Speed (1994)

Speed (1994)

9/10

Starring

Keanu Reeves

Dennis Hopper

Sandra Bullock

 

Directed by Jan de Bont

 

One thing Speed had over numerous action thrillers from the '90s was its decision to skip clichés and go for something unique. The movie is fast-paced, intensely energetic, and will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. This isn’t the kind of film you watch when you need a bathroom break—because let’s face it, the chance of pausing this flick is slim to none. Speed grabs you by the throat and holds you hostage from start to finish.

The director clearly had the audience in mind. He didn’t insult your intelligence, even when the events on screen were unrealistic—like a bus jumping fifty feet. There’s hardly a moment to get bored because the intensity never lets up. The movie’s goal is simple: to thrill you. And just when you think it’s over, the movie pulls a “gotcha!” moment to keep the adrenaline pumping.

With a seasoned action director, a sharp script, and fantastic performances, Speed remains one of the best fast-paced action movies of all time.

The plot centers on Jack (Keanu Reeves) and his partner Harry, who are LAPD SWAT bomb disposal officers. They are sent to investigate a hostage situation involving an elevator. A bomber named Payne (Dennis Hopper) threatens to blow up the elevator, which is filled with people, unless he is paid a $3 million ransom. Jack suspects the bomber plans to kill the hostages regardless, so he devises a plan to save them, even if the bomb detonates.

After successfully rescuing the hostages, Jack and Harry track down Payne, who is hiding nearby. Payne manages to escape, but not without sustaining injuries, and Harry gets shot in the leg. Despite this, the two are hailed as heroes, with Harry being promoted to detective. However, Payne, holding a grudge against Jack, later contacts him and blows up a bus as a warning. He then reveals he has rigged another bus with a bomb, providing Jack with its location. The catch? The bomb activates once the bus reaches 50 mph and will detonate if the speed drops below that threshold.

Jack manages to board the bus, but chaos ensues when a passenger—mistaking Jack’s intentions—starts shooting, injuring the driver and causing the bus to spiral out of control. This is where Sandra Bullock’s character, Annie, steps in. She takes over driving the bus while Jack works to save the passengers, stop the bomb, and, of course, survive long enough to catch the bad guy.

Speed earned numerous accolades, including an Academy Award and a BAFTA for Best Sound Effects. It was both a critical and commercial success, cementing its place as a classic action film. Its popularity was so immense that Fox immediately pushed for a sequel. While Keanu Reeves declined to return, Sandra Bullock signed on, and the original director came back as well. Unfortunately, the sequel was a massive disappointment, receiving critical backlash and failing financially.

For me, Speed will always stand out as one of the best movies Keanu Reeves has ever done.