Synopsis
Jack Traven, an LAPD cop on SWAT detail, and veteran SWAT officer Harry Temple thwart an extortionist-bomber's scheme for a $3 million ransom. As they corner the bomber, he flees and detonates a bomb vest, seemingly killing himself. Weeks later, Jack witnesses a mass transit city bus explode and nearby a pay phone rings. On the phone is that same bomber looking for vengeance and the money he's owed. He gives a personal challenge to Jack: a bomb is rigged on another city bus - if it slows down below 50 mph, it will explode - bad enough any day, but a nightmare in LA traffic. And that's just the beginning...
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Cast
- Keanu ReevesJack Traven
- Dennis HopperHoward Payne
- Sandra BullockAnnie Porter
- Jeff DanielsHarold 'Harry' Temple
- Joe MortonLt. 'Mac' McMahon
- Alan RuckStephens
- Glenn PlummerJaguar Owner
- Richard LinebackNorwood
- Beth GrantHelen
- Hawthorne JamesSam Silver
Recommendations
- 100
Chicago Sun-Times
We've seen this done before, but seldom so well, or at such a high pitch of energy. - 100
Entertainment Weekly
The film takes off from formula elements-it's yet another variation on "Die Hard"-but it manipulates those elements so skillfully, with such a canny mixture of delirium and restraint, that I walked out of the picture with the rare sensation that every gaudy thrill had been earned. - 88
ReelViews
It's an ingenious premise that first-time director Jan De Bont has turned into a tremendously well-executed motion picture. - 88
Rolling Stone
If you're looking for action movie heaven, try Speed, a crackling blend of suspense and fun that gives you the rush of a runaway roller coaster. - 80
The New York Times
This film's dialogue isn't much more literate than a bus schedule, but its plotting is smart and breathless enough to make up for that. - 80
Empire
There are very few action movies that cut to the chase quite as quickly as Speed and then have the stamina to keep it up for nearly two hours. - 70
Chicago Reader
The deft arabesques of cinematographer Andrzej Bartkowiak juice up the suspense, and if you're not too put off by the sheer ridiculousness of the story you won't be bored. - 67
Austin Chronicle
In a film like this, timing is everything, and everyone from the stunt coordinators to the crew-at-large seems to have gotten it right the first time.
