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The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 8, 2008

Speed Racer

The Wachowski brothers ("The Matrix" trilogy) bring 1960s Japanese anime TV series "Speed Racer" to the big screen. We sent our TBO.com Street Team to check it out and share their thoughts.

"I enjoyed this movie even though it's the cinematic equivalent of a bag of brightly colored cotton candy: deliciously manufactured fun without any nutritional value. The colors in the film are enhanced to a surreal brightness and the effects are fast and furious.

"But I was disappointed in the film's portrayal of its female characters. With their heavily made-up plasticine faces, skin-tight clothes and stereotypical roles, they were reduced to fetishized objects."

Lisa Ciurro, Riverview

"You've seen the clips on TV, right? Well, my eyes still feel strange from all the colors, but in a good way. You remember the psychedelic boat sequence from 'Willy Wonka'? This kicks the power way up. The Wachowski brothers know how to tell a story not only about speed and power, but also one of heart and family.

"Where I believe 'Speed Racer' stumbles is when the inner-kid movie pops out. Yes, those moments are executed skillfully, but sometimes I just want to experience an intense scene between two people without it having to be counterbalanced by an kiddie one with a child and his chimp."

Nizar Babul, Tampa

"'Speed Racer' is a fun family film with something for everyone. Even if you aren't a longtime fan of the original animated series, you'll enjoy this movie.

"The colors, effects and lighting are awesome, but the CGI was a bit excessive and I found myself overwhelmed at times. 'Speed Racer' was a blur, but I was able to keep up and enjoy."

Tanisha Speight, Tampa

Read more thoughts from Reel People and add your voice to the mix at TBO.com, keyword: Reel People

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