Downhill

In a flyspeck town north of Tokyo, the teenagers' only thrill is street racing on Mt. Akina. Nerdy Takumi "Tak" Fujiwara isn't exited by racing like his friends Iggy and Cole. He doesn't realize that his ex-champion father has taught him all the racing tricks, making him deliver tofu up and down Mt. Akina without spilling a cup of water. Cole is injured when he tries to prepare to lead the local Speed Stars club against the arrogant Red Suns. He appeals to Mr. Fujiwara--who finagles Tak into racing. This 1998 broadcast series scored a bit hit in Japan, although in America, it plays like a tamer, animated Fast and the Furious. The CG cars, rock soundtrack, rapid-fire editing, and flashy camera work heighten the excitement--and make the disclaimer, "Follow the traffic rules and drive safely" sound insincere. (Rated 13 and older: tobacco use, minor profanity, street racing) --Charles Solomon