Movie On Speed

Variety, ever the first to preview any movie, has got a review of Speed Racer already. Nothing terrifyingly shocking nor revealing, in short nothing we're not already expecting from the movie. It's pure cinematic fun in glorious candy colours, with the action emulating the style of the cartoon series. The only shocking thing is that it's more than two hours long!

I have a soft spot for the old series. The animation is weird - sometimes with frames where the characters don't move but the "motion lines" do - and the story is melodramatic and often very silly. But it's got a certain charm that you just got to love. So I think the Wachowskis did a very smart thing with a purely no-frills, PG rated, hyper-realistic thrill ride.

Review coming up early next week. So watch this space.


By the way, if you've ever wondered what the M on Speed's helmet and car stands for, it's not "Mach 5," like most people think. Apparently it's the name of the racing team Mifune Motors, which is also a tribute to the great actor Toshiro Mifune.