Bus Loads of Fun!

Rating: 8/10 (12 January 2008)

If you're not averse to formula film making, a little bit of overkill, and if you're able to indulge a small amount of un-believability, then you're sure to enjoy "Speed".
There's thrills and spills aplenty in this action flick about a disturbed bomb freak who plants one of his lethal devices on an LA public bus which is loaded with passengers and roaring down the freeway. Enter police officer Jack Traven, a bomb squad hot shot who has once before thwarted this homicidal madman. Now Jack (Keanu Reeves) must find a way of boarding the moving vehicle in order to warn the civilians and save the day.
Reeves stars in a role rumoured to be originally turned down by Arnold Schwarzenegger, and thank goodness for that. Keanu provides a fresh face and a degree of believability as the human hero (ala "Die Hard") that Schwarzenegger would have ruined. Supporting him are plenty of other enjoyable fresh faces including Sandra Bullock, partner Jeff Daniels and veteran actor Dennis Hopper who is most satisfying as the explosives nut case.
Of course the main attraction is the fabulous action, death defying stunts and the thrilling suspense of the whole ordeal. While we know perfectly well that our hero will be triumphant in the end, trying to figure out how he'll squeeze through each tight spot is great fun. Cinematographer come debut director Jan De Bont adds his visual expertise to the production, and it certainly shows with some fantastic camera work ( Director of Photography Andrzej Bartkowiak). It's all rounded off with a suitable soundtrack.
"Speed" is never a new journey in the cinema experience, but it doesn't pretend to be. Rather it is pure entertainment - and sweaty palms - all the way to its over the top finale. Bus loads of fun!
Sunday, July 17, 1994 - Hoyts Forest Hill Chase
"Speed" is a true roller coaster ride brought to the screen thrillingly by ace cinematographer ("Die Hard") come debut director Jan De Bont. He has fashioned an over the top action fest which will delight fans of the genre.
Bomb squad hot shot Keanu Reeves is pitted against a crazy bomber (Dennis Hopper) who intends to blow up an LA bus, which is loaded with civilians and racing down the freeway, unless he's paid a million dollar ransom. Our hero must find a way to board the moving bus, deactivate the bomb, keep the passengers calm and ultimately save the day.
"Speed" has been very professionally put together and features spectacular stunts, ear splitting special sound effects (see it at the movies!) and eye popping visual effects.
De Bont has given his film a confronting visual look and Andrzej Bartkowiak wields the camera with devastating effect. Dennis Hopper is sufficiently nutty and malevolent, Sandra Bullock's fresh faced good looks are a big help, while Keanu Reeves is a welcome change to the regular run of muscle-bound heroes like Arnie, Stallone and Van Damme.
Never takes itself too seriously nor tries to look like something we haven't seen before, "Speed" just does what it does (high powered action) extremely well.
Wednesday, June 14, 1995 - Video