Speed Racer: Review By Brokaw

This high octane film is filled with CGI, bursts of color, and of course speed. It's the story of the Racer family. Pops Racer (John Goodman) designs race cars and Mom Racer (Susan Sarandon) holds the family together in the same way that Harriet Nelson did in the old Ozzie and Harriet show (for all the baby boomers out there).

When oldest son, Rex Racer, is killed in a crash, Speed Racer (Emile Hirsch) follows in his brother's footsteps. He idolized his big brother, who taught him all about racing cars and now Speed has what it takes to drive a race car himself. Younger brother Spritle (Paulie Litt) idolizes Speed in the same way Speed idolized Rex. And the fourth member of the family is a chimpanzee who ends up stealing every scene he's in.

When Speed refuses to sign with a big company, the family suffers retribution and Speed realizes he must do something to save their reputation. When he is approached to drive for another team he jumps at the chance to get even. Off they go on a dangerous and high-speed race up mountains, through caves, and over each other - literally. These are not the cars we know today. They can jump and do things we only dream of.

After that cross-country race, Speed gets the chance to race in the big race. And in case you think it's just a ride around a track, think again. This track is filled with loop-the-loops and other things we normally associate with roller-coasters. This is not your father's race, or race car. These are the races of the future. Maybe.

With jumping cars, bright colors, and plenty of CGI, Speed Racer is a fast-paced ride with a high-speed hero.