I read the reviews saying it was horrible, but had to go anyway - as a fan of Speed, Trixie and Racer X from way back, I'd been looking forward to the Speed Racer movie since the first preview, many months ago. We went on Saturday night to the 740 show and it was LOVE at first sight - we stayed and watched the 1040...
...show too! This post is not a movie review - it's a love letter to a mind blowing-ly intense visual experience - the level of design detail in this film is unbelievable.
Super saturated color, video game-shaming race sequences, amazingly fashionable villians and good guys, wacky kung fu fighting and Chim Chim all rolled into one - this movie is one I'll be thinking about for a LOOONG time.
I can't even say I really 100% love this aesthetic - it is a cartoon universe after all, but I was simply blown away by the care and amazing attention to creating this world; from the sneakers to the boardrooms to Trixie's eye makeup. The interiors are total overkill, a futuristic retro mashup done up in intense colors that are brighter than bright and flat as can be.
And frankly, we totally enjoyed the story telling - the ending is happy (cheaters never prosper!) and the pacing is frenetic but wonderful, as giant closeups of the characters heads create the transitions between scenes. The entire road rally sequence is so fantastic and crazy, I can't even begin to explain...it's just an out and out pop overload that we HAD to see again to believe. Pure fun.
I realize that I may be in a (very) small minority due to my undying love for the Speed Racer movie (the reviews really were dismal and box office is horrible - I just don't get it!) but I had to share my thoughts. I simply can't imagine that the image-loving readership of AT wouldn't find this movie intriguing...even if only for the shots of Pop and Mom Racers kitchen...
...and from The Kitchn:
Best Movie Kitchens: Speed Racer's Futuristic Mid Century
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
There was a brief post on the set design of Speed Racer earlier, and I'm in 100% agreement. Story telling was kinda poopy, but the visual design was totally awesome and innovative and I can't wait to see it in Imax.
view robotropolis's profile
I had been waiting for a Speed racer live action film since I was 5 years old (almost 35 years in the waiting) and frankly the makers of the Matrix did not disappoint. I thought the story was good, I liked the fact that it was made as a family film, and the visual design was stunning. Was it a bit long, yes, but small price to pay. The use of the futuro/retro imagery was fantastic. I love the mirror over John Goodman's right shoulder in the screen cap above. I have felt like I was the only person in the world who actually liked the movie.
view streepyj's profile
i agree wholeheartedly...visually stunning. the wallpaper in speed's bedroom! the faceted glass in the entryway to the racer home! the mikasa-esque breakfast set in the picture above! all fantastic.
a bit like the discussion last week about the movie "p.s. i love you." an eye candy treat if you can overlook the weak story. still both movies worth it just for the scene dressing.
view Heidi Sue's profile
I too felt a little silly that the 10-year old boys behind me were the only ones as enthusiastic as myself, but I thought that the movie was pretty spectacular. I can overlook a lot of plot loops for a kitchen like that.
view paulagibbs's profile
I LOOOOOOVED it - except for the 30 excessive minutes of dialogue that could have been cut. But seriously - a wicked fun movie - and if you've got any interest at all you've GOT to see it on a big screen!
view Modfan's profile
i loved this movie too - as everyone has said its all in the visuals but the story, while cheesy, wasn't sooo awful to sit through. it was a kid/family film, what do you expect?
i dont understand why its gotten so many negative reviews either - it just looks so damn cool!
view bluetoes's profile
I'm so glad there are a few people that agree with me! I was on the edge of my seat the entire movie, waiting to see more! It was so visually exciting, i too saw it twice!
view elizabethy's profile