Speed MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +3 Content: -3

An elevator full of people suddenly stops at the 30th floor of a high-rise. It hangs by a single cable while a mad bomber holds the occupants ransom for three million dollars. If the city does not pay, he will explode the last remaining cable holding up the elevator. Jack (Keanu Reeves) and Harry (Jeff Daniels) are members of the SWAT team that is sent in for help. Will they be able to rescue the trapped victims in time? Jack and Harry race against time and against Howard Payne (Dennis Hopper), a killer intent on collecting money from the city one way or another. When the evil Payne's plan is successfully thwarted, he seeks revenge. This time passengers on a city bus are threatened by a bomb triggered to detonate if the bus slows down past 50 miles an hour. Jack and his team are called to action again. The speeding bus is shown careening down the Los Angeles streets as Jack and Annie (Sandra Bullock), one of the passengers, work together to keep the bus going. Those who liked DIE HARD will enjoy this fast-paced movie. The weak, rather disjointed plot becomes secondary. It's the special effects and competent acting that make this movie roll.

Though not as graphic as other recent action films, discriminating viewers will not appreciate several violent scenes. One man is stabbed in the ear, another has his head ripped off, more than ten people are blown up, one shot fatally and a woman is run over. Thankfully, however, the scenes are not drawn out for gore's sake. Much destruction of property, both public and private, also occurs, and the language gets violent with incessant obscenities and profanities. Also, when the policemen get drunk at a party, it is portrayed as part of the “fun” of being friends - not exactly good role models. On a more positive note, there is no nudity, no sexual situations and only a few sexually suggestive comments. SPEED plays just too fast and loose for wholesome summer entertainment.

Preview Reviewer: Greg Wilson
Distributor: 20th Century Fox Film Corp., 10201 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036