Speed Racer

Although my memories of the original Speed Racer cartoon are dim, I do recall Speed with his teeth clenched and foot on the gas, racing in the name of justice against a backdrop that was always a blur. When the guys behind The Matrix, Andy and Larry Wachowski, decided to turn the old school anime into a live-action film, they managed to maintain that saccharine sweet cartoon-y aspect but added a much-needed dose of modern appeal.

For the Racer family, zooming around the track is practically in their blood. With his shiny Mach 5 custom-built by Pops Racer (John Goodman) Speed (Emile Hirsch) is an expert at leaving his opponents in the dust. The only cloud over his smashing success is the memory of his record-breaking older brother, Rex (Scott Porter), the legendary racer who died in a tragic crash. Before long, Speed is approached by Royalton Industries, a big-business conglomerate that wants Speed on their team. After whisking the Racer family off on a private jet to their flashy headquarters, Speed is offered the deal of a lifetime, not to mention a complimentary purple suit. Staying true to his roots, Speed declines and Mr. Royalton goes ballistic. Now that Speed has officially made an enemy out of the most powerful company in the racing circuit, will he be able to continue doing what he loves the most?