Speed Racer is another Wachowski movie this time starring Emile Hirsch and Christina Ricci.

This movie is not good.  That being said, it isn't exactly bad either.  It remains mostly true to the original with a few specific nods to the cartoon we all grew up loving.  It did not suck nearly as much as I thought it would.  I had actually gone to see it merely to see how my childhood was being treated!

Give up on expecting the world and you will not be disappointed.  I found myself chuckling and the movie did manage to be visually stunning while keeping the 'camp' to the expected minimums without taking itself too seriously.  Paulie Litt as 'Spritle' and the monkey 'Chim Chim' steal this movie entirely!  He looks like a tiny Andy Richter (Litt, not the monkey).  John Goodman delivers a respectable performance and teamed with Susan Sarandon make a good pairing as 'movie parents', delivering the moral values and tender moments of the storyline.  One thing I didn't quite understand is that he drives a Mach 6 during the races and the Mach 5 as his day to day car, save for the rally scenes. 

The movie may not be worth the price of full admission and popcorn but if you're looking for something easy on the brain with some entertainment value, I would definitely recommend it for a Sunday afternoon matinee. 

I give this movie 3 out of 5 checkered flags.  "Go Speed Racer Go"