When it comes to the Film Speed, I would be willing to say, with confidence, that I am the worlds foremost expert on this flick. You see, I moved out of a house when I was in 4th grade and had to spend an entire summer living with my grandparents and family in a little tiny house while our new home was being built. Almost everyone of my posessions was packed away, execpt for one glorious movie that made my summer one to remember.
To be honest, I'd say I've seen this movie well over 100 times. I am not exaggerating. That summer, I lived in one of the most boring neighborhoods in the world and all I would do was watch this movie--often several times a day. What kept me coming back to this film time and time again? A few things...
First off, I am more than willing to admit that my first "Hollywood crush" was Sandra Bullock and it was because of this movie. She is sassy, in-control, and absolutely rockin' hot in this movie (or at least I thought so when I was like 11). Furthermore, Jeff Daniels puts in a solid supporting role performance as he so often does. Then we move on to more key roles..
Keanu Reeves....I don't know if you're like me--but I hate this man. I hate him so much that I can't stop loving everything he is in. I don't know what it is about him. He says lines so poorly that full theatres are brought out of their seats with laughter (Street Kings anyone?) and yet I find him intriguing in every role I see him in. In this movie, he plays his usual semi-lost self and I found it entertaining. But what really made the movie for me was Dennis Hopper.
Dennis Hopper is perfect in this movie. I don't even know what else to say. As a child I recited some of his more memorable lines over and over again throughout the day and managed to develop one hell of a spot-on impression for a 4th grader. Dennis is great as the psychotic, ex-cop who wants to stop people who prevent his bombs from "becoming explosions" (ok, so the dialouge is a little cliche--deal with it...).
As much as I personally love this film--I don't expect everyone to jump on board. It is full of your usual cop cliches, Keanu Reeves is, as usual, completely uncomfortable looking with what he is doing, and the entire premise is a little--well--stupid.
However, if you're looking for moments that defy logic--and physics for that matter--as well as some unintentionally funny dialouge--check out Speed at once!