Speed Racer (2008)

Man, I was lucky to catch a sneak preview of this movie during my holiday here. (I will repeatedly use the phrase "intended to be campy" on purpose to prove my point of the movie).

The Wachowski brothers deliver once again. The special effects are simply beautiful to the eyes and the action sequences are stylistically cool. Among all the films of May, this one rightfully deserves an Academy Award. Also, the use of blue screen gives the film a great live-anime fell to it, as the Wachowskis promised.

See Emile Hirsch, John Goodman, Susan Sarandon, Christina Ricci, Matthew Fox and even Korean pop sensation Rain (of all people) ham it up on the big screen. Yes, it's campy, but that is what makes this movie great. It is intended to be campy, just like the whip-smart and fast dialogue of the old anime I grew up with. The story is also great, it doesn't stray far from the anime. There are some twists, but overall it is truthful and loyal. Fans of the old anime will not be disappointed as the storyline is slightly strayed away from the old anime series, however, more or less it's still the same.

Filming techniques are well handled, you will see how in the movie, especially during conversation parts. The action scenes are great, as well as some campy fight scenes. But all is well, and I'm cool with that.

I do not understand all the hate towards this movie as it is superb fun. However, the film is a bomb. It is extremely underrated. Hopefully, it will be a cult favorite, as stated by a fellow user.

Do not listen to all the haters. Like Snakes on a Plane, it is intended to be campy. If you just wanna have fun, watch this movie. It is a popcorn film that is a true sight at the cinema. The Wachowski Brothers clearly state that this is aimed for families, so I highly recommend this movie to parents to take their kids out and see this film for a fun time during summer vacation.

Oscar worthy? For the special effects and set design, yeah.

Entertainment value: 10/10

Overall value: 8.4/10

Delton