Who needs complex plots?

Rating: 8/10 (22 March 2002)

As an action film, Speed is practically faultless. Down to the precarious "Oh, @$£!" style cliffhangers to the suspenseful climax, Speed keeps you on the edge of your seat all the way through. The very nature (and at the time, quite original too) of the plot means that there is never a dull moment. That bus is always moving at 50MPH and you're constantly left guessing as to what is going to happen next.
Reeves, as usual, plays his role with something of a lack of distinction, but unlike some of his roles (e.g. Dracula) he plays it with the gung-ho style that suits him. Hopper in the role of Payne makes a superb baddie, both with his edgy laugh and playful but sinister moods, both portrayed beautifully.
Overall, Speed is a film which will keep you going again and again, and, like Reeves' other hit, the Matrix, will keep you coming back again and again for the stunts alone.