WARNING: The following is a review of the movie Need for Speed. So spoiler alert! When the wife told me so got an offer to go see and advanced screening of this movie, I wasn’t expecting much in the way of a movie. I figured it was just a showcase for some fast cars I could never own, a crappy storyline and cardboard acting. But after watching it, I am surprised that it had something that I wasn’t expecting. 

What that something is, is a halfway decent plot, some homage to some really awesome car movies that came before, some humor and of course, action and excitement. The story basically goes, Tobey Marshall, played by Aaron Paul, is a street racer, who is framed for the death of a friend by a rival named Dino Brewster, played by Dominic Cooper. Paul’s character is sent to prison, losing his lively hood and his reputation, but when he gets released, he seeks revenge. Brewster finds out and puts a bounty out for Marshall. This setups a cross country race where the winner takes all, kind of like The Cannonball Run ,but not as funny.

Photo: NeedforSpeed.com

During this cross country race against the clock, we get some humor and homages to such awesome movies like Smokey and the Bandit, and the chase seen from Bullitt with Steve McQueen. All the way we are treated to awesome stunts and see planes, a train, and some pretty expensive automobiles driving faster then I ever could myself, as well as crashes, some romance and even a pretty daring escape!

This was not the movie I was expecting to see. It’s quite different from what I was thinking it was going to be like. And I am really glad I was wrong. I found myself very emotionally invested in the story and the characters and was tense during the final action scenes of the movie. To me it played out like I was watching someone play the video game that movie is based off of, but I really felt the adrenaline that the driver would have. While my wife liked it, I wouldn’t expect all women to. This is by and far a guy movie. But if you like those kinds of movies or you’re looking for something to show your man you care. Get a couple passes to see this movie with him and sit back and enjoy it for what it is. An action movie with some kick ass stunts, some slick looking cars, and a little humor and romance thrown in. On a side note, in a short prelude to the movie starting, Aaron Paul, Scott Mescudi, and director Scott Waugh, talked about the movie and mentioned that all the stunts were “practical”, meaning, no computer graphics. So when you see a car flip, it’s a real car flipping.

In short, if you’re looking for some on screen action and fast paced stunts, then this movie is worth the $20 plus it’ll cost you to see it. It won’t win any Oscars, but I think it’s worth getting the DVD or digital copy when it becomes available too. It’s due in theaters on March 14th. So if you go, let us know what you think, what you liked and what you hated.  And if you’re not sure, here’s the trailer to help you decide.