Speed Racer: Too Much Speed?

It is sufficient to drop a single name in order to offer some clues about a new movie premiere: Wachowski. And moviegoers will already know that the production features overwhelming high-tech effects that would take their breath away.

Andy and Larry Wachowski are masters of the green-screen effects and from this point of view “Speed Racer,” which opens this week-end, is a masterpiece in the domain. Based on the 1960s’ Japanese animation series “Mach GoGoGo,” which were initially inspired by a comic book of the genre, “Speed Racer” is an ineffable blend of elements of reality and of fiction, presented under the most surprising hi-tech wrapping paper.

The masterminds behind “The Matrix” haven’t forgotten the recipe that made their 1999 work so successful: apart from the stunning effects, they also combined subtle cultural elements, like the theme of believing only in one’s reality. Therefore, “Speed Racer” does not elude cultural themes, like the union of family, or the antagonistic relationship between individual and enterprise.

“Speed Racer” follows the precedent set by last week’s premiere, Jon Favreau’s “Iron Man,” and focuses on becoming a super-hero based on one’s own talent, rather than on other external forces, like a genetic mutation or the bite of a spider. Therefore, no more Spiderman, the cinematographic focus is now on self-determination.

As the title of the movie reveals, “Speed Racer” will feature extraordinary races at a head-spinning speed; actually, the movie lasts 2 hours and 9 minutes at the same high speed.  Apart from the extraordinary adventures depicted, the movie highlights once again its fiction, given the undisclosed time and setting; it may be set in some suburbs in the US, and it may be set in the present or the glorious days of the ‘60s.

A serious Emile Hirsch plays the movie’s protagonist, Speed, a young boy passionate about cars, determined to follow up the example of his elder brother Rex. The latter had been a successful car racer until he mysteriously died in a car crash, but not for a moment has he ceased to be a role model for Speed. Then we have Speed’s Dad (John Goodman), a mechanic turned into a car designer, Mom (Susan Sarandon), sensible and sensitive, and the youngest of all, Spritle (Paulie Litt). Speed is also supported by his girlfriend, Trixie (Christina Ricci). From the original cast of the TV series, we also have mechanic Sparky (Kick Gurry) and the pet monkey Chim Chim.

Unfortunately, Speed discovers that behind races there are other interests and declining to be part of them, he will have to face the machinations of Royalton (Roger Allam). The Racers team up to help Speed and Mach 5 win the competition and reverse the disgrace Rex had fallen into.

Apart from the extraordinary races and the vivid, splashing colors the movie provides, there are also some other things interesting enough to be mentioned. Like the fact that none of the cars in the races was real, as they were entirely created by computer masters. The circuits of the races were projected to bear close resemblance to theme parks, where cars hurdle terrifyingly. 

Even though the latest Wachowski production officially targets kids, the additional themes that revolve around the central one of the race make the movie pleasurable and entertaining for parents alike. The fictive adventures convey many messages, such as talent and determination are the quintessence of success, one should follow their dream (no matter what corporate hindrances may appear), or that the union family is not obsolete.  

Speed Racer: Too Much Speed?

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