How The Game Is Played

Go Speed Racer, Go

Okay now for part tow of my weekend.

I went to see "Speed Racer" in Imax with my wife, brother and his SO on Monday.

This is a movie that justifies IMAX. One part original speed racer, one part "power rangers" and one part video-game it is just dripping with visual appeal. That there is a video game aesthetic should come as no surprise to anyone: The film was written and directed by the Wachowski brothers who also brought us The Matrix. Whereas the Matrix though was a dark and brooding videogame, this is all bright lights, garish colors and fast action.

Setting the action in an entire world that looks like a cartoon allowed them to get away with what is probably the most important part of a speed racer cartoon-- the over the top cartoon physics and race car driving. The Mach 5 seems to spend more of its time spinning, flying through the air or sliding sideways then it actually does driving straight ahead. But it "works" in the context of this world its set in.

This really isn't so much an "update" as an opening out of the speed racer story. All the elements I remember from the cartoon are there. The original cartoon aired in the late 60s, and the time period for the film is the late 60s, although a late 60s in this alien cartoon world. The "high tech" in the film all looks like the 60s idea of the future pushed through the lense of a modern 3D animation esthetic.

All in all this move was far better then I expected it to be. Its not deep, but it IS fun, especially for those of us who fondly remember the TV show. It looks gorgeous, even better on a bigger screen. The plot doesnt have many surprises but thats okay. Where this move is going really isnt all lthat important. Just sit in the passenger seat and enjoy the ride!

Posted at 01:22PM May 27, 2008 by gameguy in General  |