Need For Speed Reviews: Big Actors, Big Producers, Big Blow! Chicago Tribune Says, ‘Exuberantly Stupid Time-Killer’, NY Times Says ‘In The End It's Dumb And Loud’
There were high expectations on the film adaptation of the popular video game, but the Need for Speed reviews clearly showed that the movie didn't live up to their expectations. Some people can't help but compare Need for Speed to The Fast and the Furious film franchise because of the big names involved in this movie.
Aaron Paul, who is known for his role as Jesse Pinkman in the HBO series Breaking Bad, was chosen to star in this film. He joins other well-known actors like Michael Keaton, Dominic Cooper, Dakota Johnson, Imogen Poots, and famous rapper Kid Cudi.
The new DreamWorks racecar flick was overseen by award-winning director Steven Spielberg and distributed by Disney so we expect it to be really big! Unfortunately, it only earned B-plus on CinemaScore and only got a rating of 23% on Rotten Tomatoes. Need for Speed also got one of the lowest 3D openings earning it $17.8 million in box office compared to the estimated earnings of $25 million to $30 million, according to Los Angeles Times.
Let's find out what movie critics have to say about this film. Here are a few Need for Speed reviews from leading publications:
Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune: "Exuberantly stupid time-killer". He added, "When the actors are in cars, the movie's fun." And Paul "has talent" but "comes off more 'serial killer in the making.'"
A.O. Scott, New York Times: "An energetic, unpretentious B movie" with driving scenes that are "fun to watch. In the end "it's dumb and loud and sometimes technically impressive, which means that it is successful on its own terms."
Betsy Sharkey, Los Angeles Times: "Need for Speed is no Fast & Furious." She added, "No one is asking for actual logic in these films. Part of the fun is seeing how far from reality the freewheeling stunts can take it. But a sense of the absurdity of the absurd is most definitely required too."
There are also some movie critics who enjoyed the movie. Here's a list of positive Need for Speed reviews from other publications:
Richard Corliss, TIME: "A junk vehicle with a souped-up motor, this new 'Fast & Furious' clone delivers cool races, chases and crashes."
Jessica Herndon, SFGate: "Easily the best parts of this ride are the thrilling stunts and races." She added, "Stuntman-turned-director Scott Waugh puts us right in the driver's seat as cars exceed 120 mph and spin through the air. First-person camera angles keep the action immediate and personal, just like the video game."
