Speed Racer movie

[TheMarvell]

So, all my friends were busy this weekend, and I wanted to get out, and since I knew nobody I knew would ever go see this movie, I decided to take a trip to the movies by myself (first time I've ever done that, might I add) and see Speed Racer.

The best thing I can say about it is that if you've seen the previews, you know what you're getting into. I found the movie utterly ridiculous while simultaneously being utterly entertaining because of it. And really, I couldn't think of a better way to make a Speed Racer movie. And I've never seen a movie use SOOOO many bright colors splashed across the screen.

But with that said, I think in order to get any enjoyment out of this movie you have to either A) have watched the old cartoons as a kid and liked them, or B) be a part of the demographic, or understand that the movie is targeted towards boys ages 7-10. I would think that if you weren't a fan of the show though, or care about the demographic, then this would be one of the worst movies ever for you, lol.

and in that case it's hard to really review a movie like this, but I thought I'd share my thoughts all the same. It was so ridiculous in a way that I couldn't help but like it since I remember the cartoon being equally as ridiculous but entertaining. I think it also helped that the movie had a pretty stellar cast as well.

[Previsionary]

*looks at old thread :P*

I was considering watching this when i saw the preview pics, but when I saw promos and trailers I decided to pass. From what I can gather, it pulled a Matrix and kept introducing plots (major and minor) and never really finishing some of them off and all those vibrant colors are something I'd like to call...seizure inducing.

Anyway, last I checked, the movie was still faring under the film's budget so it's in the bomb area movie wise. This means the next anime movie will really have to step up its game.

[catwhowalksbyhimself]

The so-called experts are saying it's precisely because of the demographic.  Boys 7-10 is a VERY narrow audience.  In addition, polls taken of movie goer indicate that every other group overwhelmingly does not like it.  Why would a family go to see a movie that only one kid wants to see?  I imagine families prefer movies that everyone can enjoy, and not just a single person.

[TheMarvell]

Yeah, I can understand why it tanked. I could tell from the previews that it was only going to appeal to a very specific audience, and even then it will be hit or miss. It's one of those movies I can honestly say is really stupid under normal movie-goer circumstances, but I, as an old fan of the show, enjoyed it all the same. I doubt there'll be a sequel, and it's just as well, there doesn't need to be anymore than one Speed Racer movie.

as for "pulling a Matrix," well, I never really noticed any loose plot threads. Mainly because there isn't much plot to begin with. It's essentially "corrupt businessman controls the races and Speed has to stop him." The only other thread I can think of deals with Racer X, and that follows almost exactly how the show did it.

[JeyNyce]

Even though it was targeted to a small group, this movies screams "put me on Blu-Ray".  I think it would look nice on a HD setup.

[Ajax]

I can say as someone who didn't grow up with the show but did happen to catch some of the reruns while growing up, that I loved this movie. I went with a friend and it was ridiculous, but in a fun way. Also I loved the visual style, heck it's the thing that made me want to see the movie in the first place. I've never seen a sky so blue :P. I think the reason this movie isn't doing as well as it should is the visual style is too different for some. I wouldn't be surprised if ten years down the line people hail this movie as some sort of achievement in film making (just because of the visual style).

[UnkoMan]

I saw it with a few people. Almost everybody thought it was incredible. Granted, most of us are in video production at least semi-professionally. My girlfriend, who is not, thought it was a very stupid movie but she had to admit she had a really fun time watching it.

Visually this movie is great. I hope that it does hold the test of time and gain a cult following when the DVD comes out. Story wise... well, it's Speed Racer. My girlfriend, who knew nothing about the plot, saw every twist a mile away. Of course she did. It's very obvious. But I don't think that detracts at all. The actors did great, for what it was. The movie looked great. And sure, they could have cut down some of the super slow "emotional" parts (plus the part where Spritle and Chim Chim warn of kissy, and the long montage of lines that have already happened), but the movie still holds up with them.

Anyhow, I quite enjoyed its hyper kinetivity.

[docdelorean88]

I can say as someone who didn't grow up with the show but did happen to catch some of the reruns while growing up, that I loved this movie. I went with a friend and it was ridiculous, but in a fun way. Also I loved the visual style, heck it's the thing that made me want to see the movie in the first place. I've never seen a sky so blue :P. I think the reason this movie isn't doing as well as it should is the visual style is too different for some. I wouldn't be surprised if ten years down the line people hail this movie as some sort of achievement in film making (just because of the visual style).

I found it hilarious!!! They kept the tone of the TV series while introducing a nice realistic twist on it. I also thought that the graphics were very nice because they couldn't have even made this movie without trying to capture the JAPANESE aspect. Which was the bases of the entire show!!! So, (as i interpret it) They tried to capture the japenese influence of today and tomorrow.

The best character matches were Spridle and Chim Chim. That bit with the candy drawer, was practically DIRECTLY from the cartoon. All they did was eat sleep and sneak into the mach 5!

As a person who has expierienced too many tv into movies gone bad, (DUDLEY DOORIGHT, spongebob, bewitched, Josie and the Pussycats, Leave It to Beaver, Mr. Magoo, The brady bunch, hey arnold, some of The Adams Family movies ETC... ) I think somone has finally learned how to make a good TV show themed movie! :thumbup: