Describing SPEED RACER is kinda like trying to describe an acid trip. A really fun, colorful, shiny acid trip. While some of you may cry foul at the comparison of what's purported to be a kids' film to LSD, I'm surely not the first person in the world to suggest some kids' entertainment was also designed for those experimentally inclined. I mean, I know kids keep all kinds of kooky hours, but Teletubbies at 4am was always a crack up to me. Fortunately, this should be (I hope) completely lost on the young 'uns while being blatantly obvious to the grown ups. The main similarity, aside from the jawdropping visuals and kinetic energy of course, is the simple fact that I think everyone will walk away from the film with a wholly singular experience. I think filmgoers will see SPEED RACER in their own unique way-with no mind altering chemicals required.

Kids and adults alike will be delighted with the spectacular animation style that nearly jumps off the screen. From the get go, the Wachoski's fill every frame with images of dazzling race cars that firmly set the frenetic pace of the film into motion. It is immediately clear that this story exists in its very own universe- the SPEED RACER universe where cars careen impossibly fast around the most dangerous tracks imaginable, and families live in cartoon worlds and have chimpanzees as pets. And yes, Chim Chim is a REAL chimp! No meticulously animated, yet ridiculously fake looking cyber-chimp that took an army of artists to render into existence. A flesh and blood poop-throwing chimp. Its so refreshing to see a list of chimp handlers in the credits versus a list of chimp animators. I digress... Aside from the hyper-real modern animation, the Wachoski's treat us to sequences that appropriately feature various animation styles from the crudely childlike to old school anime shout outs. Even stock footage from vintage races are expertly incorporated into the modern landscape complimenting the retro feel of the film.

While adults as well as kids will undoubtably marvel at the visual gymnastics of SPEED RACER, kids also the have the antics of the ever-mischievous little brother Spritle and his sidekick Chim Chim. The screening was well attended by kiddos, and these two elicited many a good laugh from the younger (and older, for that matter) filmgoers. Grown ups will appreciate fantastic performances by John Goodman and Susan Sarandon as the parents of the famed racer. Though Sarandon is definitely underused in the film, her brief moments on screen are tender and poignant. John Goodman's generous screen time reminds me what a great character actor he is without being over the top. I also found myself reveling in the imagery of Goodman kicking some serious ass in a few well choreographed fight scenes. As for Speed Racer himself, Emile Hirsch is my new teen idol. Aside from being easy on the eyes, though, Hirsch easily slips into the role and takes it seriously without a hint of a wink or a nudge. As his girlfriend Trixie, Christina Ricci is truly captivating. It's a total bonus that she not only looks the part, she can play with the boys too. With her raven sweetheart haircut and bambi eyes, it's like she was born to play a cartoon character. Now if only that live action Betty Boop movie would finally happen...

One of the most surprising elements of the entire film was the story. I went into the screening fully expecting to be oohed and aahed and dazzled beyond my wildest imagination, but what I didn't expect was such a coherent, compelling, and actually meaningful plot with all the universal bells, whistles, and lessons. It's the same simple morality tale of just about any professional sports movie, but told in an incredibly visually stimulating context. Though formulaic throughout, the same old "will he or won't he sell out" equation takes on new meaning in Speed Racer's world.

But let's face it, if you're buying a ticket for SPEED RACER, you're probably not going for the plot. You're more than likely buying a ticket to be entertained and to see something you've never seen before and believe me, SPEED RACER doesn't disappoint.

Until the next time,
Annette Kellerman