» My Little Movie Review/Ramble
For those who don't know me, sad but true, I went to Hong Kong to see this movie. I was there for a month visiting relatives and what not, so why not watch the movie? it comes out a day before my birthday. Initial D happens to be -the- HK movie of the summer. Advertisements everywhere, cellphone promotions, pictures on busses, at bus stops, in the train stations, advertisements inside the train, clips of the July 1st press conference on the bus tvs, and so on. There was even call-in trivia questions where if you get the right answer you can win something. Basically It was insane. Besides Initial D, the next most advertised thing was Batman....

The plot of the movie is a bit different than the anime/manga Initial D series but isn't too odd. For example, Yuuichi (gas station owner) being the father of Itsuki, and Bunta being a abusive drunk father. Overall, don't expect too much from this movie. Just think about it, all the main characters in this film, for example Jay Chou, are popular among the female crowd when it comes to Asian celebrities. So, if you have nice cars, and 'hot guys' you have the ultimate recipe of a summer teen flick or in other words this summer's blockbuster at the theatres. Since this movie is 'the big thing' of the summer, of course there's going to be alot of commercialism in it. Throughout the movie you will see Pepsi everywhere. The only thing Ryosuke drinks in the movie, well from what I remember, is Pepsi. The umbrellas on the beach are Pepsi umbrellas. Why? Edison Chen and Jay Chou are (or was for Edison) endorsed by Pepsi. One may recall the 2004 Pepsi campaign which featured Aaron Kwok, Jolin Tsai, Sammi Cheng, F4, and who else? Jay Chou and Edison Chen.

The movie in general
Characters
- Since this is Jay Chou's first movie, don't expect much from him. Well, Takumi doesn't have many lines, and he acts rather blunt most of the time. Most of the scenes in the movie consists of people acting off Jay Chou while he stands there.
- Edison Chen, on the other hand, (actually very few Chinese actors can act. It's all part of a marketing ploy. Let's save that for another rant.) fails to deliver the charismatic, but yet intimidating Ryosuke Takahashi you see in the manga and anime series. But then again, it's Edison we're talking about. Initially, Edison was supposed to star as Takumi in the movie. It should have stayed that way.
- Chapman To, in my opinion, did a fine job with Itsuki's character. He stole every scene he was in. Although he's a married man, he pulls off playing a teenager quite well. How can you ever forget his speach about how racers need their milk? It's just a Chapman thing.
- Anthony Wong played a rather interesting Bunta. Personally, I think it's wrong for Bunta to be a abusive father, but it's interesting for him to be a womanizer. It's a fresh idea. Also, the movie gives light to 'where's Takumi's mother' plot hole in the series.
- Shawn Yue did a 'okay' job with Takeshi's character although it seemed to be more like a Keisuke. Perhaps if he gave him a bit more screentime?
- Jordan Chan needed more screentime. There wasn't enough of an introduction for Sudou as did the manga and anime series gave him. There was just something missing.

The Races
- They only use one road and that is Akina. Why? road closures are expensive.
- Why would you show anyone what's under the hood of your car? Especially Ryosuke? Even though he probably knows what's under it, why would you show him?
- The three way battle between the 86, FC, and EVOIII was unexpected or maybe I just wasn't paying attention to the movie.
- The EVOIII flips and crashes hollywood style, but how is it possible for anyone to crawl out of their own car and walk away with no scratches?

Heh...
- Personally, i thought the script went through everything too quickly. For example, the relationship between Takumi and Mogi was lacking because there wasn't enough time in the script to develop chemistry between the two characters. The first half of the movie was 'okay', but the latter half probably didn't make much sense if the viewer doesn't know much about the series. There just needs to be more explanation about why things happen the way they did.
- Nightkids in tracksuits, and Emperor in tight, tight, tight, studded leather. There's something wrong with that.
- Dare for more MTV style movie cuts?! ("Dare for More" is the slogan for the 2004 Pepsi ad, for those who don't know)
- Did anyone notice the extra FC in the crowd? It's not Ryosuke's, it's just a extra FC. Maybe I was hallucinating FCs while watching the movie.
- The Emperor's 'sparkley' van is the most memorable thing of the movie.
- Was Anne Suzuki's voice dubbed?

Overall
Like I said in the begining, don't expect much from it. The movie is purely commercialism. If you don't believe me, there was a girl sitting beside me clinging onto her boyfriend for the entire movie. The girl has her 'hot celebrities', her boyfriend can gawk at cars. What more can you ask for for this type of movie?

I'm pretty sure there will be a longer version of the movie out when it's released on DVD. Perhaps that'll fulfill a few things for me.

If you're asking me whether I recommend this film, I'm sorry but I don't have a answer for you. This film has the HK actor who i'm not particularly fond of playing one of my favorite Initial D characters. Why couldn't Ekin Cheng or someone play him? Why? ... watch the movie for Chapman? The movie really isn't up to my expectations, but what do you expect of a HK movie? half of them are a waste of time. At least this one has cars you can gawk at?

Maybe the LoveHKFilm.com review will prove to be more insightful.

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