Friday, May 9, 2008

"You think you can drive a car and change the world." -- Pops Racer . . .

Automobile racing fans know that even a million-dollar ride can leave its driver in the pits if just one part fails. The same can be said for "Speed Racer," a live-action movie that hurtles into theaters today after 15 years of redesigns.

Sure, this PG-rated retooling of the 1960s cartoon series has some great parts: well-loved characters who are as comfortable as bucket seats; a high-octane cast that includes Susan Sarandon and John Goodman; a neon palette of colors; and some high-tech special effects.

But though it starts quickly, this vehicle is slow to finish. It clocked in at 2 1/4 hours, leaving many viewers looking for the checkered flag 40 minutes before the conclusion.

Along the way, the wheels come off. There's an overly complicated story. Lots of boring speeches and lectures. Very few laughs. And, worst of all, computer-generated race scenes that don't look at all real.

So, will it change the world?

No, but it still will sell a lot of toys.

Also this week:

· Boomerang spotlights Wilma Flintstone for a seven-hour Mother's Day tribute Sunday, starting at noon.

· DVD watch: "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" comes out on Tuesday.

· Gamers: The best-selling Myst is available Tuesday for Nintendo DS. We Ski puts you on the slopes, Wii-style.

-- Scott Moore