Speed Racer Movie
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Storyline
TAGLINES
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Go! May 2008
From the creators of 'The Matrix' trilogy comes a world built for speed.
Hurtling down the track, careening around, over and through the competition, Speed Racer is a natural behind the wheel. Born to race cars, Speed is aggressive, instinctive and, most of all, fearless. His only real competition is the memory of the brother he idolized-the legendary Rex Racer - whose death in a race has left behind a legacy that Speed is driven to fulfill. Speed is loyal to the family racing business, led by his father, Pops Racer, the designer of Speed's thundering Mach 5. When Speed turns down a lucrative and tempting offer from Royalton Industries, he not only infuriates the company's maniacal owner but uncovers a terrible secret-some of the biggest races are being fixed by a handful of ruthless moguls who manipulate the top drivers to boost profits. If Speed won't drive for Royalton, Royalton will see to it that the Mach 5 never crosses another finish line. The only way for Speed to save his family's business and the sport he loves is to beat Royalton at his own game. With the support of his family and his loyal girlfriend, Trixie, Speed teams with his one-time rival-the mysterious Racer X - to win the race that had taken his brother's life: the death-defying, cross-country rally known as The Crucible.
| Emile Hirsch | Speed Racer |
| Nicholas Elia | Young Speed |
| Christina Ricci | Trixie |
| John Goodman | Pops Racer |
| Melissa Holroyd | Speed's Teacher |
| Susan Sarandon | Mom Racer |
| Matthew Fox | Racer X |
| Ariel Winter | Young Trixie |
| Scott Porter | Rex Racer |
| Benno Fürmann | Inspector Detector |
| Gian Ganziano | Everyman Announcer |
| Peter Fernandez | Local Announcer |
| Harvey Friedman | Harold Ledermann Announcer |
| Richard Roundtree | Ben Burns |
| Sadao Ueda | Japanese Announcer |
| Andy Wachowski |
6.60 out of 10 (9093 votes)
Visitor Reviews
Highly Underrated!
posted on 30 Aug 2009-Theres something thats been bothering me about the recent talk about "Speed Racer". Its has been getting panned like no tomorrow and it doesn't deserve the hideous reviews its been getting. By no means is it a perfect movie, it has its flaws. And its certainly no masterpiece, but thats not what it was designed to be. My theory with "Speed Racer" is that the critics don't understand the charm and tone of the movie. The problem is, is that they walk in expecting another movie and this one is simply not that movie. The movie that was made was faithfully reminiscent to the classic 60's "Speed Racer" cartoons. Most of the critics obviously never watched the cartoons.The film is just like the series. The action, the campy jokes, the cars, the villains, and especially the characters. -When I first heard of a "Speed Racer" movie I thought it was a terrible idea. Its difficult to translate cartoons to live-action, but anime is another thing completely. The first thing that the Wachowskis do right to pull off this task is establish the world in which the film takes place. Its a very colorful, strange, futuristic setting. The film works better than a more realistic world given the ridiculousness of the cartoons. Its its own thing. -Another thing worth noting is the casting. The cool thing about the actors in this flick is how each one of the characters matches the original characters from the series. I was afraid that they would just pick some random guy and call him Speed Racer or Pops. Movies like "UnderDog" do this. They create the character and give him or her JUST the title of the character and not the personality. Each actor both resembles and has the vibe of the particular person they are playing -Okay, this is where the critics really start hating the movie. The mafia, the over-the-top villain, the cgi races. Its a racing movie, and thats all what they think it should be, perhaps with some form of an antagonist. Why is there a mafia in "Speed Racer? Why are the cars so futuristic and totally unrealistic? That my friends is the spirit of the old series. Sure, "Speed" might be a little longer than it should be, but the thing that concerned me the most was from early reviews that the film would have no heart. Story elements from flashbacks and the current time stream with the characters in the movie give the film the heart I wanted. Yup, Corny villains, violence, cool races, and sweet characters. Thats exactly what this movie is, and it doesn't need-no, strike that. It shouldn't be any more or any less. A very solid B+
great kid movie; fun for adults without being stupid and embarrassing
posted on 30 Aug 2009The special effects are great; John Goodman and Susan Sarandon are fabulous cartoons. I love that this movie was not archly ironic with hidden messages for the adults and sanitized blandness for the kids. It's sincere without calculated, multi-demographic humor where they are trying to appeaI to all possible people and turn the flick into the safest, most boring commodity possible. I love that the villain is an evil rich guy and that the family's values are posed in opposition to his. I love the racing scenes which are cool and exciting. I watched it on IMAX and maybe that made it more enjoyable, but compared to the bland crap that passes for kids' movies these days, my friends and I thought it was GREAT! Trixie hangs with the boys and is an ace driver when she needs to be. RAIN is beautiful and cool! He outdanced Stephen Colbert!
from heaven to hell - the worst movie ever?
posted on 28 Aug 2009I went to watch this movie for one reason, the directors of matrix made it.well, i just have to say what were they thinking?? the best word to describe this movie is ridiculous for the second time in my life i went to a movie and laughed not because it was funny but because it was so bad the first was when a friend gave me free tickets to the epic "the grinch" which is in the same ridiculous lines the movie is so long and useless that me and my gf could sleep several times wake up and not loose a thing at some point i heard someone else scream this is ridiculous, never seen that before lol people walk out of the room, i applauded the absolute reason why a person would not ridicule this movie is that they were cartoons fans, but then again that is not about the movie is it? after doing a movie like the matrix they make this trash, hope they come to their senses but i will be careful before going to another of their movies from heaven to hell..
Speeds to success!
posted on 28 Aug 2009Remember back when you were a kid, and either you or one of your siblings got a Hot wheel racetrack for Christmas? Remember watching those little metal cars zip around on the track and trying to imagine what it would be like to be inside one? Speed Race gives you the opportunity.The Wachowski brothers follow up their massively successful Matrix Trilogy, with Speed Racer. This time the story is PG-rated and appeals to children ages 7-11, but do not let that scare you away! It is enormously entertaining and the most fun I have had at the movies in a long time.Speed Racer follows the story of a teenage boy Speed (Emile Hirsch), a born racer, who has just become extremely popular after winning a big race. His popularity has caught the eye of Royalton (Roger Allam), the owner and CEO of a gazillion dollar corporate conglomerate, who is bent on signing Speed onto his team of race car drivers. When Speed refuses to sign with him, Royalton goes about trying to destroy Speed's life as well as his parents (John Goodman, Susan Sarandon). Speed, feeling responsible decides to fight back; and to do this he must…yes you guessed it…RACE! The plot has many more intricacies to it but I will leave that for you to discover when you see it.The casting was perfect, and everyone played their part flawlessly. John Goodman stood out the most as the passionate father, and relatively new Paulie Litt made quite an impression as Speed's younger brother.Yes, the script and delivery of some of the lines were rather sappy, and there were the moments of that warm fuzzy-wuzzy father-son-family time; all which could be annoying in other circumstances but here they actually almost suited it.Speed Racer does not disappoint and surprises you with how much you are drawn into it! The shots of the racer's POV, make you feel like you are on a theme park ride and take you back to your childhood—in a good way!
Speed Racer 2008 IMAX - I can't wipe the smile from my face!
posted on 28 Aug 2009What can I say, Speed Racer has been my hero since I was 4 years old. I really didn't expect this movie to meet my Expectations. I was WRONG! Too, reviewing the cast left me wondering how their performances would harm or help the overall feel of the film. I have to tell you, This movie is a gift of wonder to any Speed Racer Fan. I haven't had a smile this big on my face from a movie in years. The overall feel of the film is totally unique and GREAT. The use of color, with a mix of Real Life and animation was a total rush. Clean cut as only Speed would do it. The film reflects to honesty, Honor, and great family values for all ages. If you Love the Original Speed Racer cartoon series, You will not be disappointed. Whacky comedy with all your favorite characters are all represented. The action of the film keeps you on the edge of your seat. Only a few moments of close family reflection give you a break to set back and take a breather. The use of flashbacks are edited to perfection. We saw the movie with a mixed group of ages ranging from 8 to 48, The kids were blown away, even with no prior Speed Racer history. See it in IMAX if possible, YOU WILL LOVE IT!Champ
Good movie
posted on 26 Aug 2009I thought this was a great movie and want them to make a sequel. I especially like how Rex faked his own death and you don't find out until the end. I also think that Rex should have told at least his family about that. If you like movies that contain a lot of special effects and automobile racing to the extreme, this movie is for you. It was also a a lot more violent than expected. There is a lot of hate and explosions and some foul language. There is also some shooting and faked death. I would honestly say that this movie is for pre-teens and early teenagers. Half of the movie is set in the future but with retro hair and clothe styles. Please take your pre-teens/teenagers to see this movie. Do NOT go to this movie at imax with elderly persons. It gave a guy in my area a ceasure(if thats how you spell it)
A beautifully crafted film that works on all levels
posted on 24 Aug 2009I'm completely dumbfounded by critics. This film is a masterpiece. Besides the self evident beauty of the images akin to pinball machines on steroids, the like of which we've never seen, the story is a rich mix of very touching drama and very funny, zany comedy. The main actors provide very real touching moments and bring emotional reality to the film, while some of the supporting actors play wonderful broad characters that might have been lifted from an Edward G. Robinson film. The script is very well crafted, mature but still good for children with some very important messages. In a country of increasing conglomeration, I think the plot of a "Mom" and "Pop" family business trying to survive against the Uber Corporation is timely and compelling.In short, the directors took kitsch, stayed true to its original ideas, but seamlessly crafted in a more mature and real point of view
Nonstop thrill ride from start to finish
posted on 24 Aug 2009The official Closing Night Gala of the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival was the World Premiere of "Speed Racer," brothers Larry and Andy Wachowski's long-awaited big screen adaptation of the classic 60s cartoon. Directing from their own script, The Wachowski Brothers (as they are officially credited) have crafted a mind-numbing, stomach-turning experience which rivals those of the best theme parks in the world.Emile Hirsch ("Alpha Dog," "Into the Wild") takes on the role of Speed Racer, the iconic bad boy behind the wheel. His life has been shaped by the legacy of his older brother Rex and the guiding hand of his parents (John Goodman and Susan Sarandon). Pops runs a racing business and it's the only life Speed has ever known. Following in his brother's footsteps, making a name for himself, and fighting corruption in the business all bring Speed to a final showdown which will turn the racing world upside down, literally. With girlfriend Trixie (Christina Ricci), brother Spritle (Paulie Litt), and Spritle's trusted chimp Chim Chim by his side, he will cross paths with rival Racer X (Matthew Fox) and the diabolically twisted corporate mogul Royalton (Roger Allam) in ways he never imagined.Shot almost entirely using green screen, the performers rarely saw the settings in which they were acting and often didn't even interact with the other actors in their own scenes. That's quite daunting and all are to be saluted for rising to the challenge.Emile Hirsch is unsurpassed in all his work but almost seems out of place here. There is something jarring about a moving dramatic performance surrounded by cartoonish characters and settings. Still, the story, such as it is, would not be nearly as effective without his infusion of life into Speed. Christina Ricci, John Goodman, Susan Sarandon, and Matthew Fox likewise give it all they've got. Litt steals the show with every scene he's in and was an audience favorite -- the kids will absolutely adore him. Allam also surprises here, turning in a deliciously decadent Austin Powers-like performance which was perfectly in tune with the tone of the film. But the acting, however on point, is secondary to the action here.Production values, lighting, cinematography, and other technical aspects are somewhat moot as the film is really a CGI-based animated adventure more than a filmed narrative. There is no lighting or camera-work to speak of, per se. The apparent look, however, is lush and vibrant with bright pre-school colors and virtually continuous motion. Despite it's star-studded cast, "Speed Racer" might as well be an animated film which happens to have live people in the picture. But it is a nonstop thrill ride from opening title to closing credits. Rarely have I seen a film with such continuous action -- it literally leaves the viewer breathless at times. It's often difficult to follow that action, however, as it's mostly animated with such a rapid-fire pace and sense of relentless motion that the on screen images simply become a blur. But it's a true family-oriented film that both adults and kids will enjoy, and not a bad way to spend two hours on a weekend afternoon. Just be careful driving out of the parking lot.
wild wild colorful crazy ride.
posted on 22 Aug 2009As one of the babyboomers that remembered the early anime from the 60's,i was looking forward to this big screen live action version.i loved it.the casting is perfect.the visuals and cgs are awesome and its a non stop wild ride.and when i heard Christna Ricci was playing Trixie,i knew i was going to love the movie.many critics panned this movie,but i guess it was'nt their cup of tea.the race scenes were filmed very colorful almost cartoon like.speed racer delivers the goods. very true to the cartoon from 1960 something.its about fast cars,greed and yes big business.i would say speed racer is a very good family movie,not much to offend.its pg so its safe for the young kids.speed racers car is like something out of James bond.its got all the gadgets. and did i mention that beautiful,cute,and funny Christina Ricci is in it?if you fondly remember speed racer as a kid,then don't wasted no time,see this movie it is awesome and very well made.and extremely colorful.I'm giving speed racer 10 out of 10,it really delivers.
A psychedelic ride worth hopping onto.
posted on 22 Aug 2009'Speed Racer' is NASCAR on crack. And it's actually entertaining. Based off of the classic anime, the Wachowski brothers have manufactured a wildly original and visually dazzling piece of candy that, above all else, is fun. Speed bumps hinder 'Racer' from reaching top speed, but what it lacks is made up for in good-hearted, adrenaline-pumping excitement. Not a movie strictly for the kids, but for the kid at heart? Definitely.'Speed Racer' reminded me what it was like to be a kid in a candy store. A flamboyantly colorful candy store. Flashing lights, frantic action, hyperactive colors. 'Racer' won't induce seizures, but it will keep you spell-binded in visual awe. When Speed Racer puts his Mach 5 into full-speed along those glimmering race tracks or cross-continent through adventurous terrain, 'Racer' is one of the best of its kind. A visual feast with plenty to go around.Unfortunately, what ultimately keeps 'Speed Racer' from greatness are the Wachowski's attention to style over substance. Had enough attention been paid to the script as it was for its technically savvy effects, 'Racer' would have been the complete package. A sugar high without the crash. The story is certainly there, and at times overly convoluted that will test the attention span of youngsters, but a weak script causes the picture unneeded weight at inopportune times. Long-winded speeches don't necessarily help the cause as we eagerly await the next acid trip. Race, I mean.Featuring a great cast, the stars of 'Speed Racer' take a supporting role to the cotton candy visuals that help make 'Racer' a mostly sweet concoction of childhood wonderment, and for good reason. But rather phone in their roles, the actors do put in an effort, which only reinforces the film's need for a developed script. Emile Hirsch, who after delivering a powerfully dynamic performance in 'Into the Wild', makes a solid if one-note appearance here in the starring role. Christina Ricci is surprisingly good, while Matthew Fox is not, but the reliable John Goodman and Susan Sarandon get by. But the Wachowski's are quick to remind us who the true stars of 'Racer' truly are: the entire color spectrum.'Speed Racer' is an affectionately campy ride, neither as good as I had hoped or as bad as I feared. Visually, fewer films are more accomplished. And it's where credit is certainly due. It's an amazing treat for the kid in all of us, and it's all about letting go and allowing yourself to be whisked away to a handsomely wrapped world courtesy of the Wachowski brothers. An awe-inspiring and life-affirming climax strikes the perfect chord, and it was enough for me to walk away with a smile on my face. Though far from perfect, 'Speed Racer' is a psychedelic ride worth hopping onto.More reviews at rottentomatoes.com/vine/journal_view.php?journalid=219276&view=public
Anime to Live Action
posted on 20 Aug 2009I have to admit that when I saw that Speed Racer was being made into a live action movie I was completely skeptical. I remember the original anime being cheesy and campy, but at the same time I enjoyed it. It was one of the reasons I got into anime in the first place, the other being Dragon Ball. So when I got into the theater this evening I had no idea what I was in for. However the Wachowski brothers clearly, in their love for anime themselves, have done a terrific job making the transition.The use of color is brilliant, the story line sticks to everything that happened in the anime, cinematography is phenomenal. This what I expected and a thousand times more. A tremendous job making something I thought was never possible into one of the best action movies I've ever seen.Anyone that doesn't know what they are in for, and has never seen the anime, will probably not enjoy themselves, but for anyone who is a genuine fan, you will have an absurd amount of fun with this film.
Do you want to know what it's like to be a REAL racer?!?!
posted on 18 Aug 2009Do not and I repeat DO NOT listen to the naysayers.This film is not about realism, it's not about racing and it's not about being "adult" about things. Speed Racer is the closest thing (so far) to represent the awe inspiring visuals, over the top melodrama and hyper kinetic motion of Anime in a live action format.Kids, grown ups, everyone, go to Speed Racer, shut your mouth, open your eyes and sink into the magical world the Wachowski's have painted for you.Fans of the show, fans of cinema will not be disappointed, it has something for everyone. And don't let the two hour plus run time fool you, it breezes by like 90 minutes. I went in a theater packed with kids and parents and not a single person left to use the bathroom, THAT'S CAPTIVATION! I'll say the same thing I said after V for Vendetta, the Wachowski's may have screwed up the last two Matrix flicks, but with V and Speed they have reconfirmed my somewhat wavering faith in the film industry, ten fold.Go Speed Racer, Go Speed Racer, Go Speed Racer GO!!!!!!!
champion of bore
posted on 18 Aug 2009When I was a kid I really like the Speed Racer's cartoons, 'cause it brings to me a different approach in the genre, like no other cartoon on television. Everything is joyful: the characters, the theme song, the cars, the races... so, when I leave the room where a premiere of the Speed racer action movie was presented, I was extremely sad.What I watched was a slow, bore, lifeless movie, trying to disguise behind a million of colours and special effects. The actors are lame (even the good ones, like john goodman), the plot is pointless, the race scenes are artificial and cold... I understand that the wachowski brothers are trying to do a innovative movie, but they failed badly.I think the only demographic that wanna like this movie are the small children (under ten) who likes video games like mario kart, for instance. I don't know if I expected so much, but it's a big no no.
a faithful remake, and thats the real problem
posted on 18 Aug 2009I am one of the viewers old enough to remember seeing the original series on TV. It was a very cheap Japanese import series with very cheap voice dubbing. The animated TV series was aimed at boys age 5-7 and sadly the new movie has the same target audience. Visually stunning, the movie's plot is not terrible but it's only got one clever plot twist that simply exists to make sure we get another race in before the credits roll. The "secret" identity of Racer X is about as well kept in the movie as it was in the series, if you made it past the 3rd grade then you'll know who he is behind the mask in about 5 minutes. Sadly while its a beautiful movie to see, it's hard to actually watch because it feels like a 2 hour racing game. The stunts (if they can be called that since they are all CGI) look spectacular, but the characters make Boris and Natasha seem layered by comparison. Also if you have any risk of epileptic seizures this movie is not for you, lots of bright flashing lights and fast moving color pattens so be careful.
Eye candy and not much else
posted on 18 Aug 2009If, by chance, you are a fan of innovative CGI techniques, visuals that make your retinas burst and a film that blurs the lines between animation and live action, then this is definitely your film. If, by chance, you are a fan of old fashioned concepts like "character development" and "plot driven story" and "great direction", pass this by. No, don't pass it by, run quickly to the nearest exit and don't look back...ever. The Wachowski's, while very cleaver in fusing a Blade Runner sensibility into the Matrix franchise, were completely incapable of taking that same energy into this film. It was the notion of taking all the intense action set pieces of Matrix and adding a lot of neon to it. The characters are underdeveloped and relationships are stretched past the point of believability. It is a true waste of potentially great acting talent and an even worse waste of 120 million dollars. A movie of this low caliber is probably going to end up in the bargain stacks at blockbuster in six months.
A Whirlwind Ride With Sumptuous Visuals
posted on 18 Aug 2009I went in to this movie without huge expectations, never having seen any of the cartoons. I went simply because I thought the visuals would be nice based on the trailer and also because of the directors' track record (Matrix and V for Vendetta are two of my favorites). This movie absolutely blew me away. Everything about it was phenomenal. The presentation was brilliant and the performances were outstanding. I saw it in IMAX, and would definitely recommend that it be seen in IMAX if possible. I generally prefer to watch movies in IMAX if they are available, and this movie, to me, was the perfect example of what IMAX is capable of. Like another reviewer said, this movie's visuals far surpassed 300, and I was thoroughly impressed with 300 (which I also saw in IMAX and on HD-DVD).
Speed Racer Not Worth The Time To See
posted on 14 Aug 2009The movie Speed Racer is not even worth the time to see. I saw about fifteen minutes of it and I shut the movie off. I wasn't about to waste the next two hours of my life watching this movie that should never have been made. The special effects look corny and aren't nearly as impressive as the ones in Transformers or most recently Terminator Salvation. The talented cast including Emile Hirsch, Christina Ricci, John Goodman, Susand Surandon, and Matthew Fox are entirely wasted in a movie that just isn't good at least not to me and I didn't even see the whole thing. The Wachowski brothers who made the The Matrix and it's two disappoint sequels continue a trend that M Night Shymalan seems to be going on lately that their newest movies are turning into major disappointments compared to their previous ones. No offense to either of them but this movie doesn't show their potential as directors if you want to see a good Wachowski brothers film see Bound or The Matrix. So I say skip Speed Racer because you'll be saving yourself the time and money. Save your time and money for a movie that will actually be worth seeing more than once.
Go form your own opinion
posted on 12 Aug 2009Now you may see the rating and say "woah wait...he gave it a 10? pass over this review" and yeah that's right I did. This movie was so much fun for me. Growing up I remember watching this film with my brother late at night, and I will even admit I didn't care for it much then. But this movie helps you remember what movies are supposed to be about. It's doesn't have to be about an amazing story or something that changes your life. A movie just needs to take you on a journey, and this movie definitely did. If you liked the wacky style of Charlie and the Chocolate factory you will definitely love this movie. I don't usually walk out of a movie and think "wow" but I did with this one. My bro who was a huge speed racer fan growing up also thought it was great. If you watched the show you will love it. If you didn't you still might. also if you love movies with crazy cinematography this movie is for you.
Turn off your brain and fire up your heart!
posted on 10 Aug 2009The Wachowski brothers bring the hit 80s anime series Speed Racer to the silver screen, and man have they done a hell of a job.It was clear from the very first frame of the movie that the whole thing was meant to be "cartoonish" and not at all realistic, so I can't really understand all the complains that the scenes and background looked "fake". It is exactly this tone of the movie that the Wachowskis have set which brings it closer to the heart, for anyone who had watched the TV series. I'm at best a moderate fan of the original, but I was nothing less than thrilled with this fantastic update/conversion.Without the pressure of having to instill philosophic undertones in the film like they almost always do in their previous movies, the Wachowskis, along with Joel Silver, go full power on designing some of the most exhilarating CGI action sequences I have ever seen, much less a race sequence. After providing us with the extravagant shootout and the mind-blowing Burly Brawl from the Matrix series, the bros. once again displayed savant-like skills in using their creativity and plotting out amazing "car-fights" and the usage of a wide array of gadgets, which fans will be pleased to find out that most were taken straight from the original series.In terms of acting, the film has a talented cast. Emile Hirsch thankfully wasn't much like the animated titular character in his portrayal, and fitted in perfect in this updated universe from the anime. The rest of the cast were modeled from head to toe to look like their animated counterparts. Even Hollywood newcomer, South Korea's pop star Rain (RAAAAAIN!) does a competent job for a blockbuster movie debut.With all the regard for realism, few people may be able to enjoy this movie. But for those who did, like me, will have to consider ourselves truly blessed to have experienced this nostalgic hell of a ride. We clicked.
A Feast for the Eyes...
posted on 30 Aug 2009Im going to make this comment a short one, because words cant describe this film. I myself was slightly blown away. Not by the story line because lets be honest in many ways this is a kids movie, so the plot line is fairly obvious and the jokes are aimed at young ones. With all that aside however, I was riveted by the visual amazement of this film. Yes it is unrealistic, but in all the best ways possible. So many films we see today have amazing special effects and CGI but this film takes it to a whole new level, an array of colors I didn't even know existed opened by eyes from frame one and I don't think I blinked for the entirety of the film. If I had to give this film a rating out of 10 it would be 11, based purely on its wow factor. See it for yourself and give it a rating of whatever you want, but I can guarantee if you somehow don't enjoy this film, you'll agree is like nothing you've ever seen before. Please make more films like this, It makes imagination seem real, It made me feel like a child again.