epileptic experience every now and then, and this was about the best film out there to fulfill that urge.

That aside, it was a ton of fun in other ways as well. It really hit that nostalgic sweet spot, while still being new and fresh.

You have to keep in mind that it's basically a kid's movie, so you can't expect it to be too serious, deep, or realistic. It's meant to be thrilling, colorful, and even inspiring in some ways, and in my opinion, it achieves those ideals quite well.

Warner Bros would like you to think you are getting a great DVD set of SPEED RACER, all you get is the movie on a 25GB disc with NO that is RIGHT NO HD Lossless Audio TRACK! All you get is standard DD 5.1 track... how old right esp for an eye and ear candy film. Even the recent release of the classic Eastwood films from WB's (the Gauntlet, Every Which Way But) Loose Got LOSSLESS HD audio!

The second disc is a digital copy of the film which I feel digital copies are a waste myself. I could care less.

The Third disc is a sort of game based on the film and you can imagine how bad and useless this will be!

SO in short you are paying a lot for actually not even a Special Edition and you get not so great audio.

I have no idea why "Speed Racer" was lambasted by critics when it was what it was: a popcorn summer blockbuster when the travesty that was "Transformers" got a pass and is getting a sequel. The car racing and the machines were great, I though the plotline was accessible and the actors did a decent job making cartoon characters "believable". What I did find somewhat irritating was the Spritle/ Chim-chim antics which to me became dangerously close to being the "Jar-Jar Binks" of the film. But all in all I left the theater feeling I watched a summer no-thinker movie that made me feel good for the day.

I admit, I was skeptical going into this movie, being a huge Speed Racer fan. I think there are so many incredible things going on in this movie it might be hard for some to really take it all in.

It's a fabulous homage to the series, and just a lot of fun. The Wachowski's put so many little easter eggs (and by that I mean little treats for fans) in the show: from the car jack sound being the same, to having Speed actually don the original outfit, and hiring a composer who incorporated the original theme into the soundtrack while still making it his own at the same time. As far as sticking to the spirit of the original series, I think they hit the bullseye.

The Wachowski's are known for trying out new styles of cinematography, and were successful again with Speed Racer. I loved the editing composition where you've got multiple shots merging together, almost like we're reading the manga (Japanese comic).

I thought the bright colors were great in contributing to the Speed Racer world and making it its own. The actors did a great job "pretending" to drive (as the car scenes are done green screen). It felt like they were really on those tracks doing those impossible stunts Speed Racer is famous for.

The only disappointment I have comes with the DVD and its limited amount of extras. I guess I just expected more--like a commentary, but it's obviously being able to watch the movie again I'm looking forward to most. Buy this DVD or at least rent the movie, it will be worth your while. (I've got a more in-depth review on Speed at deeanimated.wordpress.com)

Your kids will love this DVD. Not only is it lots of fun, it's one of the few movies out there where you have a family that really sticks together. For me it's pretty much up in the top three of best films of 2008. Get it!

While this is obviously on the short list for the worst movie of 2008, I have decided that instead of totally bashing this movie (which is WAAAY too easy to do), I'll list those who might enjoy watching this movie...

1) You always wondered what it would be like to BE INSIDE "Mario Kart" the video game.

2) If the thought of someone pouring hot, melted Starburst candies into your corneas sounds enjoyable.

3) If you've always wondered what it would feel like if you could be stuffed inside of a kaleidoscope and shaken for two hours.

4) You like overacting and cheesy dialogue

5) You like movies that are thrilled to be less or movies that are delusions minus the grandeur.

6) You don't consider a movie enjoyable unless you can walk away with a good headache.

If you are any of the above, ENJOY! If not, you might want to just say "Go Speed Racer! Go (away)!"