Review: Jada 1:24 Speed Racer Mach 5 and Shooting Star
There are a lot of movies I like even though I know they're not good. For example, I enjoy all three Underworld movies, but I'll be the first to admit they're far from great cinema. I bring this up for context, because I want to be clear about something: I understand the difference between an enjoyable bad movie and an under-appreciated good movie.
Speed Racer isn't just the latter, it's just about the epitome of misunderstood, under-appreciated, brilliance. Speed Racer is a work of art, and the sixty-three percent of critics who couldn't figure that out can go to hell. Of course, this is nothing I haven't said before. In fact, I've gone on at excruciating length about this movie, which I have no reservations dubbing the Wachowski's best work.
Speed Racer isn't just the latter, it's just about the epitome of misunderstood, under-appreciated, brilliance. Speed Racer is a work of art, and the sixty-three percent of critics who couldn't figure that out can go to hell. Of course, this is nothing I haven't said before. In fact, I've gone on at excruciating length about this movie, which I have no reservations dubbing the Wachowski's best work.
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At any rate, about a year and a half ago I picked up a Hot Wheels Mach 6, which I've come to love. A little later, Lindsay bought and reviewed a Barbie/Ken Speed Racer and Trixie set. I'm of the opinion, by the way, that action figure collectors should really give Barbie more of a chance: there are some phenomenal 1:6 scale toys available if you can get over the idea of shopping in the pink.
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Until recently, that's been the extent of our Speed Racer collection. Then, a few weeks ago, I stopped by Jack's World to see what was in stock. I was delighted to find die-cast versions of the Mach 5 and the Shooting Star going for a reasonable price. These are made by Jada Toys, a company I don't know much about, and they're 1:24 scale, fitting in perfectly with my Hot Wheels Mach 6.
Appearance and Construction:
Mach 5: 8/10 Shooting Star: 9/10
Both of these look really good, but the Shooting Star is definitely the better of the two. This is largely because of the yellow body and elaborate headlights. The dashboard is gorgeous, as well, even containing a fire extinguisher on the passenger side. I also can't say enough positive things about the exhaust pipes on top. Only the lack of paint ops on the seats and buckles holds this back from a perfect ten.
The Mach 5 is also beautiful, holding up nicely to the more expensive Hot Wheels Mach 6. Between the two, the Mach 6 is probably a little better, but I have no issue calling them both eights. This has a cool side-view mirror, and it matches up pretty well to my memories of the movie. As an added detail, the rear license plate contains the Speed Racer logo.
Both cars are well put-together, though you'll want to be gentle. The windshields feel somewhat fragile, though I haven't had any issues yet. Even so, I'd make a point of keeping these away from small kids. Good luck with that, by the way.
The Mach 5 is also beautiful, holding up nicely to the more expensive Hot Wheels Mach 6. Between the two, the Mach 6 is probably a little better, but I have no issue calling them both eights. This has a cool side-view mirror, and it matches up pretty well to my memories of the movie. As an added detail, the rear license plate contains the Speed Racer logo.
Both cars are well put-together, though you'll want to be gentle. The windshields feel somewhat fragile, though I haven't had any issues yet. Even so, I'd make a point of keeping these away from small kids. Good luck with that, by the way.
Packaging and Extras: ----
In addition to not including any extras, there were no packages, either. These were being sold loose at Jack's World, with only a price tag added to let you know what you'd be paying. I know that Jada also sells versions of the 1:24 Mach 5 that come packaged, but I'm not sure whether there are any differences.
Play and Display: ----
These basically do what you'd expect: the wheels turn, the doors open, and that's it. The steering wheels don't turn, the gearshift doesn't move, and the hoods/trunks don't open. Would I have liked these to do something? Sure. But, then again, these are first and foremost display pieces.
But if the trunks opened I'd have gladly handed out bonus points.
But if the trunks opened I'd have gladly handed out bonus points.
Price Tag and Final Analysis:
Mach 5: 8/10 Shooting Star: 9/10
This might be the best part. I paid $4.99 a piece for these. According to the price tags, these were originally $13.50 each, but I have no idea where that's from. In terms of quality, these are on par with the Hot Wheels Mach 6 that ran about $25. Actually, the Shooting Star is a tad better in my opinion.
More photos below, including some comparisons with the Mach 6. And, obviously, if you haven't seen Speed Racer yet, it's well past time you put it on your Netflix queue.
More photos below, including some comparisons with the Mach 6. And, obviously, if you haven't seen Speed Racer yet, it's well past time you put it on your Netflix queue.
It seems redundant to plug my blog again, seeing as I already linked to several posts, so instead I'll just point you towards my other site, where I've collected some of my fiction. And, since we're already talking, did I mention I self-published a fantasy novel a while back?
