Post by Neverending on Nov 18, 2014 18:30:39 GMT -5
MAY 2008
Dracula
Doomsday
Jibbs
PhantomKnight
Knerys
Dracula
Doomsday
Jibbs
PhantomKnight
Knerys
Matrix_Fan
Speed Racer
Directed By The Wachowski Brothers
Running Time 2 Hours and 15 Minutes
Speed Racer is a live action adaptation of the popular 1967 anime of the same name, which was originally called Mach A Go Go Go in Japan. When the project was finally greenlit by Warner Bros., I was a little unsure how they would pull it off, considering all the bad live action anime adaptations in the past. However, when the Wachowski Brothers were announced as the writers and directors, I was a lot more excited, considering they directed one of my favorite film trilogies of all time, The Matrix Trilogy. With it's philosophical storytelling and anime style action, it was quickly on the list of my favorite trilogies, besides, any trilogy that turns Jesus in to a superhero is awesome in my book. When the first theatrical trailer for Speed Racer debuted, not only did the film sky rocket to the top of my anticipated movie list, but my eyes exploded, due to the imagery and action on screen. Unfortunately, everyone else had the opposite reaction, and as much as I tried to defend it, it only got worse. After the successful eye transplant, I vowed not to let anyone stop me from seeing this movie, cause dammit, if it sucks, I want to find out myself.
Upon hearing about how the Wachowskis wanted to stay as true to the source as possible, I decided to watch all 52 episodes on DVD. After watching them all, my head then exploded, cause even though the plot was cheesy and the dialouge was sometimes too fast, the show had an undeniable charm, making it extremely cool. After all was said and done, I purchased my midnight IMAX tickets and ran into the theater with Darth, and another guy who didn't have any hopes for it.
The story is a re imagining of the TV show, though containing most of the key elements, made some small, but significant changes. In the original series, Rex Racer crashed his car during a big race, and after a fight with pops, runs away from home. In the film, Rex still runs away, but to join a corporation, not cause his car crashed. Possibly months later, Rex is thought to be dead in a horrible car wreck. Though this is a change, I welcomed it as it presented more drama for the characters. The other change is that Sparky isn't the same age as Speed, more like a few years older, but he's still his best friend.
Aside from that story detail, the plot concerns a multi billion(possibly trillion) dollar corporation called lead by a man named Royalton, trying to get Speed to join their group, when Speed refuses, Royalton reveals a plot about fixed races and what it does to the stock market, followed by predicting a future loss for Speed. After Speed loses a race (prediction came true) he is recruited by Inspector Detector (YES!) to help him take down Royalton by competing in a cros country race. With the help of the mysterious Racer X, and another racer named Taejo, the three go on the cross country race with a souped up version of Speed's Mach 5, with all sorts of gadgets and gizmos.
The first half of the film, aside from two really good action moments, focuses more on the family element of the story, which gives the film some much needed emotional weight. The performances in this first half are top notch, considering the source material. I applaud the Wachowski's for not trying the fast talking, as it would have diminished the smaller, more dramatic moments. There are also some nice comedic bits with Spritle and his monkey Chim Chim, which helped lighten the mood. It's surprising to see a Hollywood tent pole picture with some character development for a change.
After that, the 2nd half of the film is just goes crazy.
Aside from two great moments that were revealed in the trailers, the racing scenes are absolutely mindblowing. The pod race in Star Wars Episode 1 ain't got squat compared to what Speed Racer has to offer. The races are off the wall insane, and the real reason why people went to see the movie in the first place. The visual effects, while somewhat simple looking on the outside, fits the cartoon tone the film is going for. Gone are the laws of physics and believability, all for the best. The cars all perform some really extraordinary moves, cementing that this is pure anime.
I can't reveal much after that, cause really, this HAS to be seen to be believed.
The score by Michael Giacchino fits the film very well, not only providing rich, triumphant, heart pounding music, but also incorporating the original theme very well. With Alias, Lost, The Incredibles, and Rattatoullie under his belt Michael is definitely one of the best composers in the last 10 years.
Granted, the film is a little on the long side, and there was only one Spritle and Chim Chim moment that wasn't all that needed, but really, this is a minor as minor can be. You couldn't take the smile off my face if you were the Joker with a knife. Speed Racer is back, and he is awesome.
10/10
Speed Racer
Directed By The Wachowski Brothers
Running Time 2 Hours and 15 Minutes
Speed Racer is a live action adaptation of the popular 1967 anime of the same name, which was originally called Mach A Go Go Go in Japan. When the project was finally greenlit by Warner Bros., I was a little unsure how they would pull it off, considering all the bad live action anime adaptations in the past. However, when the Wachowski Brothers were announced as the writers and directors, I was a lot more excited, considering they directed one of my favorite film trilogies of all time, The Matrix Trilogy. With it's philosophical storytelling and anime style action, it was quickly on the list of my favorite trilogies, besides, any trilogy that turns Jesus in to a superhero is awesome in my book. When the first theatrical trailer for Speed Racer debuted, not only did the film sky rocket to the top of my anticipated movie list, but my eyes exploded, due to the imagery and action on screen. Unfortunately, everyone else had the opposite reaction, and as much as I tried to defend it, it only got worse. After the successful eye transplant, I vowed not to let anyone stop me from seeing this movie, cause dammit, if it sucks, I want to find out myself.
Upon hearing about how the Wachowskis wanted to stay as true to the source as possible, I decided to watch all 52 episodes on DVD. After watching them all, my head then exploded, cause even though the plot was cheesy and the dialouge was sometimes too fast, the show had an undeniable charm, making it extremely cool. After all was said and done, I purchased my midnight IMAX tickets and ran into the theater with Darth, and another guy who didn't have any hopes for it.
The story is a re imagining of the TV show, though containing most of the key elements, made some small, but significant changes. In the original series, Rex Racer crashed his car during a big race, and after a fight with pops, runs away from home. In the film, Rex still runs away, but to join a corporation, not cause his car crashed. Possibly months later, Rex is thought to be dead in a horrible car wreck. Though this is a change, I welcomed it as it presented more drama for the characters. The other change is that Sparky isn't the same age as Speed, more like a few years older, but he's still his best friend.
Aside from that story detail, the plot concerns a multi billion(possibly trillion) dollar corporation called lead by a man named Royalton, trying to get Speed to join their group, when Speed refuses, Royalton reveals a plot about fixed races and what it does to the stock market, followed by predicting a future loss for Speed. After Speed loses a race (prediction came true) he is recruited by Inspector Detector (YES!) to help him take down Royalton by competing in a cros country race. With the help of the mysterious Racer X, and another racer named Taejo, the three go on the cross country race with a souped up version of Speed's Mach 5, with all sorts of gadgets and gizmos.
The first half of the film, aside from two really good action moments, focuses more on the family element of the story, which gives the film some much needed emotional weight. The performances in this first half are top notch, considering the source material. I applaud the Wachowski's for not trying the fast talking, as it would have diminished the smaller, more dramatic moments. There are also some nice comedic bits with Spritle and his monkey Chim Chim, which helped lighten the mood. It's surprising to see a Hollywood tent pole picture with some character development for a change.
After that, the 2nd half of the film is just goes crazy.
Aside from two great moments that were revealed in the trailers, the racing scenes are absolutely mindblowing. The pod race in Star Wars Episode 1 ain't got squat compared to what Speed Racer has to offer. The races are off the wall insane, and the real reason why people went to see the movie in the first place. The visual effects, while somewhat simple looking on the outside, fits the cartoon tone the film is going for. Gone are the laws of physics and believability, all for the best. The cars all perform some really extraordinary moves, cementing that this is pure anime.
I can't reveal much after that, cause really, this HAS to be seen to be believed.
The score by Michael Giacchino fits the film very well, not only providing rich, triumphant, heart pounding music, but also incorporating the original theme very well. With Alias, Lost, The Incredibles, and Rattatoullie under his belt Michael is definitely one of the best composers in the last 10 years.
Granted, the film is a little on the long side, and there was only one Spritle and Chim Chim moment that wasn't all that needed, but really, this is a minor as minor can be. You couldn't take the smile off my face if you were the Joker with a knife. Speed Racer is back, and he is awesome.
10/10
chaotic
I loved it. My favorite of 2008. I can't wait to see it again.
I loved it. My favorite of 2008. I can't wait to see it again.
Birdy
This whole movie was just mind blowing! I haven't bought a single Blu-Ray movie yet but I know what my first one will be now.
This whole movie was just mind blowing! I haven't bought a single Blu-Ray movie yet but I know what my first one will be now.
Dracula
Is it possible for Hollywood to make a big budget movie that won't get multiple 10s from people on this board? Because this is getting ridiculous.
Is it possible for Hollywood to make a big budget movie that won't get multiple 10s from people on this board? Because this is getting ridiculous.
Doomsday
Watch out Drac. I say the same thing and I get flamed.
Watch out Drac. I say the same thing and I get flamed.
King_of_Skid_Row
Yes, it's called Spiderman 3.
Yes, it's called Spiderman 3.
Dracula
I count 11 10s, 13 9s, and 28 8s.
I count 11 10s, 13 9s, and 28 8s.
sshuttari
SPEED RACER - REVIEW
Note: I saw this film in IMAX
No, I'm not a hardcore speed racer fan. My only contact with the character and the cartoon series some years ago when I was around 5 or 6 years old, and only saw a couple of episodes. Back then I could only gawk at the wide eyed and often wide, moving mouths of the characters as they race around circuits in their cars, half the time not knowing what was going on, except to root for the kid in the white helmet emblazoned with a red M, and that kid could really drive (from those lines drawn across the screen), and had a really cool car christened the Mach 5.
Now that I'm all, ahem, grown up, I still found myself rooting for that same kid in the same white helmet in the same car, albeit in a grown up version of the cartoon being put on screen. Gone are the dark and gloomy Matrix and Vendetta movies made by the Wachowski brothers Andy and Larry, and hello psychedelic colours that provide a visual sensory overload. From the trailer you would have seen the assault of neon and pastels, and not since Warren Beatty's Dick Tracy or Zhang Yimou's Hero had I seen colours being brought out with such maverick disregard. And guess what, it was one heck of a trippy ride, and fun.
That's certainly one of the first things anyone coming out of the screening would attest to, the colours, and of course the visual effects. Like the Star Wars prequel gone totally wild, CG were extensively used to create new worlds, cities and interiors that I would like to raise my hand now and say The Jetsons could probably be made on a shoestring too. In fact, I thought the actors could probably be replaced by cartoons as well, but that would mean a waste of the charm that each of the cast brought to their roles, and wasn't it a hoot to see Rain in his first role in a Hollywood movie getting severely beaten?
In any case, what shone in this movie, besides the races, were the characters, their interaction with one another, and what they stand for. No qualms about Emile Hirsch in the titular role, and I thought the entire Racer family was well cast, from Pops (John Goodman in yet another series-to-movie role after his Fred Flintstone stint), Mom (Susan Sarandon), mechanic Sparky (Kick Gurry), kid brother Sprittle (Paulie Litt) who provides most of the slapstick together with pet monkey Chimp Chimp, and hot loyal girlfriend Trixie (Christina Ricci). The villains of course were purely one dimensional, and like Iron Man, Corporations are once again the main baddie whose motivation of pure greed for money goes against the spirit of sports in this instance. While the action on four wheels were breathtaking, there were ample moments which put on the brakes and allowed for a breather or two in giving some characters a little more depth. And the Wachowski's still can't rid themselves of kung- fu, giving almost everyone some set action pieces where they get to exhibit some fisticuffs, even though they might look quite awkward executing the moves.
But ah, the races. Straight out the cartoons, except with more realistic sound effects, and one for the fans - the retention of the specific effect when Speed activates the Mach 5's Auto Jacks. Pure pleasure to the ears, even though the visuals at times might be a blur with every car in "Ultimate Extreme Drift Mode" (TM by Stefan S) pulling off gravity-defying stunts consisting of never-ending-spins and drifts around tracks that don't stay still and resembling the zaniest roller coaster designs. What I liked about the narrative flow was how the races blend seamlessly with moments of drama thanks to creative editing, and of course, throwbacks to the animated series again with many a close up shots of drivers looking cool, or looking mean.
What's the best way to enjoy Speed Racer? My take is to be in a high (I will put a disclaimer as to how you're gonna achieve this, is totally up to you). Should there be an IMAX version/screening of this, then it's a natural and appropriate movie to do so. Summer looks good again with Iron Man and Speed Racer holding up the fort. Let's hope the rest meets and excels expectations as well.
8.5/10
I just wanted to add there seems to be a lot of people on these boards who are bashing this film without even giving it a chance. I say go see it with an open mind and you might end up enjoying it.
SPEED RACER - REVIEW
Note: I saw this film in IMAX
No, I'm not a hardcore speed racer fan. My only contact with the character and the cartoon series some years ago when I was around 5 or 6 years old, and only saw a couple of episodes. Back then I could only gawk at the wide eyed and often wide, moving mouths of the characters as they race around circuits in their cars, half the time not knowing what was going on, except to root for the kid in the white helmet emblazoned with a red M, and that kid could really drive (from those lines drawn across the screen), and had a really cool car christened the Mach 5.
Now that I'm all, ahem, grown up, I still found myself rooting for that same kid in the same white helmet in the same car, albeit in a grown up version of the cartoon being put on screen. Gone are the dark and gloomy Matrix and Vendetta movies made by the Wachowski brothers Andy and Larry, and hello psychedelic colours that provide a visual sensory overload. From the trailer you would have seen the assault of neon and pastels, and not since Warren Beatty's Dick Tracy or Zhang Yimou's Hero had I seen colours being brought out with such maverick disregard. And guess what, it was one heck of a trippy ride, and fun.
That's certainly one of the first things anyone coming out of the screening would attest to, the colours, and of course the visual effects. Like the Star Wars prequel gone totally wild, CG were extensively used to create new worlds, cities and interiors that I would like to raise my hand now and say The Jetsons could probably be made on a shoestring too. In fact, I thought the actors could probably be replaced by cartoons as well, but that would mean a waste of the charm that each of the cast brought to their roles, and wasn't it a hoot to see Rain in his first role in a Hollywood movie getting severely beaten?
In any case, what shone in this movie, besides the races, were the characters, their interaction with one another, and what they stand for. No qualms about Emile Hirsch in the titular role, and I thought the entire Racer family was well cast, from Pops (John Goodman in yet another series-to-movie role after his Fred Flintstone stint), Mom (Susan Sarandon), mechanic Sparky (Kick Gurry), kid brother Sprittle (Paulie Litt) who provides most of the slapstick together with pet monkey Chimp Chimp, and hot loyal girlfriend Trixie (Christina Ricci). The villains of course were purely one dimensional, and like Iron Man, Corporations are once again the main baddie whose motivation of pure greed for money goes against the spirit of sports in this instance. While the action on four wheels were breathtaking, there were ample moments which put on the brakes and allowed for a breather or two in giving some characters a little more depth. And the Wachowski's still can't rid themselves of kung- fu, giving almost everyone some set action pieces where they get to exhibit some fisticuffs, even though they might look quite awkward executing the moves.
But ah, the races. Straight out the cartoons, except with more realistic sound effects, and one for the fans - the retention of the specific effect when Speed activates the Mach 5's Auto Jacks. Pure pleasure to the ears, even though the visuals at times might be a blur with every car in "Ultimate Extreme Drift Mode" (TM by Stefan S) pulling off gravity-defying stunts consisting of never-ending-spins and drifts around tracks that don't stay still and resembling the zaniest roller coaster designs. What I liked about the narrative flow was how the races blend seamlessly with moments of drama thanks to creative editing, and of course, throwbacks to the animated series again with many a close up shots of drivers looking cool, or looking mean.
What's the best way to enjoy Speed Racer? My take is to be in a high (I will put a disclaimer as to how you're gonna achieve this, is totally up to you). Should there be an IMAX version/screening of this, then it's a natural and appropriate movie to do so. Summer looks good again with Iron Man and Speed Racer holding up the fort. Let's hope the rest meets and excels expectations as well.
8.5/10
I just wanted to add there seems to be a lot of people on these boards who are bashing this film without even giving it a chance. I say go see it with an open mind and you might end up enjoying it.
Neverending
As a kids movie, it works. Will teens and adults enjoy it? It's difficult to say. But kids will like it. So, if you have kids or little brothers and sisters, then go take them. Oh, and Christina Ricci as Trixi = HOT! And, Matthew Fox was great as Racer X. He was BADASS in the fight scene.
As a kids movie, it works. Will teens and adults enjoy it? It's difficult to say. But kids will like it. So, if you have kids or little brothers and sisters, then go take them. Oh, and Christina Ricci as Trixi = HOT! And, Matthew Fox was great as Racer X. He was BADASS in the fight scene.
Diablo
Here's a question: Why are some film fans so elitist? Who cares if someone gives out 10s on a regular basis? Does it really irk you that much inside?
Here's a question: Why are some film fans so elitist? Who cares if someone gives out 10s on a regular basis? Does it really irk you that much inside?
Dracula
I'm not trying to bash people for having enthusiasm. It's just that in fanboy circles, I say that for lack of a better term, everyone seems to either think somthing is a great superb 10/10 masterpiece or they think it absolutely sucks terrible dogshit.
I'm not trying to bash people for having enthusiasm. It's just that in fanboy circles, I say that for lack of a better term, everyone seems to either think somthing is a great superb 10/10 masterpiece or they think it absolutely sucks terrible dogshit.
Knerys
Are we seriously going to have to listen to this 10/10 arguing all summer again? Because it's not likely to change and you can counterbalance by writing a review yourself. If you don't plan on seeing the movie, then maybe you shouldn't be worried about who gives it a 10.
As for me. I liked it. I know I have said I really don't believe in or like the idea of live action anime, but this colorful, campy, sarrchine coated overload actually was fun. All the kids in the theater seemed to love it becasue they were glued to the screen. This movie is all about the style. It's a compete hyper-reality so don't walk into this thinking your going to see a realistic setting. It's literally like a living cartoon (think 300 in terms of style). Where the Wachowskis shine is in balance between the camp and the drama. The flow of the movie is pretty good for it being so long (again, kids completely enthralled for the whole 2+ hours). And the racing scene were sick. They have a good eye for complex and eye catching action sequences. Yes there are corny moments for the kids, but it has a little something for everyone. Good family film (with one or two questionable moments..... they are still the Wachowskis afterall.
And it does pays nice homage to the original series. They kept it's spirit.
8/10
Are we seriously going to have to listen to this 10/10 arguing all summer again? Because it's not likely to change and you can counterbalance by writing a review yourself. If you don't plan on seeing the movie, then maybe you shouldn't be worried about who gives it a 10.
As for me. I liked it. I know I have said I really don't believe in or like the idea of live action anime, but this colorful, campy, sarrchine coated overload actually was fun. All the kids in the theater seemed to love it becasue they were glued to the screen. This movie is all about the style. It's a compete hyper-reality so don't walk into this thinking your going to see a realistic setting. It's literally like a living cartoon (think 300 in terms of style). Where the Wachowskis shine is in balance between the camp and the drama. The flow of the movie is pretty good for it being so long (again, kids completely enthralled for the whole 2+ hours). And the racing scene were sick. They have a good eye for complex and eye catching action sequences. Yes there are corny moments for the kids, but it has a little something for everyone. Good family film (with one or two questionable moments..... they are still the Wachowskis afterall.
And it does pays nice homage to the original series. They kept it's spirit.
8/10
Dracula
As I see it, movies adapted from Saturday morning cartoons are inherently going to be bad. I can't think of a single one worthy of feature film adaptation.
As I see it, movies adapted from Saturday morning cartoons are inherently going to be bad. I can't think of a single one worthy of feature film adaptation.
Scorpio82
Creativity can come from anywhere. Even something as small as a Saturday morning cartoon can be the keystone for something even greater. Consider the evolution of Batman since the 60's. So far, I think Ninja Turtles and Transformers turned out pretty good, but that'll differ from person to person. The best cartoon worthy of an adaptation right now is "Avatar: The Last Airbender." It's got a fresh, original subject matter, and a story that's on par with "Star Wars" or "Lord of the Rings." I can't wait until that goes into production.
Creativity can come from anywhere. Even something as small as a Saturday morning cartoon can be the keystone for something even greater. Consider the evolution of Batman since the 60's. So far, I think Ninja Turtles and Transformers turned out pretty good, but that'll differ from person to person. The best cartoon worthy of an adaptation right now is "Avatar: The Last Airbender." It's got a fresh, original subject matter, and a story that's on par with "Star Wars" or "Lord of the Rings." I can't wait until that goes into production.
MasterChief117
Dracula is someone "trying" to be a critic. If it doesn't have some sort of artsy feel or some spanish title it isn't worth seeing.
Dracula is someone "trying" to be a critic. If it doesn't have some sort of artsy feel or some spanish title it isn't worth seeing.
Ewok Droppings
Worthy is a matter of opinion. You're a bit of a film snob, Dracula, so you wouldn't appreciate them. But the fact of the matter is that there are plenty of fans that would and if it's profitable then it's a possibility. Doesn't have to meet your standards for likability.
Worthy is a matter of opinion. You're a bit of a film snob, Dracula, so you wouldn't appreciate them. But the fact of the matter is that there are plenty of fans that would and if it's profitable then it's a possibility. Doesn't have to meet your standards for likability.
King_of_Skid_Row
Unfortunately, 98% of all critics are snobs.
Unfortunately, 98% of all critics are snobs.
Matrix_Fan
King_of_Skid_Row speaks the truth.
King_of_Skid_Row speaks the truth.
Knerys
You cannot deny that this movie was made with heart. Yes, a filmmaker can put effort into a movie and it doesn't work, so I'm not going to belittle them for lack of vision. Sometimes it just doesn't work. And I just have to say, to hear you want it to fail is kind of sad, Dracula. There are so many other movies out there that deserve distain so much more than this one. They wanted to make something of this. You can see they wanted it to be more than a business transaction.
You cannot deny that this movie was made with heart. Yes, a filmmaker can put effort into a movie and it doesn't work, so I'm not going to belittle them for lack of vision. Sometimes it just doesn't work. And I just have to say, to hear you want it to fail is kind of sad, Dracula. There are so many other movies out there that deserve distain so much more than this one. They wanted to make something of this. You can see they wanted it to be more than a business transaction.
MasterChief117
Dracula is a lifeless thug who goes on the internet to 'attempt' to be better than people.
Dracula is a lifeless thug who goes on the internet to 'attempt' to be better than people.
Dracula
This is by no means the first time you've tried to stereotype me.
This is by no means the first time you've tried to stereotype me.
MasterChief117
Well, you attack what I like and I'm gonna come straight for ya.
Well, you attack what I like and I'm gonna come straight for ya.
Matrix_Fan
This is the worst review thread ever.
This is the worst review thread ever.
