Superb popcorn action

Rating: Null/10 (10 September 2003)

Jan de Bont explodes onto the directorial scene with this action packed blockbuster. Speed tells the tale of LAPD cops Jack Traven (Keanu Reeves) and Harry Temple (Jeff Daniels) and their battle against a mad bomber who retaliates to an earlier foiled plan by planting a bomb on a bus, rigging the device to explode if the bus drops below 50mp/h.
Boarding the bus in an effort to diffuse the situation, Traven has to battle against time, speed, passengers and the LA traffic. Annie Porter (Sandra Bullock) turns in a strong performance as a passenger on the bus, becoming an unwitting participant in the mad bombers deadly game.
Keanu Reeves plays the gum chewing, funky sidekick off Jeff Daniels' seasoned conservative veteran character with a winner takes all gung ho approach which leaves you with the inescapable comfort that somehow you trust him to get the job done.
Joe Morton turns in a wonderful performance as Lt. Herb 'Mac' McMahon, the police chief who is constantly pulling Traven into line. He brings tremendous ethos to the role, especially when the bus and his own man come up against insurmountable odds.
Pulling the strings is mastermind bomber Dennis Hopper, bringing to life the "crazy, not stupid" megalomaniac in fine villian form.
Throw in these ingredients and blend and out comes one of the most action packed films of the decade. Special mention goes to Mark Mancina's fantastic score.
I cannot add any more without revealing the twists and turns so rent or buy this movie and sit back with your friends and a big bowl of popcorn.