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A Pair Of SPEED RACER Reviews And That New Music Video!
Hey, everyone. ”Moriarty” here.
I’m hoping Warner Bros. won’t make me wait until opening day to talk about this movie, because right now, I’m a little amazed by the negativity still buzzing around it. I’ve seen it, and although I can’t review it, I don’t think it’s some sort of state secret to say I think it’s pretty great.
Still... I’ll hold off for now and let this first spy offer his opinion instead:
Dear Harry,
I’m a long-time reader, but this is only the second review I’ve written for Ain’t It Cool. The first was a review for “The Passion of the Christ” a few years ago when I saw an advance preview for pastors at Willow Creek Community Church in Chicago. The other day I got a surprise invitation from my brother to see “Speed Racer” here in St. Louis. He’s on staff at a church in the area, where I also attend, and a gentleman in the church has a daughter who works for a PR firm that represents Warner Bros. They were putting on a screening here in St. Louis, and she was allowed to invite a few people.
The screening was held at the Des Peres 14 Cinema on the west side of St. Louis. This particular theatre is also the headquarters for the Wehrenberg theatre chain that has many locations in the area. We arrived a little before 10 a.m., met the gentleman’s daughter who had invited us, and were escorted through a series of halls featuring all kinds of memorabilia. We didn’t have time to look at it very long, but I remember seeing posters and other items related to “Star Wars,” “Gone with the Wind,” and “Psycho.” There was also a life-sized stuffed lion. I’m pretty sure that wasn’t connected to “Star Wars.”
We reached the theatre and went inside. It was a small room with about 30 comfortable seats and a small conference table down front. There were a grand total of seven of us in the room. The projectionist came in and asked if we were ready, and the movie began. I’ll give my thoughts on several aspects of the film:
STORY – If you’re reading this review, you probably already know the story. For those who don’t, I’ll summarize: As his name suggests, Speech Racer (Emile Hirsch) thinks about one thing: racing. He comes by it naturally, since it’s a family affair. His Dad (John Goodman) runs an independent racing team. His Mom (Susan Sarandon), younger brother Spritle (along with his pet monkey Chim-Chim) and girlfriend Trixie (Christina Ricci) all contribute in their own ways. Speed’s older brother Rex was presumably killed in a racing accident years earlier. When the head of the giant Royalton corporation tries to persuade Speed Racer to sell out and join his team, the answer is a clear “no,” which doesn’t go down well. Speed Racer sneaks off to participate in a race, and Royalton and his racing thugs try to take him down. The rest of the story consists of Speed Racer and his family taking on Royalton to expose his corruption and win the ultimate victory in the Grand Prix race. Along the way Speed is assisted by the mysteries Racer X (Matthew Fox).
ACTING – I don’t know what I was expecting, but I was surprised at the level of acting. The original material isn’t exactly Shakespeare. But I was taken aback and how well the family drama played, especially the tension between Pops (the Dad) and his sons Speed and Rex (via flashback). Perhaps because I have a 4-year old son myself, I thought this was actually one of the most effective elements in the movie. Susan Sarandon and Christina Ricci do well in their roles, although they aren’t really the focus. The movie is obviously geared toward the 12-year old crowd, since Spritle and his money are featured generously throughout. Emile Hirsch also gives a surprisingly emotional performance in what could easily be a cartoon caricature.
VISUALS – What would a Wachowski Bros. movie be without cool special effects? The most noticeable thing that sets the visuals apart is the bright color palette. This is a direct contrast to all of the deep, dark depressing movies these days. It is a visual opposite to “The Dark Knight.” The colors are bright and in your face. I give the directors props for doing something different here. But could they do something different with racing scenes? In a word—yes! The racing is very creative, and even though it’s not realistic in any sense (and it doesn’t need to be), they somehow managed to put things on screen we’ve never seen before. The cars, particularly the Mach 5 and Mach 6, are extremely cool. I felt like a little kid again seeing them on screen.
RATING – I mention the rating not because it’s a particular concern to anyone reading this site, but because I was surprised at the language in the film. There are a few mild expletives, and Spritle gives a bad guy the “finger” in one scene. I was under the impression the movie was going to be rated G, and this will surely be a PG.
Overall, I give the movie and thumbs up for providing a fun film that is mostly family-friendly. Don’t expect anything vastly deep or meaningful from the movie—it’s just Speed Racer. But it’s sure a lot of fun. By the way, the gentleman’s daughter (who was the PR rep) mentioned something about setting up screenings for “The Dark Knight” in IMAX. If I’m lucky enough to see that one, I’ll be sure and send a review.
If you use this, call me “Music Prof.”
This next guy reviewed the film for his own blog and then sent us this heads-up:
Hey Harry
I was at a press screening of Speed Racer in London today! I have a review live on my own site CPC Movies here!
Feel free to use it on AICN. Please label me as either Dreddcucumber or Darth Mattitude of CPC Movies if you do.
And finally, about a dozen of you sent me the heads-up on the MySpace exclusive debut of the music video for the theme song. The song itself does nothing for me aside from the samples from the original, but the footage is outrageous. My one warning is that it might actually be too much footage if you haven’t seen the film yet. The end of the video is one of my favorite visual flourishes in a film overstuffed with them.
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+ Expand All
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Yeah boy
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Speed Racer is gonna be good fun. We all knew it.
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I still don't know if I really wanna watch it in theatres or wait for the DVD, but I guess the visuals must be experienced on the big screen.
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The best line in that film-
"We found a couple of wrecked speeders back there."
Must have been a helluva comedown. -
Plants know we're too lazy to go somewhere else for the review. The first one, on the other hand has the phrase "isn’t exactly Shakespeare" which is usually a plant tell, but he then follows it with the aimed at 12 year olds comment. A tough call, and I am more than prepared to accept that my plant detector is set to sueprsensitive on this after some of the bullshit "reviews" and postings we've seen.
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HAHAHAHAHA
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1i6zLG_QKEk
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Was it alive? Was it huge?
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They should have made this move "G."
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I don't understand the Iron Man positivity. guys, just because it's the first summer movie doesn't mean you have to go see it.
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I wanna see....
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Easy, because it sucks like a dyson.
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to Dark-Realistic portrayals in fantasy films,if something like this comes along and its big and bright expect the worst from the fans.
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SUPER GAY!
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Who thougt that was a good idea? Hopefully the poor guy is able to work with it. He looks like Daredevil or something. I suppose it's in keeping with the visual tone so maybe it won't stand out too much.
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I'm more hyped for this film than Indy, Iron Man, and most of all NarzzzzZZznia. Iron Man & Indy look to deliver, but Speed Racer looks to be a total freakin' blast. IMAX? Yes, please.
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I'm sorry but all the pretty pictures and the colors in the world could not make that 'song' seem anything other than the pure moronic excrement it is..HEY LETS SAMPLE THE ORIGINAL AND PUT SOME BAD RAPPING ON IT.
I'll try and stay open minded, but everything about this movie is deeply suspicious...people think Cloverturd was good too, i try to keep that in mind. -
he's a commentator on wheels!
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I wrote the review and I promise I'm not a plant. I just thought it was an entertaining, fun movie.
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Are you joking? Dude is perfectly cast as Racer X, from the look of things.
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Babysat my niece over the weekend, and while she watched Cartoon Network I swear the pimped this thing every single set of commercials. This thing is for 8 year olds guys, not for us. And rightfully so. If I was eight, I'm sure I'd be freaking out over this and trying to get all the hotwheels toys and such. It's such a transparent money grab. Sorry, but I'll netflix it.
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I'm sure the casting is fine, I love him in Lost. I just mean the costume... Sure, it looks like the cartoon costume, but that's not always a good thing.
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ATTA BOY, LUTHOR!
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the theme song. i'm excited about the movie but that song... holy balls, that's awful.
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That was fucking cool, yeah the end with Speed jumping out the car was da bomb yo.
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I have tried, but I just can't get into the vibe.
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No Keanu, sunglasses and techno music = nice
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I can't see the whole thing! Maybe that's good, I'll definately be licking the IMAX screen on day 1!
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Eiji Wentz's "Awaking Emotion 8/5" is a much better theme. Never mind it was already the theme for another anime to live-action movie (That Eiji starred in), but it fits more than this irritating trip hop song.
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Apr 28, 2008 1:34:03 PM CDT
The racing is so fast in Speed Racer that it doesn't mean anythi
by orionsangels
I can't even take it in. Don't blink. Ridiculous.
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What the hell is this future world speed racer lives in? The cartoon was never like that.
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Oh word, I guess I see what you mean. I'm just looking forward to seeing him play somebody a total 180 from Jack.
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I know the Watchowski's are anime loving nerds, but seriously, shit like this has been languishing as the food of only the uber-sad for a long time precisely because it's the sort of junk that would only appeal to a 5 year old.
Frankly Equity cards should be cut up for this. -
I liked the video, but not the music. It started out just fine with the classic song being played, but took a turn for the worse. I have a feeling that the movie is going to be awesome though.
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"The haters are owned" ??? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!
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Only a cynical troglodyte living in a basement fortress couldn't love that clip. Looks like a blast.
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Damn You Michael Bay
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that looks like shit ..
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I mean, even the Dungeons & Dragons trailer didn't have me wanting to puke as quickly as this thing. And how does getting some rappers make a lame song from the 50s (60s?) cool? They should have come up with a completely new theme and maybe had a riff or two in "tribute" to the cartoon. I definately won't be looking for this vid on iTunes.
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That looked fucking great. My eyes are going to be bleeding after this one. The song sucked though. If only I went to a church that had people who could get me in to see this early.
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This looks bloody tremendous. If you hate on SPEED. You hate on awesome. You awesome hating bastards!
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"We reached the theatre and went inside." ... i would have hoped so.
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Souless Eye candy for the mush brains
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I'm actually a horse... well I'm not really a horse... I'm actually a broom...
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Apr 28, 2008 7:24:35 PM CDT
They use EXPLETIVES and someone gives the FINGER in a G-RATED FI
by gozu
FUCK THAT SHIT!
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EVERYTHING JUST MAKES ME SO ANGRY! ON TOP OF THAT MY CAPS LOCK KEY IS BROKEN! ARRRGH!
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Music Prof is either a plant or subconsciously immersed in plant technique. He covers all the bases.
1) "Long-time reader".
2) Really really unnecessarily long explanation of where he saw the movie, to establish that he did see it and isn't making this up.
3) Spells all the actors' and characters' names impeccably.
4) Is careful not to give away any plot spoilers.
5) Addresses audience's low expectations ("I don't know what I was expecting"), then attempts to inject some enthusiasm ("but I was surprised at the level of acting").
6) Tells you that it's not just for kids, because it has 'relationships' in it. "I was taken aback and (sic) how well the family drama played". Ie, this isn't just for the kiddies, folks! Parents will enjoy this too! Even your girlfriend might!
7) Establishes his parental credentials to tell you whether you should like this movie. "I have a 4-year old son myself".
8) Defends a controversial aspect of the movie - in this case, the cartoony feel of the FX. "This is a direct contrast to all of the deep, dark depressing movies these days." "...it's not realistic in any sense (and it doesn't need to be)". Who talks like that unless they have an agenda?
9) Tells you how cool the effects are. "The racing is very creative... they somehow managed to put things on screen we've never seen before."
10) Continues to attempt to widen the audience by mentioning that there's obscene gestures and mild swearing in it. This isn't just for the kiddies, folks!
11) Says something mildly negative about the movie, then immediately undercuts it (again). "Don't expect anything vastly deep or meaningful from the movie", *but* "it's just Speed Racer".
12) Manages to get through the entire review without actually criticising anything about the movie.
13) "If you use this, call me..."
Oh, and as a bonus, insert some hype about another upcoming Warner Bros movie. However, since that movie currently has *good* press, plug the IMAX version instead. Go team.
I don't know why I'm bothering doing this (twice now), since I'm not even a Speed Racer fan and I have no interest in seeing the movie.
My reaction to a previous Speed Racer 'review' can be found here:
http://tinyurl.com/46nd9p -
in this Speed Racer movie? I seem to remember a young guy in a baseball cap that worked on Speed's car along with Pop.
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I hope it makes a bazillion dollars. I kinda think it will. But it sounds like Iron Man might be the big summer hit.
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was about big robots hitting each other, this is all about cars going very fast and doing impossible things. Everything else is just McGuffin.
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I heard he was in it too, but was older for some reason.
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That's the guy! I knew his name was somehow related to auto goods. Why no mention of him I wonder.....
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now eat your pie Mrs.Mumblecakes all that sweet, sweet pie.
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It's PG rated, dude.
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I'm a little upset. Looks like the old Mach 5 gets trashed at some point. Quite a few shots have the new '6' on the car, and a new steering wheel.
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There was an Indy Racer version and some other cars built by Pops. Of course, mostly he's in the Mach 5, and I'm sure most of this movie he will be too.
I don't think the Mach 5 gets trashed in other words. He probably just swaps out. -
Chim Chim for president? Don't be silly. He won't be 35 for several years.
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I hope the movie slows down from time to time to establish some sense of reality. It's great to see a PG rated movoe with ninjas, guns and violent car deaths. A nice break from CGI animals and fart jokes that Disney delivers now. I thought the look in the clips was the 1960's mixed with some unknown future world. Racer X carries an 1896 Broomhandle Mauser, so that's a plus.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPjoYSnb8A8
dated, but amusing near the end. -
please, we can fucking see for ourselves thanks...it looks dodgy as fuck...hopefully i WONT BE...dont blame other people if they dont drool and gaggle like a bunch of fucking 5 year olds.
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excellent post- but you missed one: 14) Turns up in TB, once, to defend self, but completely lacks credibility.
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A benevolent dictator along with his assistant, Spritle. Together they will make sure that everyone on Earth has access to CANNNDDDYYYY!!! BECAUSE THEY LOVE CAAAANNNNDDYYYYYY!!!!
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Apr 29, 2008 5:55:14 AM CDT
Hating On Haters That Hate Haters: The True Brand Of Moron
by laserpants
And don't even get me started on the haters that hate the haters that hate the haters that hate the haters. Because those guys are the WORST. STOP HATING HATERS THAT HATE HATERS THAT HATE HATERS THAT HATE HATERS THAT HATE HATERS THAT HATE HATERS THAT HATE HATERS THAT HATE HATERS THAT HATE HATERS THAT HATE HATERS THAT HATE HATERS THAT HATE HATERS THAT HATE HATERS THAT HATE HATERS THAT HATE HATERS THAT HATE HATERS THAT HATE HATERS THAT HATE HATERS THAT HATE HATERS THAT HATE HATERS THAT HATE HATERS THAT HATE HATERS THAT HATE HATERS or not.
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Honestly can't wait to see this.Nothing serious, just pure fun!
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Geez that music sucked - I mean..wow it sucked. Guess WB wants to keep it real or jiggy or somethin...but Giacchino has a great version of the theme in the end credits...why not just use that? The visuals were awesome but the music here sucked balls.
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I now understand why everything thinks I'm a plant: because I actually liked something and wrote a positive review of a movie. Why does virtually everyone who participates in talkback on this site feel the need to tear everything down and nitpick everything to death? So I liked Speed Racer and thought it was an entertaining flick--what's wrong with that? Why can't someone just take joy in a fun movie and be positive about it without ripping every creative choice apart?
I know why people think I'm a plant: because I tried to write a coherent, intelligent review and actually proofread it before I sent it. And because I was positive about the movie. Why is that a crime? -
;) In fact, LMAO.
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Don't worry, Speed drives the Mach 5 in the first two races, it does not get trashed at all... the reason why he drives the Mach 6 in the Grand Prix is because the Grand Prix cars have to be a certain body type... the Mach 6 also gets a super-turbo engine.And don't worry musicprof, some still think I was/am a fucking plant too. Outrageous.
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Honestly.
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Some of them are obviously paid for by a rival studio to try and get us to watch Baby Mama instead... sad...And why the fuck are we complaining about the music... Kiddy flicks tend to have one or two tracks that are annoying and that probably only play during the closing credits, and besdes this is a fucking video made for the MySpace and MTV crowd... what did you expect? The actual composed instrumental film score??? Besides, we already got a chance to hear that and it was nice...
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Is not someone who says, "meh... I'm not digging those visuals." It's those that go "THIS IS SHITTY AND YOU'RE WRONG AND THIS FILM WILL BOMB I AM RIGHT!" The hypocracy is outright hilarious... Remember Sin City? You fuckers were jizzing all over it! What was that? Realistic?? I bet more people will be alienated by Sin City's visuals in black and White than Speed Racer. I actually know people who hated the movie and refused to see it based on the visuals alone. Not me though... I'm not an uptight asshole. I can appreciate films with a different visual approach and that gives me awesome points!
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Is the world in the film based in the 1960's or a future time? The scenes I see show 1960's "Atomic" style decor mixed with crazy made up worlds. What's the deal?
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and i loved every second of it.
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This one's okay... in a sort of Will Smith's "Wild Wild West" update of a song--- but the W Bros. should've just cleared ALPHA TEAM's classic "Go, Speed, Go!", for the new soundtrack:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8je54V17OY0
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That's a good question. The best I can explain is that the directors have attempted to bring the cartoon world into reality, but with a blend of the 60's and some kind of futuristic vibe. The crazy-wild race tracks are a good example. But there is also an element of realism, as when they show the Mach 5 being rebuilt, and at least one scene where a phone (or some other device; can't recall specifically) is labeled "Motorola."
I know this movie is not everyone's cup of tea, and it will be overshadowed by other major summer movies, but at least it was really visually interesting.
Oh, and it has a VERY Japanese influence through and through, which is totally fine since the cartoon originated in Japan. Where many other American directors would have re-imagined it as an American thing, they really stuck to its roots. -
It looked very 60's chic in some of the scenes (kitchen). I am a fan of the original show (own every episode) as well as Mid-Century decor, so that's why I was asking.
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