"Speed"
A bus full of passengers can't go slower than 50mph or else it blows up.
With a generic and mundane title that just preaches action to come, Speed is a nitro-fueled exhilarating thrill ride that goes haywire in its covering as it’s packed with action, explosions, and bodies being hurled. Looking deeply into it: "Speed" may contain some cheesy lines that come off as overly dramatic, but there’s no denying that this flick keeps you hooked with its high intensity and great escalation.
"Speed"’s rules are simple: A mad former police bomber (Dennis Hopper) orchestrates an enticing, maniacal game in the great revenge plot against rookie cop, Jack Traven (Keanu Reeves), who thwarted his previous ransom attempt to extort money. The stakes are raised as the bomber straps enough C4 “to put a hole in the world” to a bus full of passengers. The kicker is that if the bus dips below 50mph then it blows up. Traven races to get aboard the bus and diffuse the situation. Bus passenger, Annie (Sandra Bullock) takes the helm, by steering the bus.
This is the epitome of how an action flick ought to be; it’s taut and entertaining that never gets restless. Reeves’ acting range is quite limited, but throw him into a role where his monotone delivery and emotionless face and he’s practically golden. That’s the case here, as his hero cop portrayal is not in vain, displaying a fierce intensity and sensational grit at “the whim of a madman.”
Hopper’s cat-and mouse-games, toying with the cops in his cleverly devised scheme, are fun and haunting to watch. He’s in complete control running the show as he covers all his bases showing off a jocular tone with his head games. Speed contains all the typical aspects of an action movie: explosions, tightly assembled plot, and of course dialogue that is always repeated. It may be a little hokey, but when desperate times surface, all the characters shout their lines twice (just an interesting observation).
"Speed" never lets up from the start with an onslaught of compelling chills and thrills that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It’s sound and smooth, but if there’s one weak aspect, it would be a fairly rushed ending. It’s not devastating, but noticeably weaker than the previous sequences leading up to it. Speed flies out of the gates with a jet boosting velocity that is endlessly entertaining.
Written by: John Berkowitz
Reviewers Rating: 7.5
Reader's Rating: 7.75
Reader's Votes: 4
Added: 1-Dec-2008
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