Welcome to Reel People. It’s a place where, you guessed it, real people like yourselves spout off on new movie releases. It works best if you - yes, we mean you - jump into the forum link below and tell us what you think of the movie, too.

This week, we’re watching Speed Racer.

What I Liked: You’ve seen the clips on TV right? Well, my eyes still feel strange from all the colors, but in a good way. You remember the psychedelic boat sequence from “Willy Wonka?” This kicks the power way up, all the way to 11. The Wachowski’s know exactly how to tell the story about not only speed and power, but one of heart and family. You can tell right off the bat that this isn’t going to be the same caliber as the “Matrix” films, well, not in the sense of the subject matter. But in another sense it is the same. They’re both about one person having to work with others to fight for the right cause, but in the end, he must triumph as the one, the only, the best.

What I Disliked: Where I believe “Speed” stumbles over itself at times, at least for me, are when the inner kid movie pops out. Yes, those moments are still executed skillfully but sometimes I just want to experience an intense scene between two people without it having to be immediately counterbalanced by an extremely kiddy one with a kid and his chimp.  And also, I don’t think the film would have been so kid-friendly if the Wachowski’s had gotten to make the film they wanted, but neither the studio nor Joel Silver were going to let this film be made without constant input and commentary.

Would I Recommend?: Sure “Speed” is a kid flick, but this proves that not only Pixar and Dreamworks can get adults into the theaters and have them actually enjoy it. If this proves successful, look forward to the Wachowski’s next film; I can guarantee that it’ll be going back to their roots. I say, grab your children or someone else’s and go watch it and prepare to be dazzled.

Score: 8 out of 10

- Nizar Babul

What I Liked: I must confess up front that I’ve never seen the 60s cartoon, so I have no idea how faithful the film is to the original Speed Racer characters (Mom and Pops Racer; brothers Rex, Speed and Spritle; Speed’s girlfriend Trixie; Chim-Chim the chimp; mysterious Racer X) or the storylines. I must also confess that I thoroughly enjoyed this movie, even though it’s the cinematic equivalent of a large, overstuffed bag of brightly-colored cotton candy: deliciously manufactured fun without any nutritional value. The colors in the film are enhanced to a surreal brightness, the effects are fast and furious, and the tight close-ups and cyclorama-style flashbacks create a comic book virtual reality world never before seen on film.  It’s a Tron-Willy Wonka-Dick Tracy-Roger Rabbit mash up and it’s amazing to see on the big screen.

What I Disliked: The storyline about teenage Speed Racer and the Racer family (the Good Guys) versus the evil, greedy, rich businessman Mr. Royalton and his henchmen (the Bad Guys) is pretty simple and familiar. With the eye-popping visuals as entertainment, the movie can get by with this, whereas a less effects-driven movie could not.

I was disappointed in the film’s portrayal of its female characters.  With their heavily made-up plasticine faces, skin-tight clothes and sterotypical roles, the female characters were reduced to sleek, fetishized objects similar to the infamous Mach 5 racecar.  The few scenes towards the end of the movie depicting female characters racing and fighting didn’t ring true and seemed added on merely to add a “girl power” vibe.

Would I Recommend?: Yes.  It’s a breathtaking, mind-blowing, colorfully surreal experience that’s worth seeing for the effects alone.

Score: 8 out of 10

- Lisa Ciurro

What I Liked: Speed Racer goes there. It is a fun family film with something for everyone. Even if you aren’t a long time fan of the original animated series, you’ll enjoy this movie. I recall watching this as a kid but I don’t remember it as well as say Transformers. However, I thoroughly enjoyed the show.  The casting was on point.  The star studded cast included John Goodman, Susan Surandon, Richard Roundtree and Emile Hirsh as Speed. However, my favorite character was Spritle played by Paulie Litt. He and his sidekick monkey provided great comic relief. During the exposition, the movie is a little slow but Litt keeps us open with laughs.  However, during the rising action you get hooked.  And their off! The racing and fight sequences are great. The colors, effects and lighting are awesome. This movie loses nothing in the transition from animated tv to big screen reality and gives you more than the kid in you bargained for.

What I Disliked: The CGI was a bit excessive. The visual was exciting and eye catching. However, I found myself a bit overwhelmed at times. I kept thinking ‘Cloverfield’ meets Dick Tracy with a side of Fast & Furious. (can you say Dramamine?) Speed Racer was a blur at times but I was able to keep up and enjoy. The opening scene could have been a little better too.

Would I Recommend?: Yes, I would recommend this movie to everyone. Once it gets going it is a great show. Speed fans will love it and new comers will now join and cheer Go Speed Racer Go.

Score: 8 out of 10

- Tanisha Speight