The world of Speed Racer (Emile Hirsch) exists within an intense, digital kaleidoscope, and the Wachowski Brothers aren’t the least bit shy about giving its base a few dozen turns. The result is an unrelentingly vibrant film that plays a bit – at times – like Mario Kart on speed, but whatever the film lacks in subtlety (or restraint) is compensated for with lots of heart and campy charm.

Even as a child, Speed Racer dreamt of following in the footsteps of his older brother and racing star, Rex Racer – even after his desertion of the family. When the sponsors come to whisk him away after his first win, Speed refuses to abandon his family as his brother did - a refusal that ultimately reveals the corrupt nature of the sport that his family loves, and prompts him to fight back from behind the wheel.

The Wachowskis jam many morals in between explosions of color and kid-friendly asides, and it is these morals that raise Speed Racer above mere effects spectacle. The virtue of family is chief among them, and serves as the film’s emotional pulse. The Racer family refuses to fall prey to the greed and corruption that threaten them throughout the second act, and that support empowers Speed past his own individual ambition.

There’s a lot of exposition to establish that love, though, and most of it is done before the first race ends. Pacing proves to be an issue throughout an overlong second act, though even ninja attacks don’t seem superfluous so much as drawn-out to the point of excess. It’s all fun and games, but it can be a bit distracting.

It comes as no surprise, then, that Speed Racer works the best when Speed is behind the wheel. The film’s racing sequences are as intense as they are colorful, serving as turning points that drive the narrative forward and into the next direction. The story operates around them like pivot points so that each serves a specific purpose – they’re never just there to wow the viewer, even though they never fail to do so. The device works, and the Wachowskis do an admirable job of maintaining traction between each race.

Hirsch is a dead-ringer for angsty Speed, and gives the film a solid anchor. Matthew Fox contributes significantly as the mysterious Racer X – a monotone portrayal made better by some contrast offered toward the end of the film. Not one cast member misses their mark in performances that are as over the top and colorful as the film’s digital backgrounds, and turns such as John Goodman’s Pops Racer do much to give Speed Racer the heart that is prevalent throughout.

It is this combination of color, spectacle, heart and fun that make Speed Racer the perfect summer movie. Its emotional trajectory is almost impossibly affecting, whisking the viewer into the best kind of feel-good escapism allowable by law. It requires a significant buy-in at the outset, but the payoff is worth the investment. Speed’s is a colorful world – open up your eyes and enjoy the ride.

By Greg Joachim

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Directed by:
The Wachowski Brothers

Starring:
Emile Hirsch
Christina Ricci
Matthew Fox
John Goodman

Released by:
Warner Bros.

Released on:
May 9, 2008