Speed Racer - Preview

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Rated: PG

Distributor: Warner Bros.

Release Date: 2008-05-09

Starring: Emile Hirsch (Speed), Christina Ricci (Trixie), John Goodman (Speed's dad), Susan Sarandon (Speed's mom), Matthew Fox (Racer X), Scott Porter (Rex Racer)

Directed by Larry Wachowski, Andy Wachowski

Produced by Joel Silver, Andy Wachowski, Larry Wachowski

Written by Larry Wachowski, Andy Wachowski

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Previewed by Josh Tyler : 2008-05-06 00:25:26

A movie adaptation of the classic cartoon series about a race car driver and his car full of gadgets. Hurtling down the track, careening around, over and through the competition, Speed Racer (Emile Hirsch) 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 (John Goodman), 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 (Roger Allam) 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 (Christina Ricci), Speed teams with his one-time rival—the mysterious Racer X (Matthew Fox)—to win the race that had taken his brother’s life: the death-defying, cross-country rally known as The Crucible.

Speed Racer is of course the live action version of the not really that classic, crappy cartoon of the same name being put together by Matrix creators Larry and Andy Watchowski. The show followed the adventures of a race car driver named Speed, but let’s face it the only reason anyone watched it was for the strange array of wacky gadgets he had hidden inside his car. The movie will feature his cool car, as well as other staples from the series like his arch enemy Racer X. Hopefully, it won't also feature his stupid monkey, but if it does then let's hope they get Clyde from Every Which Way But Loose. Maybe Eastwood should have played Speed?

‘Speed Racer’ was godawful cartoon and really didn’t need to be resurrected and turned into a movie, but Susan Sarandon isn’t in the habit of signing up for total dreck is she? On the other hand… she did do The Banger Sisters. John Goodman, a veteran of such films as One Night at McCools, and Blues Brothers 2000 is certainly no stranger to crap. But he’s also done a lot of great stuff too. Any chance this could be his next Big Lebowski? Ok it’s a slim chance, but I love Goodman. I’m taking it.

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