SCI FI PI

Released June 12
Starring Emile Hirsch, John Goodman, Christina Ricci, Matthew Fox, Susan Sarandon
Director The Wachowski Brothers
Rated PG





Speed Racer is a kid's movie.

A hell of a kid's movie. It's designed, however, for kids who grew up in the last ten computer game years, not before then. If you can't follow this super-saturated hyper-edited roller coaster of a movie, then your brain is old daddy-o. Old.

For those of us who grew up with Speed Racer on the TV, the shift from small screen to big screen will come as quite a shock.

The proto-anime low-budget morning cartoon was cool, but it hasn't stood the test of time in its original form. The fact that The Wachowskis have stayed true to the original in terms of content comes as quite a shock, and that they have transformed the 2D cartoon world into a 3D cartoon world is even more amazing. There's no dark Matrixy overtones here - this is good clean (if frenetic) fun for the whole family - the 50's family that is.

It's at once nostalgic as it is futuristic, and it employs childish motivations and morals for its characters but gets them to interact in often rather subtle and adult ways. The result is something that is neither Arthur or Martha, and requires a 'sit back and let the tidal wave of colour wash over you' response for it to be an enjoyable experience. For those of attempting to 'get it' there's often too little or too much to get. If you pause and freeze frame, you'll see amazing things pop up for momentary laughs and references, and in other moments you may play them over and over again to no avail.

Sit back and relax - let the Speed Racer light and sound show wash over you.





The 'poptimistic' pallette (as it's been coined) is filled to the brim with lurid pinks, purples and shininess to its CGI that sears the brain. As something to enjoy after several double-caf maxi-cafs, there is nothing quite like it.

The plot has several threads, belying its 'simplistic' story style - winning the next race, finding out who the mysterious Racer X is, fighting the evil corporations that control racing and finding a way for the Racer family can put their past behind them and all just get along.

Essentially, what it all boils down to, is the moment when a boy becomes a man, when he is ready to leave home and take responsibilities for his own actions, no matter how dire they may be. Emile Hirsch and John Goodman do their darnedest to make their interaction seem real, but when you're standing up against neon-coloured backgrounds, it's tough.

If you haven't noticed by now, there's a hell of a lot going on. Throw in a love story (Vanilla Strawberry flavoured) between Emile Hirsch and Christina Ricci and the effect is like a solid wall of audiovisual stimuli.





It's exciting to watch - the car racing sequences are spectacular, the car designs are amazing and the gadgets are so far fetched as to be hilarious. Gamers with experience of racers like Wipeout will be very familiar with the style and format of the racing - super high pace, insane gravity defying tracks, bombs and sneaky gadgets the order of the day.

However, the visual experience is like fireworks - the thrill is momentary.

As the world is so obviously a cartoon, the leap for older audiences into the minds of the characters is pretty much impossible, denying them the rich internal journey that makes a film completely satisfying. That said - the kids will love it. This is like a kiddie nuclear bomb of action and excitement. The sounds of 'Brrrm Brrmm' will soon emanate from cinemas across the country.

That is, if their ADD and Ritalin-riddled brains can handle the more than two hour long screening time. Fingers crossed.