Cinematic adrenaline

Rating: 9/10 (20 November 2013)

"Speed" has the distinction of being the one movie that actually had me on the edge of my seat in the theater. And that speaks volumes when it seems like every action movie promises just that; but I actually had to scoot back at one point. On that basis alone, I hold a soft spot for this movie. I've seen it so many times over the years, and it's still a nail-biter. The camera work, the pacing, it's just an amusement park ride when you get right down to it.
On a different note, it's also one of my favorite Keanu Reeves movies. The role just seems to suit him. Jack Traven's just the right mix of hero cowboy that we can root for even when he's throwing himself into another disaster. Dennis Hopper's entertaining enough, but I've always been partial to Reeves here (which I can't claim very often).
It's no genius, but just smart enough and still manages to get the pulse pounding. I love this movie.
9/10