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This image released by Warner Bros. Entertainment shows Emile Hirsch in a scene from "Speed Racer." (Warner Bros. Entertainment)
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Every generation has its requisite drug-induced flicks. We have Across the Universe. My mom had Tommy. Even my grandmother had The Wizard of Oz. While taking copious amounts of mind-expanding substances – not necessarily of the green, leafy variety either – that’s not to say that we can’t witness the experience sans hallucinogens.
Never really embracing the Japanimation phenomena – like some of my awkward, anti-social colleagues – I never gravitated toward the Americanization of the popular Japanese anime toon, Speed Racer.
So why am I enthralled with the big screen treatment of nostalgic pop culture? Beside my impending transition into the “real world,” I’m desperate to retain those sparse memories of childhood. While I’d advise laying off meth in preparation of the film’s release, something tells me even addicts won’t need any for quite some time.
The trailer whirs and blurs as a confectionery barrage of color and sound. Speed Racer may be the first movie appealing to the ADD generation. Mind you, I have no idea what’s going on with plot or characters. But what do I see? Fast cars from Candyland. Some trading of fisticuffs. Matthew Fox – apparently not lost. Cars flying. And that British bloke from V for Vendetta.
Meanwhile, I predict tots squealing with glee and parents fleeing from nausea. Mass audiences may preclude their IMAX visits with a trip to the pharmacy... to pick up Valium.
It won’t be easy pumping heart and soul into a two-dimensional cartoon. After all, each episode never went deeper than Speed gets into a jam while racing; Trixie’s navigating the helicopter; Mom and Pops are concerned; the kid plays with his monkey; Racer X appears to save the day. Hardly a Shakespearean epic.
Then again, Andy and Larry Wachowski’s unique spin on the hero’s journey for the tech-savvy turned into a landmark trilogy (The Matrix). Again defying form and structure with revolutionary technology, Speed Racer resembles an explosive video game with real people populating the scenery. In doing so, they have certainly embodied the live-action cartoon form.
Also, plucking up seasoned thesps like Emile Hirsch (as the titular adrenaline junkie), John Goodman, Susan Sarandon, and let’s not forget Christina Ricci (fully clothed and not chained to a radiator), from the arthouses into the megaplexes may be inspired casting.
A few trailers boasting the exploits of the aptly named protagonist have graced the web. The Wachowskis and uber-producer, Joel Silver, have pumped prime dinero into a potential trilogy. Despite a damning script review, the power triumvirate look poised to repeat Matrix-esque success.
The question is: are you ready to “Go! Go! Go!”?
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