Speed Racer
By Cory Peynado, Blockbuster.co.uk

“Your son seems to be interested in only one thing. All he talks about, all he seems capable of thinking about... is automobile racing”

The first big anime series to properly cross over from the East to the United States finally gets a shiny new make over in the hot new movie ‘Speed Racer’ This is the story of a young boy with a huge dream; not to be a Doctor, not to be a fancy lawyer… oh no, this kid wants to drive race cars. T180’s to be exact, high powered vehicles that can move at over 400mph.

These days I think the fastest we’re even allowed to travel in our everyday modern motor vehicles is 80 mph at best, and crossing this line usually results in having our grinning little faces snapped by a speed camera. Those of us whose show no regard for this unscrupulous caging of our inner beast only tend to end up building a photo album of blurred government snap shots, a weighty collection of fines and then, alas, a disqualification and an introduction to the public transport system.

There is a place though, where frustrations like this are quashed. Where certain brave and fearless individuals can break every law in the book and even receive a round of applause for it (America you say?) No, I speak of an amazing city called Cosmopolis. A bright bustling homeland where drivers can travel fast and racers can eclipse the speed barriers.

Speed Racer (Emile Hirsch) is the guy we meet first, his Dad (John Goodman) runs an independent racing team and Speed has been wanting to become a race car driver ever since he was little. His mum (Susan Sarandon), younger brother Spritle, pet monkey Chim-Chim and girlfriend Trixie (Christina Ricci) all know about Speed’s lust for racing and although they don’t always show it, they all fully support him.

Things take a turn though when the head of the giant Royalton Corporation tries to persuade Speed Racer to pull out of his fathers racing team and sign a contract with them. Speed now has a big decision to make as to whether to go for the big time or stick with the family business as it looks like this corporation wont take no for an answer.

The essence of the animated series has been captured magnificently in this film. From the colourful city backdrops and clothing to the hyper stylised motor racing on the dangerous racetracks, the Wachowski brothers have done full justice to this classic show.

Although aimed at a slightly younger audience I’m pretty confident that this will be enjoyed by anyone who watches it. The martial arts sequences, the high speed stunts and the likeability of the characters all make this something that absolutely cannot be missed.