Tags:
Journalism of Courage
Cast: Emile Hirsch, Christina Ricci, Susan Sarandon, John Goodman, Matthew Fox
Director:: Andy and Larry Wachowski
For more than two hours, drivers of varying physiognomies vroom past on cars on varying physics across psychedelic tracks and imaginative landscapes which threaten to leave anyone but the hardest of anime fans deaf and blind.
In some ways that8217;s a mercy, for then you can completely give up trying to follow 8220;the action8221;, and digesting lines like 8220;It8217;s not about whether you can change racing, but whether you let racing change you8221;. However, just when Speed Racer looks like it is careening out of control, thoughtfully chosen actors 8212; as much as actors can do in a film where everything else has been manufactured on a computer 8212; keep it on the road. So yes, the cars are impressive, but more is the family that is at the centre of this story: Pops Racer Goodman, Mom Sarandon, their son Speed Hirsch, his girlfriend Trixie Ricci and an elder brother who died a tragic death. That8217;s not counting the youngest Racer, Spritle, among the worst brats to come out of Hollywood, with a chimpanzee that apes him to boot.
The story itself is a proven winner: of an underdog vanquishing the big bosses of sports, with a lot of money, matchfixing and some awfully dirty tricks thrown in.
All in all, Speed Racer isn8217;t for the delicate minded. But if you are belted up and are one of those who agree that what8217;s a game without someone landing a blow or slap, for that matter, hop in and enjoy the ride. Or two. Going by the bend of Racer X8217;s head just as he says goodbye 8212; you know that bend, coupled with that half-mysterious smile 8212; a sequel is very much around the corner.
shalini.langerexpressindia.com
