Full Movie Review
Genres: Sports, Science Fiction, Comedy
Plot Summary
Speed Racer is the youngest driver in the WRL (World Racing League), and his ultimate goal is to be the best driver in the world. When he was younger, he watched his older brother, Rex after leaving home, compete in the Casa Cristo Cross Country Rally. Rex did not survive that race. Now, James "Speed" Racer is participating in that very same cross country race and is determined to win where his brother did not.
Original Opinion
Before I talk about the movie, I must explain to you about the love/hate relationship I have with the anime. First of all, the US version of the anime is terrible. Probably the worst crap I've seen (back in the day) on television. I have no idea who thought that dubbing was decent enough to be aired, but they should be shot. Even so, I still watched the show. I couldn't help it. There was just something about it that made me want to tune in and find out what happens next. Now that we have that out of the way... When I found out that they were going to do a live action film, I was like "Why?" And I still feel that way today.
Animation/Special Effects
Seizure City! So much flashing lights and crazy crap going on. This is one of those movies where 90% of the movie is CGI. However, it some how works. It doesn't look bad. For this type of movie and what it's based off of, it works real well. Not to mention this entire film was done in 60 days. All in front of a green screen, I might add.
Character Development
We see Speed as a child with only one thing on his mind, and that's racing. Then we see Speed as a young adult with only one thing on his mind, and that's racing. Yet, he somehow gets confused on what he should be doing with his life. Then he figures it out, and that's racing. You now have the basics of the main character's storyline.
Soundtrack
I loved how they randomly used the original theme song from the 60's anime. They also used remixes of it throughout the show and play a full remix during the credits. The final remix has everything from the original intro, to actual voice clips from the English dubbed episodes. I wouldn't say it's good enough to buy, but well worth Youtubing if you ever seen the show.
Original Media
As much as I hated the show, I actually thought the movie was decent. Sadly, they really don't have a ton in common. The idea is there and the feeling is right. Taking something that was done in the 60's and then releasing it now as something new, would be hard. I feel like they did a better job with the movie though. Just because the racing had actual tracks for the most part instead of random cross country stuff the show had. They did do a race that had cross country racing, which was cool. It was like they were paying homage to the original show. The character's personalities were different, except for the kid and his monkey. They were pretty much the same.
Final Opinion
Fun fact for you. This movie was green lighted in 1992. That's right, it took them 15 years to actually film the movie. And in the end it was only 60 days of filming. However, the original version of the movie was a rated R film that had tons of action and Johnny Depp was going to be Speed. With nothing happening for so long, they finally changed it to the family movie that you see now. New actors and all that as well. Anyway, I liked the movie. It's a fun one to watch. Not the greatest, but a lot better then the others I've been seeing so far. I don't care what anyone says, I would buy this if I saw it for a decent price. I suggest everyone giving this a try if they haven't already. Just treat it as a comical family movie and ignore the fact it was an anime at one point.