Speed
1994
****½
Director: Jan De Bont
Cast: Keanu Reeves, Sandra Bullock, Dennis Hopper, Jeff Daniels, Joe Morton, Alan Ruck, Carlos Carrasco, Glenn Plummer, Beth Grant
When a nasty terrorist plants a bomb on a Los Angeles bus which explodes if the vehicle slows down below 50 miles per hour, a SWAT member boards the bus to attempt to avert disaster. This terrific, fast-paced adrenalin shot of a movie made Sandra Bullock a star and it proves that action flicks don't always need to be dumb and illogical shooting fests. The finale outside the bus is a bit of a letdown, though. Cinematographer Jan De Bont's directorial career has been steep downhill since this vigorous debut. Followed by Speed 2: Crusie Control three years later.
