Speed

Starring: Keanu Reeves, Dennis Hopper, Sandra Bullock, Joe Morton, Jeff Daniels
Directed by: Jan DeBont
Rating: R
Genre: Action
1994

Times Seen:
Tim: 5

Summary: After two SWAT team specialists, Jack Traven (Keanu Reeves) and Harry (Jeff Daniels) foil a mad bomber's (Dennis Hopper) plot, the bomber decides to get revenge on Jack. He wires a bus with a bomb to explode if the bus drops below 50 miles an hour. Now, with the help of a passenger on the bus (Sandra Bullock), Jack must find a way to get the hostages to safety, and stop the bomber before he strikes again.

Review:

Tim: Speed is one hell of a ride. The film is so intense, bringing non-stop thrills and action, leaving you breathless and on the edge of your seat. Movies don't get much more intense than this, danger lurking around every curve as new obstacles stand in the bus' way. This is fun, exciting film that you will not be able to look away from.

Speed's success comes largest from its stars. Keanu Reeves is simply superb as Jack Traven, making quite an excellent action hero. Many people have scoffed at his performance, commenting on his acting abilities, but I think he did just fine. He's the type of hero you want on a bus plunging through traffic with a bomb attached. I don't believe this film would have worked with any actor besides him. He has a hell of a nemesis in Dennis Hopper, who is at his maniacal best. Hopper is the perfect bad-guy: intelligent, witty, has a sense of humor and irony, is sane enough for us to sympathize with him, but just crazy enough so we know he's capable of almost anything. Sandra Bullock plays Annie beautifully, bringing to the character strength, despite some stressful and intense circumstances she finds herself in. She makes the film even more enjoyable, tough one minute, crying the next, and occasionally having a very funny line. She and Reeves didn't have tremendous chemistry, but enough to make it seem quite believable.

Speed is a classic action film that you simply need to go along with for the ride. The film has very few flaws, and is one of the most entertaining and exciting movies that come to mind. It works on so many levels, throwing situations in that simply boggle the mind, yet are realistic enough not to see too silly. Of course, being an action film with some incredible situations, the film does have its unbelievable moments, but who cares? When you're looking for a fast-paced action thrill ride, you cannot do much better than Speed. Ask your friends, I'm willing to bet 9 out of 10 of them have seen Speed, and absolutely loved it.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 9



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend:
Speed 2: Cruise Control, The Matrix, The Net, EDtv, Dumb and Dumber, Chain Reaction