category: sorely underrated

Movie: Speed Racer
Starring: Emile Hirsch, Matthew Fox, Christina Ricci, Susan Sarandon and John Goodman
Released: 2008

Caleb had wanted to see this movie since it was released last year, so its been in our Netflix queue for a while. And, it just so happened to be the last movie that came before we canceled our account (one of the easiest things to cut in an effort to save $$). I didn't know much about it, and wasn't that interested, but found it to be a highly entertaining, and family friendly, movie.

The graphics alone are worth the watching. The car races and chases are practically cartoon-like, and yet real life. My understanding is the special effects were done by the same folks who did The Matrix. The colors are vibrant and lively, like a comic book (which it actually was, first). It captures the imagination by its sheer visual effects.

The story line is clean, about family sticking together and doing what's right even when doing what's not so right might make you rich and famous; about loving your kids whether or not they win first place. And there's a pet monkey that's randomly never really explained, but funny nonetheless. I imagine it was part of the original comic book series.

I would highly recommend this movie to anyone, but especially families with boys ages 8, 9, 10ish. Just beware ... it may make them want to start driving soon. Enjoy!