Speed Racer, the Japanese animated series that migrated here in the late 1960s (and immediately established itself on American TV as a favorite of young viewers), was recently revived as a critically drubbed live-action feature film (helmed by the Wachowski brothers of Matrix trilogy fame). Rather than emulate the original series, this animated feature film updates the franchise with an all-new storyline revolving around Speed Racer's orphaned son—who, conveniently, is also named Speed. Arriving at the famous Racing Academy to follow in his father's tire tracks, the speedster's scion quickly endears himself to fellow students Conor and Lucy. Together with his new friends, and Conor's robot monkey Chim Chim, Speed works feverishly to build the ultimate racing car, the Mach-6, while at the same time following clues to his dad's disappearance. Speed Racer: The Next Generation doesn't bear much resemblance to its highly stylized predecessor: the animation is, of course, notably slicker, and this passably entertaining entry for youngsters also throws into the mix a timely array of environmentally sensitive plot points, including the development of an engine that runs without gas and a recognition of the need for employing renewable resources. DVD extras include a “making-of” featurette, an interactive racing game, and character profiles. Optional. Aud: P. (E. Hulse)
Speed Racer: The Next Generation—The Beginning
(2006) 66 min. DVD: $19.98. Lionsgate Entertainment (avail. from most distributors). Closed captioned. July 21, 2008
Speed Racer: The Next Generation—The Beginning
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