Movie Info
Genre :
Action, Adventure, FamilyRelease Date :
May 09, 2008MPAA Rating :
PGDirector :
Andy Wachowski, Larry WachowskiStarring :
Emile Hirsch, Christina Ricci, Matthew Fox, Susan Sarandon, John Goodman, Kick Gurry, Paulie Litt, Rain, Roger Allam, Richard Roundtree, Melvil Poupaud, Christian Oliver
REVIEWS RATE:
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'Speed Racer' Thrown Out of Box Office Runner Up
May 13, 2008 09:05:28Having delivered a disappointing estimation at the box office on Sunday, May 11, by finishing second to "Iron Man", "Speed Racer" went on to get a more upsetting result. On Monday, May 12, the Wachowski brothers' film has lost its runner-up position to the romantic comedy "What Happens in Vegas..." as the final revenue tally went out.
Falling to the third spot, the film starring Emile Hirsch, Christina Ricci and Susan Sarandon failed to live up the Sunday estimation of about $20.2 million. Instead, it was only able to gather up $18.6 million around two million less than Ashton Kutcher and Cameron Diaz-starrer "What Happens" which pulled in $20.2 million. Adding up to the already distressing domestic report, it is now confirmed that the live action adaptation movie from the filmmakers behind blockbuster "The Matrix" franchise also did poorly in its international sales. The tidbit only raked in $12.6 million from the foreign sales and thus made a poor worldwide cume of $31.2 million.
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Box Office Report: 'Speed Racer' No Match for 'Iron Man'
May 12, 2008 09:05:12Being released a week after "Iron Man" theatrical debut proved to be a huge disadvantage for the big-budgeted car racing movie "Speed Racer" as the Wachowski brothers' film only managed to finish second to the Marvel's adaptation film. To make matter worse, the family adventure movie presented the first flop of 2008 summer movies at this three-days weekend box office which ended Sunday, May 11 by grossing merely $20.2 million, less than half of its original prediction, in its opening weekend.
Leaked words on the reasoning of the film's box office failure are that its PG rating hurts the sales badly. The targeted audience which supposedly should be kids aren't familiar with the 1960s' Japanese animation series "Mach GoGoGo" the movie is based on, while the older audience who grew up with the cartoon and excited with the film are said to be scared away by the given rating. Other possible cause put out is the lengthy running time. Timed at two hours and fifteen minutes, "Speed Racer" is considered too long for a family adventure film, especially for the kids.
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First Seven Minutes of 'Speed Racer' Made Its Way to the Net
May 09, 2008 09:05:56Counting down to the opening hours of "Speed Racer" in the theaters across the country, the Warner Bros. Pictures have brought a prime treat to moviegoers everywhere as they premiered the first seven minutes of the film on the interweb. The footage gives out background story to what happen to Speed in his younger age and lets out cool sneak peak to the dazzling race he is confronting.
Opened with colorful kaleidoscopic during the presenting of the production company logos, the video moves on with a shot of Speed sitting on the changing room with his back on camera. As the shot goes on to focus on him jiggling his right foot, the scene cuts to his younger year when he is stuck in his classroom having to work on an exam. There, it can be seen that while other students are busy doing their best on answering the questions, Speed falls into his imagination where he is racing other imaginary racers.
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Video Interview: 'Speed Racer' Cast Open Up
May 08, 2008 04:05:00If one still want to know more about the live action movie "Speed Racer" before heading up to the theater this weekend, a video interview with the film's four leading actors has been posted on the net. In the special footage which runs for nearly 9 minutes, it can be seen Emile Hirsch, Christina Ricci, Matthew Fox and Susan Sarandon sitting down to discuss the Wachowski brothers' film.
The interview provided by IGN exposes what the four thesps had in mind about the movie, which is safe to say that except from Hirsch, the others had no clue about it. Still, all of them seem to agree on one thing, that is the alluring offers to work with Larry and Andy Wachowski. Aside from that, they also discuss about the challenges working on the set which mostly consist of green screen, the need to use their imagination throughout the whole filming process and their impression on their own characters. Additionally, the video which can be watched below also shows many action footages from the film, including the high speed race.
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Could Speed Racer Deliver Box Office Surprise?
April 30, 2008 02:04:58In less than two weeks, a car racing action film "Speed Racer" is going to be screened in many theaters across America. However, the film coming from the "Matrix" series filmmakers, the Wachowski's brothers, can be considered to be relatively put under the shadow of other summer blockbuster movies, like "Iron Man", "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull", "The Dark Knight" and "The Incredible Hulk" as it will be delivered on the big screen amidst the releases of those much anticipated films. Hence, the question left is whether the live-action film has what it takes to compete with all those potential blockbuster tidbits.
In spite of many doubts thrown to the great result of this movie at first, many movie critics eventually come out with rave reviews. Pointing out that the Warner Bros' cartoon adaptation is surely a film aimed for family enjoyment, most praise it to be far much better than what they expected in the beginning. Russell Clark from Den of Geek noted that the Wachowskis have made a live action cartoon that can be a potential unbearable film to be an "undeniably fun and entertaining" movie. Further, Benjamin Svetkey of Entertainment Weekly commented that it managed to bring up "trippy special effects" that is mesmerizing even for adults.
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'Speed Racer' Getting Sequel Plan
April 22, 2008 11:04:22Though the forthcoming film "Speed Racer" has yet to be opened for the public view, the Wachowski brothers has allegedly been prepared for the sequel. The speculation of the issue has been brought up by one of the car racing film's producers, Joel Silver, in an interview.
At the press junket for "Racer" on Saturday, April 19, Silver opened up to Collider.com that the filmmakers behind the Warner Bros. Pictures' tidbit have jotted down ideas for a movie follow-up if it is possible. "Look, they have a great story idea for a sequel to this movie (Speed Racer), we have a great idea for a sequel if it makes sense to make it," revealed the "Matrix" series producer.
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'Speed Racer' Closing 2008 Tribeca Film Festival
April 03, 2008 11:04:30The forthcoming family adventure film "Speed Racer" is heading to the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival. ComingSoon reported that on Wednesday, April 2, 2008, Warner Bros. Pictures and the organizers of the film festival have let out announcement that the Wachowski brothers' film scheduled to bow in theaters on May 9 will be the closing film for the film festival.
According to United Press International, the special screening of the film starring Emile Hirsch, Christina Ricci and Matthew Fox will be done on Saturday, May 3 at the Borough of Manhattan Community College Tribeca Performing Arts Center in Lower Manhattan, New York as well as at the Pace University Michael Schimmel Center for the Arts. The site further noted that some of the film's stars are expected to attend the previewing at the former venue.
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Two International Trailers of 'Speed Racer' Available Online
March 10, 2008 01:03:21The studio that brought "10,000 B.C." and "I Am Legend" Warner Bros. Pictures have released two brand new international trailers of the upcoming family movie "Speed Racer". The trailers each last for about one and a half minutes and contain pretty much the same compilation of clips with different sequences.
The trailers showcase many never before seen footages from the highly anticipated film by the Wachowski brothers. The two video footages give out glimpses to the hard-core racing competition where a slightest mistake can cause a devastating result. Unlike the domestic trailer, these international trailers let out much of the animation parts from the film starring Emile Hirsch and Matthew Fox.
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'Speed Racer' to Also Be Released on IMAX
March 05, 2008 02:03:32The Wachowski brothers' upcoming action adventure film "Speed Racer" will also be released using the IMAX format on the same day it is released on the conventional theaters on May 9. Reports claimed that IMAX Corporation and Warner Bros. Pictures have made the announcement on Tuesday, March 4.
On the picking up of the film based on Tatsuo Yoshida's Japanese series to the giant screen, the president of Domestic Distribution at Warner Bros. Pictures Dan Fellman commented, "'Speed Racer' combines riveting action with stunning special effects, making it an ideal choice for IMAX's format." His opinion was supported by Veronika Kwan-Rubinek, the president of Warner Bros. Pictures' International Distribution, who said, "'Speed Racer' has all the elements for a powerful IMAX experience, with its broad appeal and spectacular effects."
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First Speed Racer Trailer Strikes Online!
December 07, 2007 04:12:47Updating the December 6, 2007 news on the Wachowskis' "Speed Racer", the first trailer for the movie has finally hit the net, just one day after its debut on "Entertainment Tonight."
Footage mostly presents racing shots which are depicted in colorful background, arguably revealing the green-screen works behind, something that other filmmakers rarely do. Moreover, the shots featured really point out the "retro future" look that producer Joel Silver previously discussed.
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First Speed Racer Pictures Unleashed
December 06, 2007 03:12:38First batch of photos from Wachowski brothers-directed "Speed Racer" has finally been made available online, being published on USATODAY.com.
While giving few looks on the titular character along with his famous Mach 5 car, the pictures also feature images of other characters in the film, such as Speed's family members, his girlfriend Trixie, plus his rivals Racer X and Taejo Togokhan.
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Behind-the-Scenes Clip of Speed Racer Gets Online
December 05, 2007 03:12:41An initial featurette for the upcoming "Speed Racer" that was already shown on "Entertainment Tonight" has now made its way online, giving a peek on the making of the movie, a live-action adaptation of Tatsuo Yoshida's classic 1960s animated series.
Major part of the clip displays the interview with star Matthew Fox who plays Racer X, the one-time rival of the titular character. There are also some shots on the actor in several green-screen scenes which includes Racer X's infamous Shooting Star race car as well as a glimpse of South Korean star Rain aka Jung Ji Hoon in his role as Taejo Togokhan.
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Richard Roundtree Inspiring the "Racer"
July 02, 2007 02:07:30Richard Roundtree is made the latest addition to the cast of "Speed Racer". Roundtree who made it big in 2000 flick "Shaft" will play character Ben Burns in the live-action adaptation of 1960s cartoon.
His character sees an iconic racer turns to be a commentator. Burns has a huge role in shaping main character Speed, played by Emile Hirsch, to become a racecar driver.
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Matthew Fox to "Speed" Up His Pace
April 19, 2007 02:04:13Seems to put more favor on the big screen rather than small one lately, Matthew Fox is reportedly involved in final negotiations to nab a starring role in Warner Bros. Pictures' "Speed Racer."
The "Lost" star will likely assume the role of the title character's archrival Racer X if deals are reached. Also embarks in talks is Australian actor Kick Gurry who is negotiating to play Sparky, Speed's hippie mechanic.
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Christina Ricci Drives at Top "Speed"
April 13, 2007 04:04:25Coming to fill in the blank in "Speed Racer", Christina Ricci has delightfully given her agreement to assume the role of the titular's character girlfriend Trixie, Warner Bros. Pictures' President of Production Jeff Robinov has officially announced.
"Christina Ricci is a young actress of extraordinary range, who has become a favorite of both critics and audiences in a wide variety of movies, from mainstream features to acclaimed indie films," Robinov commented. "She is an amazing talent and we think she is going to do a great job with the role of Trixie."
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Susan Sarandon and John Goodman to Accelerate Their "Speed"
April 03, 2007 10:04:01One by one, roles in "Speed Racer" begin roll out for Hollywood names to take on. Following the inclusion of Emile Hirsch, Susan Sarandon and John Goodman are reportedly engaged in talks to also take part in the project, a live-action feature of the classic 1960s animated series created by Tatsuo Yoshida.
A Warner Bros. Pictures presentation in association with Village Roadshow Pictures of a Silver Pictures production, the flick depicts the adventures of the titular character, young race car driver, and his quest for glory in his thundering, gadget-laden vehicle Mach 5. Filming is set to begin this summer under the direction of brothers Larry and Andy Wachowski with Joel Silver producing.
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Emile Hirsch Confirmed As "Speed Racer"
March 24, 2007 01:03:47Count Emile Hirsch in at last, folks, as the teen is now officially joining the cast of "Speed Racer." Warner Bros. Pictures, through its President of Production Jeff Robinov, ultimately confirmed Friday, March 23 that the "Alpha Dog" star would indeed play the titular character in the studio's new actioner.
"Emile Hirsch is one of today's fastest-rising young stars, which makes him the perfect choice to take the wheel of Speed's Mach 5," Robinov said in a statement. "He continues to showcase his talents in a variety of challenging roles and we are thrilled to have him in the title role of Speed Racer."
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Emile Hirsch to Race in Full "Speed"
March 21, 2007 12:03:24While words on Zac Efron being considered for the title role in "Speed Racer" are still going around, The Hollywood Reporter has delightfully given a dot of light on who may possibly land the role, revealing that it is "Alpha Dog" star Emile Hirsch who is currently involved in talks for the role instead.
The live-action version of the classic '60s animated series created by anime pioneer Tatsuo Yoshida, "Racer" tells about the adventures of young race car driver Speed in his gadget-equipped race car, the Mach 5. It has been confirmed that other characters from the show like Speed's family and his mysterious archrival, Racer X, will also be featured in the movie.
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Zac Efron Toplining "Speed Racer"?
March 16, 2007 11:03:47To have Zac Efron seated in racing car instead of dancing merrily around seems quite possible, at least for Just Jared.
According to the site, the "High School Musical" star is currently in talks to portray the title character in "Speed Racer", the live-action adaptation of the Japanese cartoon series created by anime pioneer Tatsuo Yoshida. The young actor was even granted permission by Disney to take one-day leave from "High School Musical 2" set so that he could attend the project's callback audition.
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"Speed Racer" Vrooming on May 9, 2008
March 12, 2007 02:03:05Starting its engine a little early from its schedule, "Speed Racer" is now slated to open in theaters on May 9, 2008 instead, which is two weeks earlier than previously slated, Warner Bros. Pictures' President of Domestic Distribution Dan Fellman and President of International Distribution Veronika Kwan-Rubinek have announced.
"We see it as a movie with broad-based, worldwide appeal--from adults to teens to families--making it the perfect film to lead off our exciting 2008 Summer slate," so Fellman stated. "We want to give 'Speed Racer' the maximum playability throughout the season, so moving it up to the earliest possible date made the most sense."
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"Borat" Facing Complaint from Etiquette Business Owner
November 17, 2006 04:11:17Endless problem continues to afflict "Borat" following its controversial content. A woman owning an etiquette business featured in the flick being handed a plastic bag supposedly containing feces by the title character has reportedly filed a complaint yesterday, November 16, with California Attorney General Bill Lockyer, requesting an investigation toward the filmmakers for possible violations of the California Unfair Trade Practices Act.
Cindy Streit, the name of the woman, alleged that she was told that the shooting would be used for a documentary in Belarus instead of a fictional film and got so shocked upon learning that she became the object of ridicule in the movie.
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Movies to Hit Theater Screen in 2008
November 17, 2006 02:11:58Moviegoers sure will have many good choices of films as they greet year 2008. Two major studios at Hollywood namely Warner Bros. Pictures and Columbia Pictures have delightfully given specific release dates for their productions launched during the year, ComingSoon.net has reported.
Warner Bros. has confirmed that two of its movies namely "Speed Racer" and "The Dark Knight" will both see the light in the particular year exactly on May 23 and July 18, respectively.
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Wachowski Brothers Wave the Checkered Flag for "Speed Racer"
November 02, 2006 09:11:16The Wachowskis are back behind the camera at last. The Hollywood Reporter has revealed that duo Larry and Andy Wachowski are on board to direct "Speed Racer", Warner Bros.' big-screen, live-action version of the classic 1960s series created by anime pioneer Tatsuo Yoshida.
Intended to be a family-friendly film feature, the project is expected to begin filming in summer 2007 for a summer 2008 release with the brothers also penning the script. The story will be focused on a young race car driver who strives to reach glory in his gadget-laden vehicle, Mach 5.
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Reader's Reviews
Speed Racer Will Be Coming Out To Dvd And Blu Ray Disc On September 16TH, 2008 Tuesday!.
posted by sean on Aug 11, 2008