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A million dollars to the driver that takes out Racer.


Speed Racer
(2008)

Visually impressive (but not groundbreaking in the way, say, TRON was) but, crucially, far too heavy-handed.  Not surprisingly, given that nothing in the Wachowskis' resume suggests a lightness of touch or sense of fun. 

 So the film’s 130 minutes long but could lose 40 easily, and every time there's a comedy "bit" (usually involving the kid brother and his sodding chimp pal) thoughts turn to self-immolation (that said. I did like the Greco-Roman “bit”). 

Emile Hirsh makes little impression, but John Goodman and Matthew Fox seem to be having a bit of fun, and Christina Ricci looks nice. I kept thinking someone like Joe Dante would have done this far better, though; maybe he should helm a live action Whacky Races.

***
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