Speed...still an adrenaline rush after all these years

Rating: 8/10 (10 February 2013)

I just saw this gem of a movie again after seeing it several years ago. A few things struck me seeing this film again:
First, this movie still delivers suspense after all these years. The aptly titled "Speed" is as much about keeping you on an adrenaline rush as it is about passengers on a bomb rigged bus that will explode if the bus goes below 50 mph. The film begins with psychopath Dennis Hopper (Howard Payne) rigging an elevator full of passengers in an attempt to extort millions of dollars from the city. His plans go awry after meeting Jack Traven (Keeanu Reeves). This incident sparks a spectacular revenge plot that involves each man trying to outwit the other.
Second, there are very few movies that create the chemistry between characters that this movie does. I'm not just talking about the obvious sizzle between Annie (Sandra Bullock) and Jack which manages to be created without any nudity or steamy sex scenes – go figure. You also have strong chemistry with the friendship between Jack and his detective partner Harry (played by Jeff Daniels) and even the respect and concern shown between Jack and his boss, the under-rated Joe Morton as Capt Mcmahon.
Third, the writing and acting is formidable. This movie has equal parts action/drama and witty humor. You'll want to reference many witty lines after watching this film from Annie's confession that her license has been revoked for speeding to the back and forth dialogue between the exasperated bus passengers (Gargantuan, I'm thinking of you!). I think most of us agree that Keeanu is never going to be on a list for greatest actors but he is credible as the bad ass cop with good looks and great biceps! Sandra plays a spunky Annie quite well. Dennis is perfectly cast as the bitter maniac bomb genius and all the other characters including those with minimal lines seem to make a lasting impression.
This film is definitely worth watching or re-watching!