Speed Racer

“You don’t climb into a T-180 to be a driver. You do it because you’re driven.” Um, holy shit? Listen, I walked into this movie knowing I'd probably like it more than little me did, but I did not expect to see peak and maybe one of the more pivotal movies that shaped my childhood. I vividly remember 7 year old me excited for the movie from all the promo, having the Mach 6 hotwheels, and playing the ever loving SHIT out of the DS game. I also do remember liking the movie but not necessarily LOVING it because little 7 year old me was too cartoon brained, and real people/dialogue went through one ear and straight out the other. Watching the ending scene in particular I got flashbacks to mimicking how the Mach 6's front end grinds off of the floor with my little toy hot wheels. Chills. What I didn't remember, is how fucking GORGEOUS this movie looks. Oh my God, this movie is OOZING with style. The colors were so vibrant, and yes, some scenes looked a little dated, but for nearly all of the movie, the style catapulted it over any visual hiccups that don't hold up. So much finesse scene in the transitions (holy moly were there so many transitions), colors, and cinematography. This movie also unlocked another piece of the puzzle as to why I like girls w/ bobs. The score was PHENOMENAL. With Giacchino on the score, there was never a doubt, wrap it up, it was always going to be peak. The plot and story aren't necessarily groundbreaking by any means, but was overall a very well told story. Themes of family, what it feels to race, and why corporations can suck it are all themes I fully enjoyed. The first and last races in this movie were actually jaw dropping. Especially in IMAX, these scenes were loud, exhilarating, and tense. That last scene especially, my god. Lowkey, I don't know if it's that much of a stretch to say we might not have the leap of faith scene in Into the Spider-Verse without this movie. I really didn't expect to walk out of this movie absolutely loving it. I knew I would at the very least like it, but I didn't realize how pivotal this movie was/is for me.