Published: May 09, 2008 01:03 am         

Go, Speed Racer

GREENVILLE — SPEED RACER

Go Speed Racer!

From the cheesy television cartoon series to the big screen, the Wachowski brothers’ stylized, dazzling box of crayons live action version of the Speed Racer saga includes breathtaking hotwheel-style races featuring Speed Racer (Emile Hirsch) in his Mach 5 along with the mysterious Racer X (Matthew Fox). Supporting Speed are his girlfriend Trixie (Christina Ricci), Pops (John Goodman), Mom (Susan Sarandon), little brother Spritle (Paulie Litt) and Chim Chim the Chimpanzee. After winning Thunderhead, Speed is courted to sign with corporate giant Littleton Industries.

Co-writers and directors Andy and Larry Wachowski (“The Matrix Trilogy”) manage to open up the familiar animated series by utilizing fantastic digital effects and creating a futuristic, eye-popping world of state-of-the-art competitive racing.

Exciting, well-paced but sometimes a bit confusing, “Speed Racer” works as a family friendly flick but remains too long (2 hours and 15 minutes). Nonetheless, it’s impossible to look away from a screen filled with a constant barrage of thrilling spectacles, such as the cross country race dubbed “The Crucible” and the ultimate challenge, the Grand Prix.

Rated PG 3 Stars

WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS

A throwback to the screwball comedies of the 1940s as well as to those Doris Day and Rock Hudson films, “What Happens in Vegas” stars Cameron Diaz as Joy McNally and Ashton Kuthcher as Jack Fuller, virtual strangers who wake up to find themselves married in Vegas. Complications ensue when Jack wins $3 million playing the slots in this witty, naughty but not nasty predictable comedy with wildly over-the-top performances by costars Lake Bell and Rob Corddry. Diaz reprises her familiar ditzy, driven blonde routine, but hunkish Kutcher finally merits leading man status.

Rated PG-13 3 Stars

REDBELT

Although L.A. Jiu-Jitsu teacher Mike Terry (Chiwetel Ejiofor) has managed to avoid the prize fighting circuit in the past, he finds himself involved in the fight world in order to pay off massive debts and possibly to regain his samarai code of honor.

Writer and director David Mamet presents another edgy, convoluted macho tale about Mike, his wife Sondra (Alice Braga), Bruno Silva (Rodrigo Santoro), lawyer Laura Black (Emily Mortimer), actor Chet Frank (Tim Allen), Chet’s wife Zena (Rebecca Pigeon), policeman Joe Collins (Mike Martini), fight coordinator George (former boxer Ray Mancini) and a fight promoter (Ricky Jay).

Fascinating, but sometimes difficult to follow, “Redbelt” showcases mixed martial arts as well as strong performances.

Rated R 3 Stars

THEN SHE FOUND ME

Academy Award winning actress Helen Hunt co-wrote, directed and starred in the comedy/drama “Then She Found Me.” After splitting with her husband Ben (Matthew Broderick), teacher April Epner (Hunt) discovers that she is expecting a child. As a further complication, April’s birth mother, talk show host Beatrice Graves (Bette Midler), suddenly appears in April’s life. Colin Firth portrays single father Frank Harte in this engaging, but uneven film. Many of the script’s problems come from the over-the-top character of Bernice. Unfortunately, Midler brings schmaltz to a sweet story about mothers and daughters.

Rated R 2 and 1/2 Stars