First I would like to start by saying that I loved the television version of Speed Racer and had unrealistic expectations when I heard they were making a movie. I did not quite envision the Speed Racer the Wachowski Brothers brought to Hollywood but it was an enjoyable experience none the less.

Emile Hirsch is handsome and brought a sensitivity to Speed that made you understand his drive toward success. The seductive lure of Royalton’s offer held little appeal when faced with the truth behind the company’s need to win in racing.

Loyal to his father  (despite how badly Pops handled his older deceased brother Rex’s career and fall from grace) Speed’s honor would not let him desert his family when Royalton vows to ruin them all.

The ending was satisfying although I would have wished for more actual racing rather than the CGI version of glitz and glamour.

I sat next to two eight year old male twins that found themselves a bit distracted during parts of the film where I thought they would have appreciated all the bright lights on screen.

Trixie (Christina Ricci) was well cast. She is quite talented and I feel she is an under rated actress. She has made her mark in independent film and much like Johnny Depp seems to choose films that she likes rather than the salary they command.

Pops Racer (John Goodman) was great as the race car builder who was once a professional wrestler. Susan Sarandon (who looks marvelous) as Mom Racer was the perfect fit. She’s a bit quirky but her eccentricity adds to the character of Mom.

Racer X (Matthew Fox) was one of the highlights of the film for me. Despite the fact that he is wonderful eye candy in black he added a darker element to the movie and of  course raises the question of whether or not he was Racer Rex or another type of racer vigilante who worked to right the wrongs of the racing world.

I liked the film and would give it a strong 4 out of 10 but the flash and CGI racing lost its appeal for me. It was a bit too campy. Although the younger brother Spritle (played by Paulie Litt) was entertaining at times he was a bit too annoying for me. After a while I found myself wanting to watch the chimp more than the kid. And with so many kids in the audience I wonder if the character of Spritle will serve as a bad influence on the younger audience by encouraging them to be brats when they leave the theater.

Oh well.  There are always the original television series on DVD. I only hope that future television adaptations like the anticipated Incredible Hunk will do the characters and story the justice they deserved.