By: The Don
WARNING: POSSIBLE SPOILERS
“Pop quiz hot shot, there’s a bomb on a bus. Once the bus goes fifty miles an hour, the bomb is armed. If it drops below fifty, it blows up, what do you do? What do you do?” This is one of the most known quotes in the movie industry today. It’s so known that movies today incorporate it into their films. Speed (1994) is a classic action film from the 90s. From explosions, to action packed fun, strap in and be apart of this awesome, fun and simple film. I have watched this film hundreds of times and will keep on watching! I promise you, if you love the thrill, impossible to only in the movies like stunts and the fast pace action, you will love this one.
Speed (1994) is about SWAT officer Jack Traven (Keanu Reeves) who has to save a city bus that has been rigged to blow up if it drops below fifty miles per hour and stop bomber Howard Payne (Dennis Hopper). First it starts with Payne rigging an elevator with bombs and Traven and his partner Harry (Jeff Daniels) thwarts Payne’s plans. Oh well, what could be next you may ask? Payne then planted a bomb on the LA bus to where most of the film is shot. Payne shows he is in control and antagonizes Jack every move he tries to make. But that doesn’t stop Jack. With Harry’s help, Jack tries to disarm the bomb numerous times but Payne has thought of every way possible to stop him from disarming it.
The stunts are so blown out of proportion, but that adds to the fun of the film which I love. My favorite was when the bus jumped the gap on the 105 freeway. I mean to jump an entire gap? Only Keanu and Sandra knows how to pull that off! Or should I mention the bus that had to make a quick right turn at 60 mph? I love to see movies that include stunts like this. Can it happen in real life? Probably not! It adds to the fun and thrill of the film to keep me watching!
The acting was phenomenal. Dennis Hopper plays madman Howard Payne. (RIP to him) From his laugh to his taunts, Hopper knows how to get under Traven’s skin and antagonize him. Keanu Reeves is awesome at his role as Jack Traven. He is brave, daring and as Annie would say, “insane.” Sandra Bullock plays the life saving Annie who comes to Traven’s aid and helps to drive the bus. Annie and Jack make a good team. You can feel the connection between the two on screen. Then comes Jeff Daniels. He plays Harry’s character very well. He is the type of cop that wants to get the villain and thinks it through, while Jack would jump the gun. I wish there were more Jack and Harry scenes.
For a 90s film, the picture looks really good for up to today’s standards. I have watched the film numerous times and it really has aged well. The explosions look and feel really well done. Compared to today, the CGI is too much and can really ruin a movie. Director Jan De Bont did really well. Perfect shots and filming was done well on the bus scenes and outside the bus.
Like I have said, Speed is a classic film. There was action from start to finish, top quality acting and exciting action that we all love about 90s movies. With a 116 minute runtime, the film will keep you entertained from start to finish. I definitely recommend you watching this one.
VERDICT
9.4 out of 10
