Speed Racer - The Movie

A New Year....

2009-01-04T18:40:00.000-08:00

If you are seeing this message than we have moved to our new site.

Dave and Thomas want to thank everyone who has followed us to our new site at Dave and Thomas Daily Timekillers. It is there that we are gathering volunteers for our Hobo Army to combat boredom, slow work days, zombies, and listlessness.

There you can get the latest pop culture news, movie trailers, television happenings, and funny videos. So head on over and we'll see you soon!

Warners kicks off digital VOD in China

2008-11-08T22:06:00.000-08:00

NEW YORK -- Warner Bros. has unveiled plans to release its films in China via digital VOD technology, a first for a Hollywood studio in one of the world's largest and most controlled broadband markets.

"I Am Legend" and "Speed Racer," among others, will inaugurate the service that Warners and partner Union Voole Technology are calling "the first transactional VOD deal of its kind in China."

Announced Tuesday in London, the deal will allow viewers to go to Voole.com to rent Warners films never released in China's theaters for between 4 yuan and 7 yuan per title ($0.59-$1.02).

New Site coming

2008-07-08T19:15:00.000-07:00

Howdy! As you know, Dave and Thomas have a new home at Dave and Thomas.net (bookmark the new location) To help mark the move we're giving away some DVD's! This week's winner was Terry from Ohio.

Be sure to head over and catch this week's contest and see if you can win. Also, the fate of the remaining sites are being decided. All the movie sites (Watchmen, Cloverfield, Speed Racer,...) will be rolled into a new site in the next week.

Wachowskis Aren't Done With Speed Racer Yet

2008-06-01T18:52:00.000-07:00

A sequel to the candy-colored car crash Speed Racer is already on the minds of the writer-director Wachowskis, producer Joel Silver tells Moviehole. Didn't they learn from the premiere that this movie just isn't cost effective? Probably not, because Silver also revealed if they make a sequel it may be in the latest fad for every movie, 3-D. More details from the interview after the jump.

When asked if the Wachowski brothers were going to jump on the 3-D bandwagon Joel Silver confirmed that they had all been talking about making the original Speed Racer in 3-D. But thankfully the screen jumping cars will have to wait for the sequel.

'Speed Racer' Sputters, Raising Promotional Issues

2008-05-18T19:53:00.000-07:00

Will Warner Bros. Find a Way to Appease Marketers Who Partnered With the Blockbuster Gone Bust?

Speed Racer" was meant to be one of the summer's brightest vehicles, a resplendent return to form for the billion-dollar "Matrix" visionaries Larry and Andy Wachowski. It was also intended to recast the infamous blood-and-bullets Joel Silver, of the wildly profitable "Die Hard" and "Lethal Weapon" film franchises, as a kid-friendly producer. And, finally, "Speed Racer" was to have been another perfect summer thoroughbred for consumer brands -- including McDonald's, Target, General Mills, Lego, Yokohama tires, Esurance and Puma -- to climb onto.

In the end, it would do none of those things.

Review: 'SPEED RACER' Original Soundtrack

2008-05-15T21:23:00.001-07:00

(via iFMagazine.com) With his comic book heroics for THE INCREDIBLES, the energetic espionage of MISSION IMPOSSIBLE 3, a “Roar”-ing Godzilla salute in CLOVERFIELD and the Parisian rodent swing of RATATOUILLE, Michael Giacchino is rapidly proving himself as the composer for Hollywood’s pop throwbacks, showing a real intelligence and creative drive as he soups up old musical jalopies into retro score wonders.

Now Giacchino’s been given animation’s most iconic cartoon car, a Mach 5 made as “real” as the Wachowski Brothers will allow in their visually overwhelming take on SPEED RACER. Going on their psychedelic ride will be a love / hate joyride for many viewers over the age of eight, as they see a favorite childhood show done with equal amounts of flashy coolness and mind-bending idiocy.

But that’s not even talking about the film’s roaring sound effects, which often make hearing Giacchino’s nearly non-stop score as challenging as trying to listen to a string quartet at the Indy 500. While Giacchino’s music definitely does the laps for the film itself (when he isn’t encouraging the worst excesses of Chim-Chim and Spritle), SPEED RACER’s score proves to be a far more enjoyable, and audible experience on its own CD. It’s as energizing a ride as any musically re-tooled cartoon standard can hope for, and that’s no doubt due to Giacchino’s stated love for Nobuyoshi Koshibe’s original scoring on TV’s SPEED RACER.

Koshibie’s great theme song was a memorable combo of go-go 60’s pop and jazz-inflected Spanish rhythms, an anime take on Herb Alpert if you will. And where most composers wouldn’t want to tread in somebody else’s main title (especially one that’s as memorable to cartoon geeks as “My Way” is to Sinatra fans), Giacchino dives into Koshibe’s SPEED sound with a wonderful enthusiasm, and infinite variety. “I Am Speed” turns its opening phrase into magical, symphonically whirling anticipation. “Go Speed, Go!” spins it as a breakneck military march that erupts into cliffhanging hijinks. Techno-orchestral suspense builds with playful Asian percussion as the theme bubbles through the Mach-building montage of “32 Hours.”

And you’d think you were hearing Handel’s “Messiah” as the theme bursts into the heavens with a twinkling orchestra and the choral hosannas of “Let Us Drink Milk.” And to cap off the Koshibie fest, Giacchino’s ends the album with a “Speed Racer” rendition that samples the original song, and then overdubs it with a hot brass rhythm section, singers belting out lyrics in the original Japanese, and the sprinting Mach 5 sound FX. A composer’s fanboy love doesn’t get more obvious, or cooler than this. (+continue)

The Speed Racer Situation

2008-05-13T20:26:00.000-07:00

Go Speed Racer!

Moriarty at AICN is in the same boat as I am. We both really liked Speed Racer and believe it's a fun movie that must be seen on the big screen. So, why is it doing bad at the box office?

There seems to be a lot of finger pointing and second guessing. Moriarty sat down with Speed Racer producer Joel Silver to go over some of those details. Going through the reviews and user comments there seems to be a few issues that stand out the most.

Target Audience. People were mixed about the adult nature of the Wachowski Bros. (Matrix, Bound) directing a "family" film. People seem readily confused as to whether Speed Racer was going to be a kids movie or more adult oriented. This is the biggest concern that I have seen.
The Trailer. Even with all the blitz in advertising I still see a lot of people comment that they just didn't get excited with the trailer.
Star Power. Simply put, Emile Hirsch is a great actor but he doesn't have the strength to carry a movie. Personally, I liked him as Speed and it's hard to immagine someone else taking on that role better than he did. Plus, is interaction with Pops (John Goodman) was great.
People forgot about Speed Racer. Sounds silly but as I was talking with some people we noticed there really wasn't a push to bring back the Speed Racer cartoons we all grew up with. After the movie we saw some ads for a tacky, new Speed Racer cartoon but if you're going to adapt a movie you'd think one of the networks would jump on airing the old cartoons to wet our appetite. In high school I remember it playing regularly nightly on either MTV or Nick at Night. Where was that push?
Read the comments on this MTV movie blog to see some more. They posted the question on "why didn't you go?" and it really helped shed some light on the subject.

DJ Heinlein at Matte Havoc believes it is the studio system to blame for the bad opening of Speed Racer. He talks about the bad decision of opening after a potential block-buster in Iron Man (officially a block-buster now!) and the bad TV spots/trailers. Be sure to check out his blog on the subject at: Matte Havoc: Speed Racer, the Cinematic Victim

Of personal note, I would have loved to see more focus put on the technology to make the film rather than the cheesy promotions on cereal boxes and juice bottles. I know, I know. The producers were going after a family audience but the film making of Speed Racer will go unnoticed by so many people. The full-focus camera work and CG-style of Speed Racer is fantastic and I can't imagine anyone getting a lift out of it on a small TV screen. If you get a chance be sure to take a trip to the theater to check out the Speed Racer movie. It is truly live-action anime.

Dazzling Imax Imagery with Speed Racer

2008-05-11T18:51:00.000-07:00

Speed Racer is out in theaters this past weekend but don't forget that you can catch the flick in the beauty of IMax. After watching Speed Racer this weekend I must say that I thouroughly enjoyed the movie and it is what the producers promised it to be: a live action cartoon.

I wished I could have seen Speed Racer in IMax because the film is so colorful and bright that so much detailed flew by. The cartoon characters translate directly into the film with such comic goodness it reminded me of the Dick Tracy movie awhile back.

Speed Racer is brightly played by Emile Hirsch who has won me over in the last few years with roles in Alpha Dog and Into the Wild. Everyone fills into the world of Speed Racer nicely but I have to give kudos to John Goodman for his stern performance as Pops Racer.

Throw in some ninjas, a chimp, and Dr. Jack Shepherd and you have yourself an entertaining 2 hour ride. I was going to write up a nice review like I did in the past for Cloverfield but I found that Ken from FirstShowning.net seemed to take the words out of my mouth.

Watch Speed Racer Online

2008-05-08T17:35:00.000-07:00

Speed Racer: The Great Plan Part I

With the live-action Speed Racer rolling into theaters this weekend there's no better time to get caught up with the animated show that started it all. Watch the original Speed Racer cartoon with episode 1, "The Great Plan."

Speed Racer: The Great Plan Part II

The Need For Speed! Watch First 7 Minutes of Speed Racer Movie Online

2008-05-08T14:32:00.001-07:00

Watch the Speed Racer movie online

Yahoo! movies is helping promote the Speed Racer movie by giving us the first 7 minutes of the film to watch online. Here we see the world of Speed Racer when he was a child and wanting and dreaming of being a race car driver.

"Speed Racer" - The CBR Review

2008-05-07T19:25:00.001-07:00

Speed Racer opens in only a few days and the reviews are starting to roll in. This first one is from Comic Book Resources who give us a breakdown on the movie.

Get ready for color! “Speed Racer,” the new film from the Wachowski Brothers (“The Matrix,” “V for Vendetta”), hits you with bright colors from the first second--not of the film, but during the studio cards. The Warner Bros. and Village Roadshow Pictures logos are animated in front of a kaleidoscope of bright, sharp colors. From there, it never lets up.

Based on the classic animated series of the same name, the film details the rise of Speed Racer from his first amateur win to his first Grand Prix, but he learns a great deal about his family and corporate culture along the way. The entire gang appears; Speed, Mom, Pops, Sparky, Trixie, Racer X, and Inspector Detector. Oh yeah, Spritle and Chim-Chim are in the trunk. All the characters resemble their cartoon counterparts, and that replication is no accident as the Wachowskis made an effort to transpose the cast of actors, which features Emile Hirsch as Speed and Matthew Fox as Racer X, into the day-glo animated reality of the 1960s cartoon source. What changes you do find to the television series only aid the melding of technologies, sensibilities, and years. ( +continue )

Speed Racer Dirty Language Raise Eyebrows

2008-05-07T19:22:00.000-07:00

Speed Racer was originally stated to be released with a family-friendly "G-rating." That rating has been bumped up a PG and review Lou Harry believes the producers added unnecessary language to the movie.

Now, I’m not a prude when it comes to language. I’ll happily quote along with “Glengarry Glen Ross” and “Raging Bull.” What bugs me is the unnecessary nature of the usage here - and the fact that it is embedded in a PG movie that has no greater ambition than to gosh-wow its audience.

It’s also got three or four uses of the a-word, one s-word and a kid flipping the bird to a bad guy.

A futuristic, midcentury movie set for 'Speed Racer

2008-05-07T19:20:00.000-07:00

IN THE Wachowski brothers' new movie, "Speed Racer," the eponymous main character (Emile Hirsch) and his family seem to live in a modern ranch house in midcentury suburbia. The hallmarks of the era are there: graphic wallpaper, bold colors, bamboo accents and streamlined furniture upholstered in nubby fabric. But there's also a futuristic television and a spotless workshop where Speed's dad, Pops (John Goodman), makes battery-operated race cars that can defy gravity.

"We were trying to make the film quite timeless, retro and midcentury, but set sometime in the future," says Owen Paterson, the production designer, who had worked with Andy and Larry Wachowski on their groundbreaking "Matrix" trilogy. Adds set decorator Peter Walpole: "You never quite know where you are or what time you're in." (+ continue)

A Chat with John Goodman of 'Speed Racer'

2008-05-04T18:54:00.000-07:00

John Goodman is an in-demand veteran actor that brings his likable charm to all his roles. He's played a wide range of characters from Fred Flinstone, Babe Ruth, Roseanne's husband, a Blues Brother, Walter Sobchack from the Big Lebowski, supplied the voice to countless animated characters, dropped in frequently at Saturday Night Live, and has worked with the last two years Oscar winning Best Directors. (Coen Brothers and Martin Scorsese)

This summer, all the kiddies and parents will come to know him as Pops Racer, the patriarch of the Racer family. We caught up with the larger than life actor for a quick chat on the red carpet at the Premiere of Speed Racer, the closing showcase of the Tribeca Film Festival. (read interview)

'Speed Racer': preview

2008-05-02T15:34:00.000-07:00

Ben Walters marvels at the visual magic of ‘Speed Racer’, the kinetic new film from ‘The Matrix’ directors. Nestled among the bright colours and fast manoeuvres of the upcoming ‘Speed Racer’ are some photos of a zebra, glimpsed in the background of a virtual racetrack at which souped-up cars do eye-popping battle.

Easily missed, these images of the black-and-whitest of animals are described by the directors, Andy and Larry Wachowski, as a tribute to Eadweard Muybridge, the nineteenth-century photographer known for his split-second sequences showing how animals’ bodies move. What would the makers of the ‘Matrix’ films and this supercharged anime adaptation have to thank a figure like Muybridge for? The answer harks back to the birth of cinema and might hold the key to its future: simple fascination with objects in motion.

‘Speed Racer’ is a big-screen version of a 1960s Japanese animated series. Like the cartoon, the movie features the Racer family – and a story involving family pride and competitive achievement. There is a plot of sorts, but if the filmmakers expect us to keep up with the minutiae of its corporate skulduggery, or to put much emotional stock in the characters, they’re kidding themselves. They probably don’t. (...continue)

Speed Racer Hits The Red Carpet

2008-04-28T15:00:00.000-07:00

There's no shortage of Red Carpet pics as the cast and crew of the Wachowski Brothers Speed Racer live-actio movie premiered in Hollywood. The high-octane family adventure "Speed Racer" premiered on the 26 April, 2008 at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles and K-popped has a nice selection of cast pics.

'Go Speed Racer Go' Video

2008-04-28T14:55:00.000-07:00

Check out this video: Go Speed Racer Go Music Video

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'Go Speed Racer Go' Video

Win a Trip to L.A. with Speed Racer

2008-04-24T18:40:00.000-07:00

You could win a trip to LA with the Go Speed Weekend contest at FanLib.com:

Speed Racer's been training intensely for The Crucible, a treacherous cross-country rally that begins in a few weeks. At the urging of his girlfriend Trixie, he decides to take the weekend off for a little rest and relaxation. But, when you're the fastest guy on wheels, a weekend off can quickly turn into a thrilling adventure. Whether it's a rival after his records, or Mr. Royalton, the maniacal owner of wanna-be Racer X sponsor Royalton Industries, it seems like everyone's gunning for Speed. Tell the tale of what happens when Speed attempts to have a relaxing weekend that skids off-track.

Grand Prize is a trip to LA including VIP studio tour of Warner Bros., a rare and collectible Speed Racer poster, plus loads of Speed Racer gear for becoming a finalist. We’ll also have prizes for the Top Review and a voter chosen at random.

The deadline for entries is May 13th.

Joel Silver talks "Speed Racer"

2008-04-21T18:36:00.000-07:00

(via Comic Book Resources) This past Saturday at a press junket for the upcoming Warner Bros. release of "Speed Racer" held at the Long Beach Grand Prix, mega-producer Joel Silver talked about "Speed Racer," working with the Wachowskis, and the state of "Wonder Woman."

Silver calls the film "unusual" but loves it and is happy about the pre-release reaction so far. Also unusual for the producer was the film's intended PG rating. Silver is known for high-octane, violent R-rated fare like the "Lethal Weapon" series and "the Matrix." Silver says he "always had a desire" to make a big family movie and all that entails. "I walked into a Toys 'R' Us a few days ago and the entire store was incredibly full of 'Speed Racer' material. It's like Lion King," says Silver. He never before had a filmmaking experience with ancillary product lines or lunch boxes. "It's all part of what we're trying to do ... make a big family movie." One of those products is a twenty minute DVD to be available at Target. Silver says it is "a mock documentary about the Racer family." The entire cast is in character talking about their lives. The short will be extended for the eventual home video release of the film. Silver is excited about its eventual Blu-Ray release. "Where 'the Matrix' really helped sell DVD ... this movie will help Blu-Ray," he says. (...more)

Speed Racer Toys Arrive at MTV

2008-04-14T20:16:00.000-07:00

One of the MTV employees writes about a nice shipment of promotional toys for the upcoming Speed Racer movie that recently arrived. Isn't swag great?

A giant “Speed Racer” toolbox arrived filled with great Speed Racer goodies. "You know this isn’t your average promotional junk when opening the lid triggers a light-activated voicechip."

“All drivers to your cars” the toolbox commands as a serious-looking cardboard Emile Hirsch comes into view, alongside his equally as cardboard Mach-5 racer. And free stuff ahoy.

Speed Racer Official Website Updated; New Longer Trailer Released

2008-04-14T20:05:00.000-07:00

The Speed Racer Movie website has gotten a total overhaul recently which features a new Flash-based guide to help you sort through the various trailers they have uploaded. On top of that a new, longer version of the International trailer has been added which features a few more minutes of nice footage. Inside you'll also find all the versions of the Speed Racer posters including the character posters released around the world.

Enjoy the new 4-minute Speed Racer International Trailer below.

'Speed Racer' promos burst onto MTV nets

2008-04-02T22:12:00.000-07:00

(via Hollywood Reporter) "Speed Racer" will hijack and speed up TV promos and Web sites from MTV Networks in a multilayered, cross-platform marketing campaign tied to the tentpole movie's May 9 release.

From April 10-18, what will look like regular series promos airing during commercial breaks will suddenly speed up into one about a text-message "Speed Racer" contest in which players can compete to win a $100,000 custom-built version of the Mach 5, the car driven by the film's title character.

Each of the MTV networks will air about 100 of the 15-second spots, which will include Mach 5-themed footage from the movie and run mostly adjacent to the standard "Speed Racer" commercials. The promos on steroids will include clips from "DEA" on Spike; "A Shot at Love With Tila Tequila" and "The Real World" on MTV; "Miss Rap Supreme" and "Viva Hollywood" on VH1; "The Big 4-0" on TV Land; and an overall network branding spot on Comedy Central.

ESurance Exclusive Speed Racer Video

2008-04-02T17:39:00.000-07:00

ESurance steps into the Speed Racer sponsor ring with an exclusive clip from the upcoming movie. You'll find a couple of new clips and some desktop downloads to grab. The first clip is really just a commercial featuring the animated Erin E. Surance getting dressed up in her Speed Racer outfit to go watch the movie.

There's a few clips of the movie here but you'll want to go straight to the main clip which features new footage from the movie interlaced with interviews with the cast of the Speed Racer movie.

Speed Racer Poster in 3-D!

2008-03-31T20:28:00.001-07:00

Warner Bros. has uploaded the very cool one-sheet lenticular poster for Speed Racer onto the net. Just click the above image of the poster to open the 3-D Speed Racer poster. Then just click anywhere in the middle of the poster and move from side to side to get the full 3-D effect! (source)

Keanu Reeves Says He Turned Down ‘Watchmen’ And ‘Speed Racer’ Roles

2008-03-31T20:26:00.001-07:00

(Via MTV) Clearly Keanu Reeves has become perhaps THE go-to guy for cool sci-fi/genre properties in recent years (funny how a mega-blockbuster trilogy like “The Matrix” will help something like that). By the end of the year Keanu is going to add Klaatu to his roster of iconic roles in “The Day the Earth Stood Still”, but there could have been even more on his geek-friendly resume. Just the other day he admitted to MTV News that there were two other high-profile roles he recently turned down, in the form of Dr. Manhattan AND Racer X!

Yes, Reeves confirmed the long whispered of rumors that he’d been offered the role of Dr. Manahattan in Zack Snyder’s eagerly anticipated adaptation of “Watchmen.” Saying he was absolutely interested in the role but had to pass because it simply “didn’t work out,” Reeves still expressed his enthusiasm for the “Watchmen” project.

Speed Racer Sequel Talks

2008-03-30T12:07:00.000-07:00

This is the first news I've heard of in Speed Racer sequels but it looks like the Wachowski's may have found a director to helm a possible follow-up to the yet unreleased Speed Racer movie. Time Out Chicago is reporting that Thai director “Joe” Weerasethakul although I can't find any confirmation.

I guess I'm a little skeptical since the report names Uwe Boll (pictured left) as another director considered for the job. Uwe Boll, for those that might not be familiar with his work, is a B-grade director known for some campy films like Postal and Alone in the Dark. Not only is Boll not equipped to handle a FX-laden franchise film but he is considered by many critics, peers, and film buffs as one of the worst directors of our generation.

Apichatpong “Joe” Weerasethakul is an award-winning director who Tropical Malady and Blissfully Yours took home prize awards at Cannes and I can see him getting looked at (and getting) the role of director.

Maverick Thai director and School of the Art Institute alum Apichatpong “Joe” Weerasethakul has been tapped to direct a sequel to Speed Racer, despite the fact that the Wachowski brothers’ adaptation of the beloved cartoon series has yet to be released. The likely megahit, starring Emile Hirsch and Christina Ricci, will hit theaters on May 9, but Warner said it wanted to get an early start on the next film to head off the creative doldrums the Wachowskis faced with their Matrix sequels.

“We love Joe’s eye, his disdain for linearity and the playful naturalism he brought to Blissfully Yours,” said one Warner Bros. representative, who requested anonymity for fear of incurring the wrath of director Uwe Boll, who had previously been considered. “The aerobics scene at the end of Syndromes and a Century moved me to tears.”

The rep also cited Weerasethakul’s experience directing one of 2004’s most memorable characters, the talking monkey in Tropical Malady, as good preparation for working with Chim-Chim, Speed’s pet chimpanzee. “Joe truly is a visionary,” he said, “and we are fully confident that his vision will be symbiotic with the Wachowskis’.” (source)

Star Wars: The Clone Wars Trailer Opens With Speed Racer

2008-03-30T12:01:00.000-07:00

The Speed Racer movie has picked up an unexpected passenger. George Lucas and his new Clone Wars animated movie will debut their trailer during the opening of Speed Racer in theaters May 9th.

"ComingSoon.net has learned that Warner Bros. Pictures is currently planning to reveal the trailer for Star Wars: The Clone Wars in theaters with the studio's own Speed Racer on May 9th. We are uncertain at this point when the trailer would debut online, though studios usually bring trailers online that same week.

The August 15 release will feature such characters as Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Padmé Amidala, along with brand-new heroes like Anakin's padawan learner, Ahsoka. In the film, Sinister villains – led by Palpatine, Count Dooku and General Grievous – are poised to rule the galaxy. Stakes are high, and the fate of the "Star Wars" universe rests in the hands of the daring Jedi Knights. Their exploits lead to the action-packed battles and astonishing new revelations.

The theatrical debut of Star Wars: The Clone Wars will be followed in the fall when the TV series premieres on Cartoon Network, followed by airings on TNT"

Speed Racer's Mach 5 Goes On Tour

2008-03-28T13:17:00.000-07:00

Speed Racer | Dailies

To help promote the new Speed Racer movie one of the cast members is making some publicity stops. That cast member is the Mach 5, Speed Racer's multi-talented car. Reelzchannel.com has got the scoop on the tour.

Speed Racer Entertainment Weekly Images

2008-03-27T14:42:00.000-07:00

Entertainment Weekly takes a look at the Wachowski Brothers Speed Racer movie with some new images that detail the glossy and eye-popping world of the live-action movie. The cars in Speed Racer look highly detailed and beautiful just in these small images. EW gives up 15 pics for the article in the upcoming issue. About half of them are new including the ones below.

...see more Speed Racer images.

‘Speed Racer’ Is Like ‘Nothing You’ve Ever Seen Before,’ Promises Hirsch

2008-03-26T04:05:00.000-07:00

Emile Hirsch is Speed Racer

Speed Racer star Emile Hirsch is talking big about his upcoming role as the live-action race car driver. Hirsch believes the Wachowski brothers have created a movie like 'Nothing You’ve Ever Seen Before.’

(via MTV Movies) That’s a mighty claim, but it’s what actor Emile Hirsch is serving up with regard to his starring stint in the Wachowski brothers’ upcoming big-budget adaptation of the classic animated series. “This film has all these visuals and elements to it,” says the actor. “That’s what the Wachowski brothers, when they were making that first ‘Matrix,’ [were doing]. No one had seen anything like it.”

Two New Speed Racer Character Posters Released

2008-03-26T03:54:00.000-07:00

Two new Korean posters have been added to the Speed Racer gallery. Mr. Musha (Hiroyuki Sanada) and Tajho (Rain) have new character posters geared toward the Korean market. (source)

Four New Speed Racer Posters Released

2008-03-19T15:26:00.000-07:00

Go Speed Racer! Go!

Four new Speed Racer posters were released today to join the original one-sheet above. The set of 4 posters include three character posters and one with Speed in the Mach 5 and are marketed for a UK audience. No word yet if these will be the same for us in the States or not. The Speed Racer character posters include Emile Hirsch as Speed, Matthew Fox as Racer X, and Christina Ricci as Trixie. (via)

Speed Racer Deeper Look

2008-03-19T10:47:00.001-07:00

Comingsoon.net visited the Las Vegas ShoWest convention which featured an in-depth look into the upcoming Speed Racer movie. Comingsoon's Edward Douglas had a chance to visit with producer Joel Silver and stars Emile Hirsch, Christina Ricci, and Matthew Fox.

There was also a viewing of a long, 4-minute clip of the movie which helps fill out the plot details of the movie as well as how nice the new full-focus camera work is going to look.

"Essentially, a rich mogul has gotten tired of Speed Racer winning every race and he offers a million dollar bounty to anyone who takes Speed Racer out in the next big race. With such danger all around him, Speed's Mach 5 is upgraded to the Mach 6 with lots of new devices added to help counter the assassins' weapons and the extended footage included a lot more flying and spinning cars as well as some of the weapons that Speed Racer will have to face on the track.

The extra footage included some more expositional dialogue between Racer X and Speed Racer that hints at their relationship. One of the reasons the film might look so strange at first is that it's very colorful, but also, the Wachowskis wanted to make a movie where everything was in focus rather than the eye having to determine where to focus its attention.

It's similar to the way Robert Rodriguez brought Frank Miller's graphic novel Sin City to life, and it's also the closest that a live action movie can come to recreating the feel of a cartoon." (...more)

Topps Candy Coated Speed Racer Web Game

2008-03-19T10:19:00.000-07:00

Speed Racer game screen shot

The Speed Racer film and Topps candy have teamed up to bring the Topps Candy Coated Speed Racer Web Game. Jump behind the wheel of Speed or Racer X to join in the action. The site does require a free login to get started. Once you join in you will be eligible to win some of the Speed Racer prizes they are giving away including a Speed Racer Wii Game and Topps candy.

Play Topps Candy Coated Speed Racer Web Game >

Joel Silver: Speed Racer Will Be Rated PG

2008-03-17T00:01:00.000-07:00

Speed Racer producer Joel Silver, in an exclusive interview with Collider.com, has stated that the upcoming Speed Racer film will carry a rating of PG. There was much debate as to whether Speed would drive in at a G or PG rating. The Wachowskis are making their first family-film with Speed and the original intentions were to have the film come in at a family friendly G-rating.

Joel Silver Exclusive Video Interview – ShoWest 2008 >

New Full-Length Speed Racer Trailer

2008-03-13T14:23:00.000-07:00

Warner Bros. has unleashed the full-length domestic trailer for the Wachowksi Brothers' Speed Racer. Get your first look at the new trailer for the film that hits theaters and IMAX on May 9th.

Speed Racer gets the Yahoo! treatment with a promotion this week on their main page. Thankfully, Yahoo! has started to allow embedding of their video. This is great because they have some fantastic exclusive deals with studios for trailers and clips.

Full-Length Speed Racer Trailer

The masterminds behind the 'Matrix' bring the beloved '60s anime cartoon to life on the big screen. Forget the bleak Neo-centric vision of the future; this is more Andy Warhol meets the Jetsons. Watch Speed as he battles corruption in the racing industry and his mysterious rival.

New Speed Racer International Trailers Released

2008-03-10T22:56:00.000-07:00

Speed is back on the market with 2 new international trailers that highlight the super-bright CG atmosphere of the Speed Racer world. These new trailers show off more footage from the movie which is a plus.

Speed Racer International Trailer A

Speed Racer International Trailer B

Speed Racer to Get Simultaneous IMAX and Theatrical Release

2008-03-05T00:11:00.000-08:00

IMAX Corporation and Warner Bros. Pictures announced today that Speed Racer, the action-packed adventure from the creators of The Matrix trilogy, will be simultaneously released to IMAX and conventional theatres on May 9, 2008. Speed Racer, based on the hit anime series created by Tatsuo Yoshida, is written and directed by The Wachowski Brothers. The film will be digitally re-mastered into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience with IMAX DMR (Digital Re-mastering) technology. Warner Bros. Pictures will be the exclusive distributor of the film to IMAX theatres worldwide.

"Speed Racer combines riveting action with stunning special effects, making it an ideal choice for IMAX's format," said Dan Fellman, President of Domestic Distribution at Warner Bros. Pictures. "We are delighted to release the film to IMAX theatres, where audiences can experience the next best thing to actually sitting in the driver's seat during this high speed adventure."

"Speed Racer is a fantastic addition to our 2008 film slate, and we are very pleased to welcome The Wachowski Brothers back to the world of IMAX," said IMAX Co-Chairmen and Co-CEOs Richard L. Gelfond and Bradley J. Wechsler. "The unique vision of these talented filmmakers has always been well suited to IMAX's format, and we're more than excited to be a part of this release."

"Speed Racer has all the elements for a powerful IMAX experience, with its broad appeal and spectacular effects," said Veronika Kwan-Rubinek, President of International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures. "We are excited to be exhibiting the film internationally in this unique format."

"Audiences will experience an incredible thrill ride when they see Speed Racer in IMAX theatres this May," added Greg Foster, Chairman and President of IMAX Filmed Entertainment. "Warner Bros Pictures, The Wachowski Brothers and Joel Silver are masters at telling stories specifically for the big IMAX screen, and with up to 14,000 watts of digital surround sound combined with crystal-clear, larger than life images, this movie and IMAX are made for each other." (source)

Christina Ricci Talks Speed Racer

2008-03-01T22:47:00.000-08:00

After wowing fans with her gritty and seductive role in Craig Brewer's Black Snake Moan, Christina Ricci took time out to star with James McAvoy in the Reese Witherspoon produced fairy tale Penelope, about a young heiress cursed with a physical deformity who needs to find her true love in order to break the dreaded spell.

After several delays, Penelope finally makes its way to theaters and Christina Ricci was recently out on the press circuit to promote the film where she dished the dirt on the challenges of transforming her look for the film, wearing a new nose, and her fear of monkeys on the set of Speed Racer.

Speed Racer Video Game Trailer Released

2008-02-21T19:26:00.001-08:00

This is a Wii video game trailer from Speed Racer

Speed Racer Video Game Trailer

SPEED RACER Screened This Week

2008-02-21T19:08:00.000-08:00

Ain't It Cool News (AICN) got the joy of screening the Speed Racer movie early. This early screening of the Wachowski Bros. movie left a skeptic movie goer highly impressed.

The man was able to view the screening from Warner Bros. and sent AICN a copy of his review. It's nice to see that the action is intense and they have held up their promise to make it a "living cartoon."

There's a few spoilers in the review but it's not like Speed Racer is a mystery flick or anything.

"This seriously is the biggest surprise for me this year, because I thought I was going to hate this movie."
- Movie reviewer

SPEED RACER Screened This Week, And Our Spy Was There!

Speed Racer Screenshots for Nintendo Wii and DS

2008-02-18T22:23:00.000-08:00

The first screenshots for the Watchowski Brothers Speed Racer film are out for the Nintendo DS and Wii consoles.

The car is not just a normal car, it has 4 independent turning wheels and jump jacks that allow you to jump, flip the car and perform “car fu” moves to take out other drivers. More information and first screens inside.

Story:
After uncovering the corrupt influence of Royalton Industries and smashing all his opponents in The Crucible, Speed Racer returns for his second year on the racing registry. However, this time, the illustrious World Racing League Cup is up for grabs. Who will be the fastest, most cunning racer to win the title is unknown. Watch out for Cannonball Taylor who has revenge on his mind, while choosing allies like Racer X, to overcome the challenges that this year’s circuit has to offer.

Wii Features:
Choose from 20 different driver / car combinations, from Speed Racer and the Mach 6 to Cannonball Taylor and the GRX.
Experience 13 different tracks across 5 vibrant environments.
Drive at speeds of up to 375 MPH across incredible tracks that have loops, corkscrews, jumps, and other obstacles and challenges.
Utilize “The Zone” to boost your speed up to 500 MPH and gain an advantage on the track.
Master car-fu combat, using your T180 racecar as a weapon by smashing, jumping, flipping, and spinning. (source)

Speed Racer Comic Book Creator

2008-02-17T22:57:00.000-08:00

Speed Racer Comic Book Creator features authentic, fully-licensed art, with more than 300 action-packed screen shots, professional templates, clip art, word balloons, caption boxes, fonts, colors, animations, and more! You can even add your own sound effects to bring your race story to life!

Speed Racer Comic Book Creator is drag-and-drop simple. Just create your storyline, populate it with vivid Speed Racer screen shots or digital images you upload, add some gripping dialogue and exciting animations, and you’re ready to publish!

Speed Racer Comic Book Creator files can be printed on any printer, attached to email, posted to web site or blog, or even published as a flipbook!

Fox Talks Speed

2008-02-17T22:52:00.000-08:00

Count reclusive Matrix creators Larry and Andy Wachowski among Lost's obsessive fans.

So when it came time to cast the role of mystery man Racer X in their adaptation of the 1960s Japanese anime series Speed Racer, they naturally braked for Matthew Fox.

"I didn't know Speed Racer at all," Fox admits. "I went into the meeting (with the Wachowskis) never knowing anything about Speed Racer. I wanted to work with the Wachowskis. That meeting went great and I went home with a script and I got the source material and watched a lot of Speed Racer. And the script blew me away. Then I went after the role. I went back to L.A. and I really went after it. I wanted it."

"It's a game-changer, in my opinion," Fox says of the bleeding-edge technology utilized to translate the source material's surreal landscape to the big screen. "(The digital cameras) are amazing and the information that they're capturing and then what can be done with that information in post-production is extraordinary ... It's unbelievable what it looks like. (...more)

Matthew Fox stays mum with Lost and Speed Racer

2008-02-09T20:37:00.000-08:00

Bob Thompson interviews Lost heart-throb Matthew Fox and tires to pry some information about the new season of the popular TV hit and his new role in the much anticipated Speed Racer

Matthew Fox said keeping quiet has become an occupational necessity. He has to stay mum over the plot points for the series Lost and now he’s being “foxy” about info on the sci-fi film extravaganza Speed Racer.

First Look at the Speed Racer Battle Morph Mach 5

2008-02-07T22:09:00.000-08:00

When a movie like Speed Racer is coming out, you just know that there will be plenty of toy cars released to tie in to the film. Toy News International has provided us with the first look at the "Battle Morph March 5" which comes with a 5" scale Speed figure.

The toy features "jump-jacks" to pop up on two wheels, and with the push of a button, it shoots out a stream of saw blades, in addition to numerous other weapons. (source)

LEGO and Speed Racer Team Up

2008-01-30T14:47:00.000-08:00

Starting in April, LEGO will roll out 4 new playsets based on Speed Racer. This comes after a fruitful week of seeking promotions by producer Joel Silver. Normally the producer of more adult and R-rated features, Silver has recently secured promotion deals with big family names including:

General Mills - who will use Speed Racer on packaging of its cereals and other brands like Betty Crocker cookie mixes, Old El Paso Mexican foods and Fruit Gushers
Lego - who will be creating the four playsets mentioned
Target - which rarely does film promotions, coming aboard as the film's official retail partner and, in addition to in-store ads and circulars, offering a gift card that enables consumers to access exclusive footage from the film
Puma - will be designing Speed Racer-themed shoes
McDonald's - the highly coveted Happy Meal deal (source)

New Rival Race Car Revealed for Speed Racer Film

2008-01-15T14:20:00.000-08:00

One of the rival cars from Speed Racer is heating up the auto shows. In the film, Speed will actually be racing against this team, called the Autobacs Racing Team Aguri (aka ARTA), and their futuristic car modeled somewhat after ARTA's Super GT 300 car.

First Look: Speed Racer's Rival Race Car Revealed >

Download Speed Racer Movie Trailer

2008-01-09T18:40:00.000-08:00

Apple's Quicktime has the Speed Racer trailer online and the official Speed Racer movie site has a download option.

You can download free the Speed Racer Movie trailer at the official Speed website. It has the HD options to view or download. Speed Racer stars Emile Hirsch, Christina Ricci, John Goodman, Susan Sarandon, and Matthew Fox. The movie hits theaters on May 9th, 2008.

Go to Detroit Speed Racer, Go!

2008-01-09T18:35:00.000-08:00

The Mach 5

The Mach 5, the supercar from Speed Racer that has leaped from 1970s Japanese cartoons to the big screen via Warner Brothers in 2008 will zoom into the North American International Auto Show in Detroit Jan 19-21.

Go to Detroit Speed Racer, Go! >

Matthew Fox on Playing Racer X

2008-01-04T10:08:00.000-08:00

Matthew Fox told Entertainment Weekly that, while he didn't know anything about Speed Racer (he grew up without a TV!), he's a big cartoon, comic book and anime fan.

"So when I found out that the Wachowski's were doing 'Speed Racer' and were interested in me for it, I immediately went on the Internet, and as soon as I saw Racer X, I was like, I think that looks like me. I kinda think I would be a good Racer X. [Laughs] So then I was like, Dammit, I'm going to win this role! I went and read for it, and then waited quite a while."

Fox added that "Racer X is all about mystery. And it's all about not just disguise of suit, but it's disguise of voice — he's, like, impenetrable." (source)

Speed Racer Score Composer

2007-12-26T20:58:00.000-08:00

"Lost" composer Michael Giacchino will guide the music for "Speed Racer." By taking a glance at Michael Giacchino's resume, Comics 2 Film was able to find out the composers involvement on the project.

Michael Giacchino has also worked on Pixar's "The Incredibles" and "Ratatouille."

Giacchino to score 'Speed Racer' >

Hi-Res Poster of Speed Racer

2007-12-17T17:16:00.000-08:00

The Hi-Res poster for Speed Racer is officially online. This is not the lenticular poster (here) mentioned earlier but rather the standard print version. Click for larger image.

Christina Ricci Chimes in on Speed Racer

2007-12-17T16:58:00.000-08:00

Christina Ricci as Trixie, flying her helilcopter

MovieWeb.com sat down with Christina Ricci (Trixie) and was able to talk Speed Racer.

She has seen a clip reel that the Wachowski Brothers put together, and says, "Oh, God, it is amazing. I know it sounds kind of cliche to say it looks like nothing you have ever seen before. But that is the truth. They have filmed all of the driving scenes in a new way, and they really exciting. The film also has a great emotional element too it. It is very fun. It will be the true definition of an event movie."

About her character, she told me, "Trixie is a ...great role model for girls. She gets to do all of the same things the boys get to do. She fights, she drives, she even flies a helicopter. I would say that this is the most fun I have ever had on a set. I hope we get to do it again."

So, there will be a sequel? "I hope so. I would do it again in a minute if they asked." (source)

Speed Racer 3-D Movie Poster

2007-12-14T10:07:00.000-08:00

Alex at First Showing ran into a nice find at their local movie theater. It's the lenticular Speed Racer poster. Lenticular posters have a "pop" to them that make objects stand out and Alex can explain it better than I can.

I like the tagline: "...a world built for Speed."

Speed Racer Trailer in HD

2007-12-06T23:23:00.000-08:00

Moviefone has the addition of the HD Trailers for Speed Racer. Watch the 480, 720, or 1080 versions to get the highly detailed race scenes and sets that were shot in the new full-focus digital style.

By going through and seeing the detailed frames you can get great shots of Chim Chim, Racer X (Matthew Fox), and the individual race cars. A few of the Speed Racer photos are below and you can view the entire collection as a slideshow.

Speed Racer Trailer Now Online !!

2007-12-06T23:19:00.000-08:00

The first Speed Racer trailer is online and it looks fantastic! The Wachowski's held true to their word and kept the "Anime" look of the original cartoon series. With bright lights and even brighter colors we get a chance to step into the world of Speed Racer and finally see the race scenes and characters in their outfits.

First Speed Racer Images Released

2007-12-06T19:02:00.000-08:00

Emile Hirsch in the Speed Racer outfit

USA Today has released the first images from the highly anticipated "Speed Racer" movie. The Wachowski's have gone technology and gadget crazy creating this all-green screen update of the famous Japanese '60's cartoon.

We get our first look at Emile Hirsch behind the wheel of the Mach 5 as well as in his racing gear. Racer X (Matthew Fox) and Trixie (Christina Ricci) make an appearance along with Pops (John Goodman) and Mom Racer (Susan Sarandon). However, it's nice to see they went with a real chimp for Chim Chim instead of a CG one.

Matthew Fox (in black) is Racer X, who looks after Speed.

Emile Hirsch behind the wheel of the Mach 5, Speed's car.

Christina Ricci, who plays faithful girlfriend Trixie.

Sprittle and Chim Chim.

Emile Hirsch Talks Speed Racer - It's going to be all green screen

2007-11-27T20:53:00.000-08:00

Empire Movie News spoke to Emile Hirsch recently and they were under the impression that Speed Racer, the Wachowski brothers' adaptation of the cult cartoon about a boy who wants to be the best racing driver in the world, was going to be using green screen elements for its reportedly groundbreaking racing sequences, but using old fashioned sets and props for much of the rest of movie. We'd heard rumours that much of it would be filled in later (John Mathieson, who was Director of Photography on Gladiator, apparently turned down the chance to shoot this because of the glut of green), but no concrete confirmation that it was taking the full 300 approach.

"Nope, it's all green screen," Hirsch told us. "There were no sets, just us and the green background. I haven't seen anything of it finished yet, there was a lot of trust [in the Wachowskis] involved. It's going to be crazy. Was the monkey real? Yes."

So, what does this mean for the look of Speed Racer? Are the Wachowski brothers going to try to stylize this to look just like the cartoon – though presumably without the characters mouths continuing to move after they've finished speaking?

Emile Hirsch Talks Speed Racer - It's going to be all green screen >

First Pic John Goodman In Speed Racer

2007-11-14T11:55:00.000-08:00

In the movie, Speed is loyal to the family racing business, led by his father, Pops Racer (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.

The film hits theaters on May 9th, 2008.

First Pic John Goodman In Speed Racer >

Tarnished by past, Babelsberg looks to brighter future

2007-11-09T16:17:00.000-08:00

The Wachowski Brothers are busy finishing up the final touches to Speed Racer after shooting the movie in front of green screens at Studio Babelsberg in Potsdam. This legendary studio flourished during the early part of the 20th Century thanks to a vibrant film production and stars like Marlene Dietrich.

It didn't take long to rocket Dietrich to international stardom, and she soon left for Hollywood. But the Potsdam studio she left behind soon lost its glitter. When Adolf Hitler came on the scene, Babelsberg devolved into his personal propaganda machine. Under communist East Germany, the studio had flashes of brilliance, but when the Berlin Wall fell and the studio came under private ownership, the losses mounted.

But in less than a year, Studio Babelsberg has made a comeback worthy of its star-studded past. With new management - and generous government subsidies that cover up to 20 percent of a filmmaker's costs - the studio is confidently looking ahead as it celebrates its 95th anniversary.

By the end of December, the studio will have hosted 11 films, including two big-budget Hollywood films shot simultaneously: Tom Cruise's Valkyrie, the World War II biopic of Count Claus von Stauffenberg's 1944 attempt to assassinate Hitler, and the Wachowski brothers' star-packed flick Speed Racer. (...continue article)

Joel Silver Explains Speed Racer Technology

2007-11-09T16:07:00.000-08:00

Joel Silver is sort of the unofficial spokesman for the Wachowski Brothers. They never do press, even when their own movies are coming out, let alone during production. But producer Silver ushered the visionaries into Hollywood and explains their process whenever he can. With Speed Racer wrapping principal photography and onto the visual effects stage, Silver previewed the next new vision from the Matrix boys.

"The Wachowski Brothers really can't do anything easy," said Silver. "They want to make it as hard as they possibly can. So [Speed Racer is] has a look that you have never seen before. It's really a vast panorama of the story. There's going to be a trailer out at Christmas, and it's pretty spectacular. So you'll see it pretty soon."

Shot entirely on green screen, Speed Racer borrows less from the landmark 300 than it does from the Wachowskis' own previous effort. "There were a lot of green screen elements in the Matrix movies. There were a lot of things that were done in those films that were done in a very serious CGI format. This is even more advanced than that."

Specifically, getting the details of a general race track involves more elements than any bullet time scene or burly brawl they've done before. "Look at a movie like Ben-Hur. They took nine months to shoot that chariot race and they had to deal with the horses and the chariots and the crowds. Here's a movie that's made not even 50 years later, these big huge car races, huge crowds. And there are no cars, anyplace. It's all on the computer."

Via Rotten Tomatoes

Speed Racer Trailer This Christmas

2007-10-31T20:40:00.000-07:00

Producer Joel Silver told reporters to expect a trailer for the Wachowski brothers' upcoming film adaptation of the anime classic Speed Racer sometime around Christmas. Speaking at a news conference to promote Fred Claus, Silver said the live-action movie is "a wild ride," adding: "There's going to be a trailer out at Christmas, and it's pretty spectacular. So you'll see it pretty soon."

Talking about his longtime collaborators, Silver said: "The Wachowski brothers can't do anything easy. You know, they want to make it as hard as they possibly can. So it's a movie that has a look that you have never seen before, and it's really a vast panorama for the story."

Speed Racer stars Emile Hirsch (Into the Wild) as the title character, a young race-car driver with a mysterious past and an unstoppable car, the Mach 5.

The movie will advance the visual effects seen in the Wachowskis' Matrix movies, Silver promised. "There were a lot of things [in] those films that were done in a very serious CGI format," he said. "And this is even more advanced than that. You look at a movie like Ben-Hur. I mean, they took nine months to shoot that chariot race. And they had to deal with the horses and the chariots and the crowds. And here's a movie that's made not even 50 years later, with these big, huge car races, huge crowds, and there's no [real] cars anyplace. It's all on the computer. Speed Racer is due in theaters May 9, 2008.

Soure>

Emile Hirsch on Speed Racer

2007-10-06T15:18:00.000-07:00

To shoot Into the Wild, Emile Hirsch trimmed down, got healthy, went outdoors and literally had to rough it in the bush, from the scorching desert scrublands of California's Salton Sea to the wilderness of Alaska.

To shoot his next movie, Hirsch is now strapped into a harness inside a studio. He is starring in Speed Racer, a live-action version of the 1960s Japanese anime, for the Wachowski Brothers of The Matrix fame. [...more]

Speed Racer Toys To Be Licensed By Mattel

2007-08-31T21:22:00.000-07:00

Collect.com reports Mattel has won the licensing contest for Warner Bros. Speed Racer. The license includes "virtually all product lines, including vehicles, action figures, remote-control vehicles and more." [more]

"Mattel will tap into the action, characters and storyline to bring the film to life across a broad number of their product lines. With Speed’s Mach 5 leading the way, Hot Wheels will feature a wide assortment of die-cast vehicles, race sets and track sets based on the film. Tyco, the leading remote control vehicle brand, will put kids behind the wheel of the Mach 5 with r/c vehicles and racing sets. "

Wachowskis To Use Original ‘Speed Racer’ Theme

2007-08-29T10:48:00.000-07:00

It has been revealed that the Wachowski Brothers have purchased the rights to the sound effects used in the Speed Racer cartoon, and confirmed that they will be using the trademark theme song. [details]

It’s all part of their attempt to reproduce the cartoon in reality which includes a new, full-focus camera technique (see Speed Racer Using Revolutionary Full Focus Cameras )

Speed Racer Using Revolutionary Full Focus Cameras

2007-08-26T23:38:00.000-07:00

The choice of making Speed Racer into a full-length feature film seems like an odd choice by the Wachowski Brothers.

The Brothers have quite the resume when it comes to bringing the new and exciting films to the screen. Their subject matter is always enriched with detail and struggles and they have a talent when it comes to creating digital effects.

So, what will the Brothers bring to the table for Speed Racer, a Japanese anime from the 1960's?

Seems like the guys are hard at work at utilizing a state-of-the-art camera system to replicate the anime-style of the world of Speed Racer.

Susan Sarandon confirmed that the camera system they are using will have layered film so that both the front and back are in focus like a cartoon. Holy shit, yep that's what she just said!

"They're using some high def thing that comes with guards and it's beyond anything I've ever…. I saw 10 minutes before I left, they did a special thing for me cause they're just wrapping and having a party tonight, they were still working after I left.
They're doing something where they're layering film so that the front and the back are in focus like a cartoon and they're also doing two dimensional and three dimensional stuff and mixing and everything is very, very saturated with some new kind of film, so they actually have to treat the actors in some way so we can hold our own with the background.
So it's every color that wasn't in The Matrix is seriously in this film. "
Supposedly they (The Wachowski's) were going to make the entire frame always in focus… like a cartoon. I had heard that the reason for the long filming process was not due to the extensive blue screen work, but due to this new look that they were going for. [ ...more]

Speed Racer News Conference

2007-08-04T17:06:00.001-07:00

A more detailed clip of the news conference for the Speed Racer movie. The cast gets introduced along with their characters as well as the emphasis of CG animation for the production of the film.

Speed Racer - First Look At The Cast

2007-08-04T17:00:00.000-07:00

The June 2007 news conference that unveils the cast and Mach 5 of the movie. Joel Silver, Producer, explains the need for the Wachowskis to make a more 'family' oriented film.

Wachowski Brothers as the Creators

2007-07-26T15:22:00.000-07:00

Wachowski Brothers are the Creators of the Speed Racer movie. Both are huge comic/anime fans and were inspired by the original cartoon series enough to make it their next big project.

Andy and Larry Wachowski are mysterious filmmakers who want their films to stand out as well as on their own. For the popular Matrix films, they signed it into their contracts to avoid press junkets and pictures that they believed would detract from the film.

Their Matrix films were essentially a merging of various philosophic thoughts and the popular Japanese anime style that became popular with cartoons like 'Speed Racer' as well as movies like 'Ghost in the Shell.'

After the Matrix films, the Wachowskis help produce the big screen adaptation of 'V for Vendetta,' based on the wildly popular graphic novel by Alan Moore. Seeing as how cartoons, anime, comics, and graphic novels fit into their work, the Wachowski brothers are a perfect fit to bring the story of Speed Racer to the screen.

Matthew Fox as Racer X

2007-07-26T15:21:00.000-07:00

Matthew Fox

Matthew Fox is known to an older generation, such as my own, as Charlie Salinger on the long running FOX drama, "Party of Five". After a few years off Television Matthew Fox ran head on into the phenomenon known as "Lost."

Staring as the lead role and tribal leader of the "Lost" victims, Fox stepped in front of the big screen cameras for juicy roles in Smokin' Aces, Vantage Point, We Are Marshall and Speed Racer.

Matthew Fox will be staring as Racer X. In the cartoon series, Racer X's true identity is a mystery to Speed.

Susan Sarandon as Mom Racer

2007-07-26T15:20:00.000-07:00

Susan Sarandon as Mom Racer.It was after the 1968 Democratic convention and there was a casting call for a film with several roles for the kind of young people who had disrupted the convention.

Two recent graduates of Catholic University in Washington DC, went to the audition in New York for Joe (1970). Chris Sarandon, who had studied to be an actor, was passed over. His wife Susan got a major role. [ source:imdb ]

John Goodman as Pops Racer

2007-07-26T15:19:00.000-07:00

John Goodman is Pops Racer. The versatile Goodman has been a staple on film and television for over 20 years with his biggest break coming as Roseanne's husband in the long running sitcom, Roseanne (1988-1997).

After 221 episodes you'd think that one might need a break from acting. However, John kept going and appeared in various TV shows like "The West Wing" and dozens of movies including O Brother, Where Art Thou? and Monsters, Inc.

Speed Racer Offical Storyline

2007-07-26T13:56:00.000-07:00

Via the Warner Bros. Official Speed Racer Website, the offical storyline:

From writer/directors Larry and Andy Wachowski, the creators of the groundbreaking “The Matrix” trilogy, and producer Joel Silver comes the live-action, high-octane family adventure “Speed Racer.”

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.

Slated for release on May 9, 2008, “Speed Racer” marks the Wachowski brothers’ first writing/directing collaboration since “The Matrix” movies. Joel Silver, who previously worked with the Wachowskis on “The Matrix” movies and “V For Vendetta,” is producing the film under his Silver Pictures banner.

The film stars Emile Hirsch (“Alpha Dog”) as Speed, Christina Ricci (“Black Snake Moan”) as Trixie, Matthew Fox (TV’s “Lost”) as Racer X, and Oscar winner Susan Sarandon (“Dead Man Walking”) and John Goodman (“Evan Almighty”) as Mom and Pops Racer. Rounding out the main cast are Australian actor Kick Gurry (“Spartan”) as Sparky; Paulie Litt (TV’s “Hope & Faith”) as Spritle; Roger Allam (“The Queen,” “V For Vendetta”) as Royalton; and Asian music star Ji Hoon Jung (popularly known as Rain), making his major feature film debut as a rival driver.

Based on the classic series created by anime pioneer Tatsuo Yoshida, the live-action “Speed Racer” will showcase the kind of revolutionary visual effects and cutting-edge storytelling that have become the benchmarks of the Wachowski brothers’ films.

“Speed Racer” is a Warner Bros. Pictures presentation, in association with Village Roadshow Pictures, of a Silver Pictures Production.

Christina Ricci as Trixie

2007-07-26T13:32:00.000-07:00

Christina Ricci

Christina Ricci is an Emmy Award-nominated who shot to fame as a child actress. Her first big break came with the role of Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family (1991) and the sequel Addams Family Values (1993). Since then, Ricci has kept busy in movies and television by constantly picking unique roles including the recent Penelope.

Her portrayal of Rae in the controversial Black Snake Moan raised many eyebrows and is the complete opposite of the role as 'Trixie' in 'Speed Racer.' As Speed's girlfriend, Trixie is spunky and stubborn and usually gets her way.

Speed Racer - Christina Ricci Interview

Hiroyuki Sanada as Mr. Musha

2007-07-26T12:41:00.000-07:00

Hiroyuki Sanada is the extremely talented Japanese actor that few American have had a chance to see on the silver screen. He stared in the original 'Ring' horror film 'Ringu' and has been in big budgeted movies lately like The Last Samurai and Sunshine which opens this summer.

When asked by Hoga Central about his portrayal of the stereotypical Japanese villain in a mostly American cast, Sanada replied :

A Japanese villain is a bit delicate position for Japanese people, but if I say I don't do this role, after all it will be played by non-Japanese actor in a stereotype way like in the past. I have a desire to change such stereotype, so I dared to accept the role and want to express it in a proper way. In that sense, my position is the same as in "The White Countess" (where he played a Japanese spy who causes the fall of Shanghai).

Sanada goes on to talk about the Speed Racer adaptation from anime to live action movie:

"I am playing a Japanese owner of race teams, an ambitious businessman. There is a main villain, and my role is in a position to support this guy, or to sway to either side for the sake of money.

It is great that this Japanese anime classic gets remade and introduced to the world, now that animation has been established as a leading form of Japanese pop culture. I hear the original anime is popular only in Japan and the U.S., but it has a universal theme and I believe it will be accepted in other countries.

The essence of the original is all there, but the visuals will be quite new and different. Wachowski Brothers are trying to load it with various new things that you have never seen. Although it is a live action, it probably will be even more anime-like than the real anime, with colorful and futuristic circuits. So in that sense, it will be more a reborn rather than a remake. I hope it will make people interested in the original anime in new territories as well, so even if a Japanese man is a bad guy in this Japanese-originated story, I believe still the benefit exceeds the negative. [ ...continued ]

Sunshine movie clip

Emile Hirsch As Speed

2007-07-26T12:19:00.000-07:00

Emile Hirsch

has been tapped by the Wachowski Brothers to play the lead role of Speed in the upcoming live action movie for 'Speed Racer.' Emile Hirsch played various roles on TV shows for about five years before staring in the motion picture 'The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys.'

A few years later, Emile landed the lead in 'The Girl Next Door' as the high school neighbor to a porn star played by the very attractive Elisha Cuthbert. Hirsch's other film roles include Lords of Dogtown, The Emperor's Club, Alpha Dog and Into the Wild, which was directed by Sean Penn.

Speed Racer - Emile Hirsch Interview

Speed Racer - The Movie

2007-07-11T14:51:00.001-07:00

From Warner Bros. Studios, Speed Racer the movie.

Speed Racer - The Movie

A New Year....

Warners kicks off digital VOD in China

New Site coming

Wachowskis Aren't Done With Speed Racer Yet

'Speed Racer' Sputters, Raising Promotional Issues

Review: 'SPEED RACER' Original Soundtrack

The Speed Racer Situation

Dazzling Imax Imagery with Speed Racer

Watch Speed Racer Online

The Need For Speed! Watch First 7 Minutes of Speed Racer Movie Online

"Speed Racer" - The CBR Review

Speed Racer Dirty Language Raise Eyebrows

A futuristic, midcentury movie set for 'Speed Racer

A Chat with John Goodman of 'Speed Racer'

'Speed Racer': preview

Speed Racer Hits The Red Carpet

'Go Speed Racer Go' Video

Win a Trip to L.A. with Speed Racer

Joel Silver talks "Speed Racer"

Speed Racer Toys Arrive at MTV

Speed Racer Official Website Updated; New Longer Trailer Released

'Speed Racer' promos burst onto MTV nets

ESurance Exclusive Speed Racer Video

Speed Racer Poster in 3-D!

Keanu Reeves Says He Turned Down ‘Watchmen’ And ‘Speed Racer’ Roles

Speed Racer Sequel Talks

Star Wars: The Clone Wars Trailer Opens With Speed Racer

Speed Racer's Mach 5 Goes On Tour

Speed Racer Entertainment Weekly Images

‘Speed Racer’ Is Like ‘Nothing You’ve Ever Seen Before,’ Promises Hirsch

Two New Speed Racer Character Posters Released

Four New Speed Racer Posters Released

Speed Racer Deeper Look

Topps Candy Coated Speed Racer Web Game

Joel Silver: Speed Racer Will Be Rated PG

New Full-Length Speed Racer Trailer

New Speed Racer International Trailers Released

Speed Racer to Get Simultaneous IMAX and Theatrical Release

Christina Ricci Talks Speed Racer

Speed Racer Video Game Trailer Released

SPEED RACER Screened This Week

SPEED RACER Screened This Week, And Our Spy Was There!

Speed Racer Screenshots for Nintendo Wii and DS

Speed Racer Comic Book Creator

Fox Talks Speed

Matthew Fox stays mum with Lost and Speed Racer

First Look at the Speed Racer Battle Morph Mach 5

LEGO and Speed Racer Team Up

New Rival Race Car Revealed for Speed Racer Film

Download Speed Racer Movie Trailer

Go to Detroit Speed Racer, Go!

Matthew Fox on Playing Racer X

Speed Racer Score Composer

Hi-Res Poster of Speed Racer

Christina Ricci Chimes in on Speed Racer

Speed Racer 3-D Movie Poster

Speed Racer Trailer in HD

Speed Racer Trailer Now Online !!

First Speed Racer Images Released

Emile Hirsch Talks Speed Racer - It's going to be all green screen

First Pic John Goodman In Speed Racer

Tarnished by past, Babelsberg looks to brighter future

Joel Silver Explains Speed Racer Technology

Speed Racer Trailer This Christmas

Emile Hirsch on Speed Racer

Speed Racer Toys To Be Licensed By Mattel

Wachowskis To Use Original ‘Speed Racer’ Theme

Speed Racer Using Revolutionary Full Focus Cameras

Speed Racer News Conference

Speed Racer - First Look At The Cast

Wachowski Brothers as the Creators

Matthew Fox as Racer X

Susan Sarandon as Mom Racer

John Goodman as Pops Racer

Speed Racer Offical Storyline

Christina Ricci as Trixie

Hiroyuki Sanada as Mr. Musha

Emile Hirsch As Speed

Speed Racer - The Movie