Speed Racer
Saturday Morning Cartoons turned spectacular movies–what’s your opinion on these? I know the storylines are never thrilling or original, but I love to watch these movies anyway.
This is what I remember about Speed Racer from my childhood: the fact that I loved it. I would get very excited when it came on. I would watch it with my brothers and sister. I remember Speed’s blue shirt and red hankie. I remember Trixie. I remember the way their mouths formed a circle when they gasped or shouted “Oh no!” and that whenever someone was punched or kicked, the next shot would be of their open mouth shouting “Ow!”
When news of the Speed Racer movie first came out, I was excited. The Wachowski brothers were making it. Awesome. They were going to be using new film technology. Double awesome.
Last night, Husband and I saw it. Despite what others might say, Speed Racer fulfilled all my needs for an entertaining night at the movies, and I’m glad I saw it over Iron Man. Glad I tell you, GLAD! The storyline was—wait for it—Speed Racer vs. The Man. What a surprise. Go, Speed, go. But, oh, what a feast for the eyes. Bright, swirling lights? Check. Sweet rides? Check. Borders on psychedelic? Check. I don’t mind paying ten bucks a pop for movies like this, because they’re worth seeing on a big screen. I hope the technical crew wins big at the Oscars.
Speed Racer still donned his blue shirt and Christina Ricci looked perfect as Trixie, and the score made good use of the Speed Racer theme (though I’m not entirely sure about the ending credits remix). I reminisced over those years of watching that campy cartoon and how it had morphed into this big screen rendition of elaborate race tracks and big to-do special effects. Sigh. My little Speedy is all grown up.
Oh, and kudos to the casting and costuming minds that brought us Matthew Fox clad in black leather AND a mask. Oh, the things I can think…
Yowza.
And now, the countdown to Voltron.
