Nice Guys DO Finish First!

I learned a couple of months ago about the making of the now recently released "Speed Racer" movie. Like so many boys - kids - my age, watching Speed Racer was as much a necessary after school activity as doing homework.

And, recently I was in a Target (Tar-GAY) and happened past an end-cap of DVDs and my eyes landed on a lower shelf where I spotted a DVD of several episodes from the original "Speed Racer" television series. I bought it. I went home and watched a couple of episodes before I had to leave for a previously planned social engagement. I loved it!



I had forgotten just how much I loved "Speed Racer" as a seven-year old kid. And, then there was Racer X. You know, Speed's older brother who hid his existence from his family after he was supposedly killed in a suspicious accident in a mysterious race. I emulated Speed. I loved Racer X.

Okay. I EMULATE Speed and I still love Racer X. I think I'm looking for Racer X . . . BUT, let's not go there . . .

Instead, let's talk about the movie. It's kick ass fun! Some of my favorite parts include the diversity of the cast of characters. The best part might just have been "Trixie" (played by Christina Ricci) getting the chance to drive in the final race of the film for a short bit.



The special effects were quite fun, too. Another favorite aspect of the film, was the almost literal copy of some of the effects used in the animated series. For example, there were all those shots of the characters from the side sliding across the screen in layers moving from the foreground in one shot to the background in the next.

And, the young actor who played Spritle with his side kick, Chim-Chim, the chimpanzee, were an almost carbon copy of the characters in the animated series.



Susan Sarandon's appearance as Mrs. Racer was refreshing. And, her substantial acting talents were apparent in the scene where she describes to Speed her immense pride in her son's accomplishments. Even in obvious "eye candy," her formidable talent shines through.



All-in-all, I highly recommend it. And, (if you know me well this will not be surprising!), I had a few moments where tears welled up in my eyes. I guess some would call me a blatant sentimentalist, but - you know - at 48 years of age, I couldn't get past how I still have my dreams, hopes and desires. Watching Speed - even now - I see myself: young (at heart!), idealistic with a healthy respect for 'speed.' Hey. I don't drive a Mazda Miata for nothin'!



Yeah . . . "Go Speed Racer! Go Speed Racer! Go Speed Racer! Go!!!"