If you happen to keep in touch with the world of movies, you must have heard of, or better still, watched the Speed Racer Movie. Popular as the ultimate movie for car racing lovers, this movie is really living to its expectations as proved by the revenue it continues to generate. This movie continues to draw as much lovers as any other top movie would. Nonetheless, the critics have not been asleep and have expressed their reservations as well.
You might be surprised on hearing that the idea of producing this movie had been in existence since 1992. In fact, the production team behind Speed Racer Movie has changed hands severally until recently when under the leadership and collaboration between producer Joel Silver and the Wachowski brothers that this movie finally saw the light of the day.
The main story line of the Speed Racer Movie is as depicted in its title. The movie has everything to do with car racing and thus highly suited for all car racing games enthusiasts. Speed Racer Movie is a young driver who has his head set on becoming the champion of the racing world. He draws his aspiration from his family and is all psyched up for the challenge, thanks to his high-tech Mach 5 automobile. This young man is blessed with natural racing instincts, a gift which every car racing enthusiast will love to have.
Speed has his target set on winning the Crucible. This is a car racing rally that takes place through the cross-country. This car racing rally was responsible for the loss of Speed’s older brother, Rex Racer. Speed is sure of getting support from his family as he is a loyal contributor to the family business, which is run by his parents, Pops and Mom. In fact, Speed’s car was designed by Pops and named it the Mach 5.
It comes to Speed’s knowledge that top corporate with interests in car racing are engaging in race fixing as a way to gain massive profits. In fact, Speed turns down an offer from the owner of Royalton Industries to carry the company’s flag in the forthcoming car race challenge. This decision does not run down with the owner of Royalton Industries who sets his sight on ensuring that Speed does not win any race. However, Speed’s family sticks by him and his parents are ready to offer him all the support required to be successful. His girlfriend, Trixie is also offering Speed great support. It is at this point in time that Speed enters into a partnership with Racer X, who used to be his rival at one time, and they both join the Crucible. Speed’s mission is to win the race and rescue his family’s business and reputation.
Even if the Speed Racer Movie is not your “thing” it is worth appreciating what the Wachowski brothers are trying to do here with green screen technology. To their credit, the race sequences are flowing and easy to follow, while the vibrancy in color makes it fun watching. Overall, the Speed Racer Movie is visually interesting and well lit to capture the attention of kids who love car racing. The editing of the film is quite creative and unique.
Nonetheless, Speed Racer Movie has been criticized on a number of fronts. Firstly, there are those people who question its casting. Most critics at this stage point out that the green screen world setting is too imaginative and makes the characters look quite unreal. There is overreliance on the green screen which causes the actors difficulty in relating to their environment. However, Speed Racer Movie is worth credit.
In 2008 the movie was released. Now available on Blue-Ray and DVD.
Watch trailer:
Directors:
Andy Wachowski
Lana Wachowski
Genre: Action | Family | Sport
Plot:
An 18 years old boy, Speed Racer (Emile Hirsch), has always been racing fan. His life is contaminated with that passion. As a young boy, Speed shirked his schoolwork, only dreaming of being able to race one day as well as his older brother, Rex Racer (Scott Porter).
Awards:
8 nominations
Cast:
Emile Hirsch ______________ Speed Racer
Nicholas Elia ______________ Young Speed
Susan Sarandon ____________ Mom Racer
Melissa Holroyd ___________ Speed’s Teacher
Ariel Winter _______________Young Trixie
Scott Porter ______________ Rex
Gian Ganziano _____________ Everyman Announcer
Peter Fernandez ___________ Local Announcer
Harvey Friedman __________ Harold Ledermann Announcer
Sadao Ueda ______________ Japanese Announcer
Valery Tscheplanowa _______ Russian Announcer
Sami Loris ________________ Italian Announcer
Olivier Marlo ______________ French Announcer
Sean McDonagh ____________ Celtic Announcer
Kick Gurry ________________ Sparky