Speed Racer was a popular Japanese animated cartoon for kids that came out in 1967.  In the early 1970's it was still going strong and among shows I watched were the animated Spider-Man series, the campy live action Batman, Ultra Man, and the cartoon Speed Racer. I knew the Speed Racer world well.  It was just something every kid watched and loved. 

The premise was great for kids.  It was about a teenage boy living in a race car oriented family where he steps out of the shadow of his older brother races all over the world.  His older brother left home and changed his identity to Racer X and the brothers race each other many times over while Speed helps fight racing crime bosses along the way.  Speed's large family presence is strong and there is a deep sense of comfort and safety built into this dangerous lifestyle because of it.  Of course the best part is that Speed Drives an advanced car with gadgets that he gets to use in most every episode.

So as an adult; knowing a live action cgi version was coming...  I wanted to think this would be a good film to take my own kids.  And for what it is worth, my own kids already knew the Speed Racer world well as they had been watching my original series Speed Racer on DVD at home for years. 

Last evening my son's and I went to see Speed Racer.  I had prejudice towards not being rewarded with a good experience in the trailers I had previewed previously. 

While Speed Racer is family safe, it is not safe from my criticism.

In short, if you are a fan of the late 1960's Speed Racer animations then you too may expect some more. Perhaps a lot more.  Otherwise ...   more »