Speed Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A cop and a random lady drive a bus real fast because a disgruntled ex-cop wants his pension, then they move the party to a subway.

🍿 Speed: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Elevator Hostage Situation

LAPD SWAT officers Jack Traven and Harry Temple thwart a hostage situation involving a bomber named Howard Payne, who rigged an elevator in a skyscraper with explosives. They manage to rescue the hostages, but Payne seemingly dies in the process. This sets the stage for Payne’s vengeful return.

The Bus Bomb

Payne resurfaces, this time planting a bomb on a city bus that will detonate if the bus’s speed drops below 50 mph. Jack learns of the threat and races to board the bus. A passenger, Annie Porter, is forced to take over the driving when the original driver is shot. Jack and Annie must work together to keep the bus moving and save the passengers.

High-Speed Mayhem

The bus navigates through Los Angeles, facing numerous obstacles, including heavy traffic and an incomplete freeway. The police attempt to assist, but Payne’s demands and threats complicate their efforts. Tragically, a passenger is killed when trying to exit the bus against Payne’s orders, raising the stakes and tension. The bus jumps an unfinished section of the freeway.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Jack Traven (Keanu Reeves): A courageous LAPD SWAT officer who must save the passengers on a bus rigged with a bomb.
• Howard Payne (Dennis Hopper): A vengeful and cunning former bomb squad member who terrorizes the city with his explosive devices.
• Annie (Sandra Bullock): A resourceful and quick-thinking passenger who is forced to drive the bus to prevent it from exploding.
• Harry Temple (Jeff Daniels): Jack’s partner and detective who assists in identifying and locating the bomber, ultimately sacrificing himself.
• Capt. McMahon (Joe Morton): Jack’s superior officer who struggles to balance protocol with the urgent need to save lives.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Howard Payne: “Pop quiz, hotshot. There’s a bomb on a bus. Once the bus goes 50 miles an hour, the bomb is armed. If it drops below 50, it blows up. What do you do? What do you do?” – Payne taunts Jack with the premise of his deadly game.
• Jack Traven: “I’m driving!” – Jack yells this when trying to get on the bus.
• Howard Payne: “Poor people are crazy, Jack. I’m eccentric.” – Payne says this when Jack calls him crazy, revealing his warped sense of superiority.
• Annie: “What do you want from us?!” – Annie yells this at Payne when she gets a call from him.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $30,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $121,248,145
• Worldwide Gross: $350,448,145

💥 Speed Reviews

Personal Review

Speed is one of those movies that defined my childhood. I remember being glued to the screen, terrified for those passengers on the bus. Sandra Bullock was amazing as Annie; I felt every bit of her panic and determination. The scene where they jump the gap in the freeway? Pure cinematic gold! This movie is a total blast from the past, a non-stop adrenaline rush that still holds up today.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of action movies”
  • “Viewers who enjoy suspenseful thrillers”
  • “People who like 90s action films”
  • “Admirers of Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Intense violence”
  • “Explosions”
  • “Perilous situations”
  • “Some language”

Professional Reviews

• Roger Ebert: “Speed is a terrific thriller. It’s lean, it’s mean, and it keeps you on the edge of your seat. Jan de Bont’s direction is sharp and energetic, making the most of every set piece.
• James Berardinelli: “Few action movies are as relentlessly thrilling as Speed. The film delivers on its premise, creating a high-stakes situation that doesn’t let up for nearly two hours.
• Richard Schickel: “A triumph of stunt work and special effects, Speed is a pure adrenaline rush from start to finish. It’s a well-crafted, highly entertaining thrill ride.

Audience Reactions

The chemistry between Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock was electric and made the movie so much more enjoyable.: Viewers universally praise the fast-paced action and suspenseful plot that keeps them on the edge of their seats.

Dennis Hopper’s portrayal of the villain was delightfully unhinged and made for a memorable antagonist.: Most viewers agree that the film is a benchmark for action movies, balancing thrills with engaging characters.

Overall Consensus: Speed is a high-octane action thriller praised for its relentless pace, memorable performances, and impactful set pieces, making it a classic of the 90s action genre.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Sound)- 1995
2. Academy Award (Best Sound Effects Editing)- 1995

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The script was heavily rewritten by Joss Whedon, who made significant changes to the plot and dialogue, adding much of the humor.”
• “Several actors were considered for the role of Jack Traven before Keanu Reeves was cast, including Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson.”
• “The scene where the bus jumps over the gap in the freeway was achieved practically, using a ramp and careful calculations. It was one of the most challenging stunts of the film.”

🖥️ How to Watch Speed?

Speed is widely available for streaming and purchase. You can find it on platforms such as Prime Video, where it’s often available for rent or purchase. It’s also commonly found on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options. Physical copies on Blu-ray and DVD can be purchased through major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy. Availability may vary depending on your region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Speed, you might like these similar films:

• Die Hard (1988): A quintessential action film with a lone hero battling a cunning villain in a confined space, sharing a similar high-stakes, ticking-clock tension.
• The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974): A group of criminals hijacks a New York City subway train, holding the passengers for ransom, highlighting a similar hostage situation within a confined moving vehicle.
• Air Force One (1997): Features a President fighting terrorists who have hijacked his plane, creating a similar high-stakes, action-packed scenario with innocent lives at risk.
• Cellular (2004): A woman is kidnapped and can only communicate with the outside world via a damaged cell phone, leading to a race against time to save her, echoing the tension and urgency of Speed.

🛒 Speed Related Products

• Speed (Blu-ray): Experience the adrenaline-pumping action of Speed in stunning high definition. This Blu-ray edition includes bonus features for a deeper dive into the making of the film.
• Hot Wheels ‘Speed’ Bus: A die-cast replica of the bus from ‘Speed’. Perfect for collectors and fans of the movie. High-quality die-cast construction.
• Speed Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the original Speed movie poster. This poster is printed on high-quality paper and is perfect for framing.
• The Art of ‘Speed’: A behind-the-scenes look at the concept art, storyboards, and production photos of Speed. Includes interviews with the cast and crew.

🎧 Soundtrack

Speed features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “A Million Miles Away” – performed by The Plimsouls

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Keanu Reeves Had a Crush on ‘Speed’ Co-Star Sandra Bullock

Did you know Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock had a thing for each other on the set of ‘Speed’? Ellen DeGeneres gets the scoop on their secret crushes in this fun interview.

Need for Speed In A Nutshell

If you’re looking for a deeper dive into ‘Need for Speed’, check out this well-made video essay that breaks down the film’s strengths and weaknesses. The creator does a great job of unpacking the movie’s themes and exploring its deeper meanings.

✨ Rate