As a seasoned gamer with a soft spot for action-packed movies that rival the adrenaline-fueled gaming sessions I often find myself immersed in, I can confidently say that Jan de Bont’s masterpiece, Speed, has undeniably earned a place among the greatest action films ever made. The high-stakes race for survival aboard a bomb-strapped bus, coupled with Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock’s electrifying performances, makes this ’90s classic an unforgettable experience that never fails to set my heart racing.
Jan de Bont’s “Speed” is unquestionably one of the top-notch action films, characterized by its thrilling chase sequence involving a bus rigged with explosives. Furthermore, the impressive ensemble cast featuring Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock added an extra layer of memorability to this ’90s production. Remarkably, the roles of Jack Traven and his partner might not have materialized as planned, since Reeves initially declined the role; however, he provided a compelling reason for why he eventually agreed to take on the part.
Contemplating Keanu Reeves from Speed living dangerously in an elevator, bus, or subway, causes my heart rate to spike. These exhilarating sensations were rekindled for the cast and crew who attended the 30th-anniversary screening of the action thriller at the Egyptian Theatre. As reported by THR, Keanu Reeves from The Matrix shared what ultimately led him to change his mind about declining, detailing:
Upon reviewing the second and subsequent drafts, I found myself nodding in approval, thinking it might be an entertaining project. I encountered a remarkable visionary [in Jan de Bont], and my reaction was something along the lines of “Wow, this is a director!” He had a clear vision for the story, which left me impressed. What particularly stood out to me at that time was the cinematographer on Die Hard. When I learned he was responsible for that film’s visuals, I couldn’t help but exclaim, “Wow, amazing!
It’s not surprising that Keanu Reeves isn’t overly fond of the script for Die Hard, given that it spawned numerous action heroes known for their witty lines. As Entertainment Weekly reports, Reeves found his character Jack to be too flippant, feeling that the one-liners he was expected to deliver seemed forced rather than natural.
As a gamer diving into script revisions, I mulled over Keanu Reeves’ suggestions by chatting with Joss Whedon, the mastermind behind Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The goal was to make my character, Jack, more sincere instead of sticking with the original screwball comedy vibe. Luckily, my gut feelings about the role seemed spot-on, and those script tweaks turned out to be just what Jack needed to shine!
It’s not surprising that a film like “Speed” becomes a repeated watch for viewers, much like how “Die Hard” is. The Jan de Bont movie, “Speed”, offered an unforgettable experience due to its originality in the way it kept the action relentless and unpredictable, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats wondering what would happen next.
As soon as Jack leaps onto the explosives-laden bus, it’s clear you’re in for an exciting ride filled with thrilling action. And let’s not overlook the moment when the bus soared over the highway – a testament to De Bont’s exceptional directorial skills, much like Reeves pointed out, in creating such unforgettable action scenes. Let’s revisit that brilliance below:
It’s really challenging to envision the film “Speed” without Keanu Reeves in it. His portrayal of Jack Traven in this 90s action movie was one of his most impressive performances, making Traven appear both tough and genuinely authentic. You might even say that the character from “Point Break” was a true badass when he risked his life to save that bus on his day off. The coffee shop was where he intended to spend his leisure time, but suddenly a bus exploded right behind him. As an LAPD officer, he certainly had the option to stay out of the action, but instead, he chose to be a hero from start to finish.
I’m thrilled that Keanu Reeves chose to star in Speed, especially given his previous collaboration with Jan de Bont, who worked on Die Hard. If a third installment of Speed materializes and brings back Sandra Bullock, I’m hoping that the script for Reeves’ character, Jack, will be compelling enough to persuade him to return. You can catch Speed on your Starz subscription. Don’t forget to check out our 2024 movie releases for the upcoming action movies hitting theaters and streaming platforms.
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2024-10-15 05:07