Bombs and Buses

Rating: 9/10 (18 January 2008)

Keanu Reeves (The Matrix) stars as Officer Jack Traven, a professional police officer who is caught up in a deadly game with Howard Payne (Dennis Hopper). Payne puts a bomb on a city bus, and if the bus drops below 50mph, it will explode.
Jan De Bont (Twister) delivers twists and turns in this high paced edge of your seat action thriller.
A plot which has Oscar winning special effects, Speed will keep you on the edge of your seat with fast buses, trains, lifts and explosive scenes justifying the thriller genre. The plot to keeps you guessing and engaged with character situations essential.
Hopper's character is marvellous. One of the best villains I have seen, Howard Payne is in control and a genius at causing problems for the public and police force as he demands money for his trouble.
Keanu Reeves also portrays his Officer exceptionally well, portraying him as very professional and organised and adventurous. The relationship between Traven and Payne makes the film even more engaging and exciting as it becomes very personal.
It's the suspense which makes this film. As the bus speeds around the city it faces many obstacles in order to get through unscathed and when unbelievable circumstances arise it's up to Traven and the passengers to tackle.
the use of the bus is wonderful, with a very claustrophobic feel to it adds to the pressure and situation. Situations involving bombs are also significant to add to the pressure There are also some great catch phrases to be heard.
When certain scenes have featured you may question the realism of the event and I myself have a few views about that, but the bottom line is that this is a high paced energetic thriller with stunning effects, plot, scenarios, and acting and is not to be missed.