Speed (1994)

In 2026, Keanu Reeves is a beloved figure. He didn’t always enjoy that kind of acclaim. He took a big step in 1994’s Speed with people realizing his acting chops. There’s not any sugar coating here, Speed is one of the best action movies of the last 40 years. It was such a brilliant concept. A bomb hadsbeen placed on a bus and if it falls below 50 MPH, it will explode. Sandra Bullock is a college student here having to drive the bus around Los Angeles while Mr. Reeves’ police officer tries to find the bomb, and the bomber, played by the always wonderful Dennis Hopper. It plays so great on a big screen, and it was a giant hit, with people speeding to theaters to the tune of $121 million, and millions more at the video rental stores. Speed reminds us action movies can be small and big at the same time, since a lot of it takes place on a bus, but it feels much more tense than that. It would spawn a sequel that wasn’t able to live up to it. If Speed didn’t happen, then Mr. Reeves may have never gotten John Wick years later. If it ever gets a throwback cinema release in your town, floor it to the theater to see it.