Speed Racer

SPEED RACER (2008) - May 4, 2008
An odd follow-up to the Matrix Trilogy from the Wachowski Brothers, this was an interesting if not entirely successful adaptation of the popular Japanese cartoon. The Wachowskis' direction is aggressively stylish (this is quite possibly the most colourful film in the history of cinema), and for a while it works. But at 129 minutes the film is ridiculously overlong, and by the end the film's bombastic sensory assault gets wearisome. It's surprisingly well acted and it's definitely exciting in parts, but it's just far, far too long. **1/2