SPEED RACER (2008)

I'm not familiar with the television series; the cartoon series that lasted a little while but, apparently, developed a huge following. So, I have no point of reference.

For the first 90 minutes, that may actually be an advantage. The color, the editing, the stylization and the fantastic driving sequences are stunning and I imagine they far surpass anything that was churned out in Korea for a weekly television series. In addition, the cast of Emile Hirsch, John Goodman, Susan Sarandon, and especially Christina Ricci, must be as good or better than any cartoon version of themselves.

If movies are about color and rhythm in motion, and an argument can be made that is all that they are, then "Speed Racer" is extraordinary. For about 90 minutes, the Wachowski brothers take you on a beautiful ride through space, creating three dimensions out of two and adding a few human characters with a story to bring your intellect and imagination along with your senses on their virtual thrill ride. For about 90 minutes.

After that, it doesn't so much run out of gas, pun certainly intended, as you do, the viewer, the audience. It keeps covering the same territory advancing neither plot nor character; and the scenery, the color and rhythm, the view out the window, is so much the same you begin to feel as though you are watching a loop. A loop is when a short piece of film or audiotape is played over and over again. You probably knew that.

There is definite artistry at work. There is a vision and a desire to communicate it, and the skills are there to do the job. However, I wonder how much is trying to be communicated.

I love a great juggler, but I don't think I want to watch the same act for 2 hours, 15 minutes. Even if they are juggling live bobcats and chain saws. Now if the juggler were to start out with items from off my desk, and then add eggs, and then the eggs hatch and he juggles live chickens, then a fox gets in and follows the chickens around and eventually there's a bobcat and a couple of chain saws, maybe a bowling ball, well... you get the idea.

It needs to build. There needs to be a dynamic. If you just watch the virtuosity for two hours and fifteen minutes after about 90 minutes you start to think about what's for dinner or why she didn't return your phone call and you eventually lose interest. At least I do, that is, I did with "Speed Racer."