Perspective: Listening carefully - "Speed 3" is the follow-up film we long for.
We're accustomed to seeing elderly men play action heroes as they did when they were younger. It can be funny, yet we typically accept it because we're conditioned to view men as capable and strong until the end of their lives.
When Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock mentioned on the podcast "50 MPH" that they'd beup for a possible third "Speed" film, I couldn't help but pay attention.
For Bullock, she said, "Before I die, before I leave this planet, I do think that Keanu and I need to do something in front of the camera." Despite the humor, Reeves and Bullock's age is no reason they couldn't star in an action movie. Reeves' success with the John Wick movies is proof. Both will be 60 this year. A 60-year-old man and woman can carry a movie like they've done in the past.
The original "Speed" (1994) directed by Jan de Bont, grossed about $350 million worldwide. The improbable story of a speed-controlled bomb on a bus was made believable by Reeves and Bullock. Their chemistry made it work.
Here's an idea: let's pretend "Speed 2: Cruise Control" (1997) never happened. The film was a flop and Reeves wasn't even in it. In a modern-day sequel, characters Jack and Annie could be put together in a revenge plot orchestrated by Howard Payne's child. The sparks would fly! Expectations of senior citizens portrayed in the media will be challenged as a 60-year-old woman is shown as energetic and active in front of the screen.
As actresses age, they often miss out on roles. If an older female actor lands an action role, they can feel disposable and uninteresting. This was the case for Charlize Theron in "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga." The star wanted to play Furiosa again, but director George Miller didn't use de-aging technology and cast Anya Taylor-Joy instead, even though the events of "Furiosa" took place two decades before "Mad Max: Fury Road" (2015). If Furiosa were a male character, Miller would've found a way.
Movie franchises are ubiquitous, but it's enjoyable to see familiar characters grow old in cinematic ways — especially when it comes to women kicking ass. Women are living longer, having children later, exploring physical activities like mountain climbing, and changing the perception of aging for themselves and society. It'd be great to see Bullock and Reeves return as their classic characters and cruise together on a motorcycle instead of relaxing in rocking chairs by the sunset.
We don't need to glut ourselves with endless sequels, but it's satisfying to see favorite characters age in thrilling ways — and to witness a 60-year-old woman kicking butt.
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Despite the backlash from "Speed 2: Cruise Control," many audiences still hold strong opinions that a new "Speed" film with Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock could be successful. With the growing representation of older actors in action roles, the possibility of seeing a 60-year-old woman kick butt in a sequel would challenge stereotypes and create buzz.
Source: edition.cnn.com
