Keep Your Eyes on the Road

Rating: 9/10 (18 October 2009)

Microwave popcorn and, "Hold on tight for a rush of pulse-pounding thrills, breathtaking stunts, and unexpected romance in a film you'll want to see again and again. Keanu Reeves stars as Jack Traven, an L.A.P.D. SWAT team specialist who is sent to diffuse a bomb that a revenge-driven extortionist (Dennis Hopper) has planted on a bus. But, until he does, Jack and passenger Sandra Bullock must keep the bus speeding through the streets of Los Angeles at more than 50 miles per hour - or the bomb will explode. A high-octane chase of suspense, non-stop action and surprise twists," according to the DVD sleeve summary.
"'Speed' is a joyride sure to keep everyone on the edge of their seats."
Can a successful young actor become an even more successful action star? In Mr. Reeves' case, the answer was YES. If he had his ear to the ground, Reeves soon learned that when you do both sensitive and big budget action roles, you are remembered for the latter. This film brought the buzz about Reeves' supposed "non-acting" skills into focus; but, the role doesn't require much, other than demanding stunt work. With less to do, Barbie-beautiful Ms. Bullock gets a hit. Mr. Hopper, in familiar territory, is jarringly sinister. Cinematographer-turned-director Jan de Bont makes "Speed" thrill.
Hold on. Tight.
********* Speed (6/10/94) Jan de Bont ~ Keanu Reeves, Dennis Hopper, Sandra Bullock, Jeff Daniels