Review of Redline

Sensory. Overload. Redline follows the story of Sweet JP, a reckless race car driver in the distant future. The Redline race is the galaxy's biggest, most notorious, most violent race in all the galaxy...and JP has gotta win it. Redline was totally, unabashedly entertaining. There has been absolutely nothing I've seen that has been as over the top as Redline. It was just plain ridiculous, over the top fun. The animation only aids the insanity on screen. Animated by MADHOUSE (The Wolf Children, Summer Wars), Redline is colorful, vibrant, and truly exciting. There is certain level of kinetic energy rarely seen in animation, and Redlinetotally defines a new level of racing action throughout this chaotic adventure.

Speaking of which, the action is just amazing in Redline. Furiously entertaining and loud, Redline is extremely fun. The racing sequences are hilariously fun, and the rest of the film takes place as a build up to the finale, which is fittingly silly and recklessly mad in the best way possible. The cheeky writing and surprising English dubs make the energy all the more exciting. The characters are thin, but fun and quite memorable, especially Sweet JP. The story is amusing and keeps things mysterious until the end, but it's not necessarily ground-breaking. What is surprising is the world that Redline creates. It's a fun cyberpunk (with heavy emphasis on the punk) universe that has a good sense of location and originality. Its biggest flaw is it's hurried conclusion. There isn't any resolution after the epic finale, and it left me wanting more.

Redline is awesome. No question. It won't appeal to everyone, and that's ok. It's a loud, insane, and ridiculous action film that rarely lets up. Anime film goers will love it, but American film goers be warned: this is in no way a good entry point for action Japanese animation. But for those who know what they are getting themselves into, you will no doubt be entertained. Redline is freakishly enjoyable from beginning to end. There's nothing else quite like the insanity on screen, and its fresh twists on racing film tropes is reason enough to give Redline a watch.