|
A live-action ''Speed Racer'' film had been in [[development hell]] since 1992, having changed actors and filmmakers until in 2006 when producer [[Joel Silver]] and the Wachowskis collaborated to begin production on the film. ''Speed Racer'' was shot in and around [[Potsdam]] and [[Berlin]] from June to August 2007.
''Speed Racer'' premiered on April 26, 2008, at the [[Microsoft Theater|Nokia Theater]] in Los Angeles, and was released in the United States on May 9, by [[Warner Bros. Pictures]]. Upon initial release, the film received mixed reviews from critics, who praised the action sequences, musical score, cinematography, and performances, but were divided on its overuseheavy use of [[computer generated imagery|CGI]], and criticized its screenplay and runtime. The film grossed $93.9 million worldwide against a $120 million budget. It was subsequently nominated in multiple categories at the [[Teen Choice Awards]] as well as the [[Golden Raspberry Awards]]. In subsequent years, ''Speed Racer'' has garnered a strong [[cult following]] among filmmakers and audiences.
== Plot ==
{{plot|date=October 2024}}
<!-- Per WP:FILMPLOT, plot summaries for feature films are 400 to 700 words only. -->
Speed Racer is a young man whose life and love has always been automobile racing. His parents Pops and Mom run the independent Racer Motors, in which his brother Spritle and his pet chimp Chim Chim, his mechanic Sparky and his girlfriend Trixie are also involved. As a child, Speed idolized his record-setting older brother, Rex Racer, who was apparently killed while racingcompeting in the Casa Cristo 5000, a deadly cross-country rally race. Now embarking on his own career, Speed is quickly sweeping the racing world with his skill behind the wheel of his brother's [[Mach Five|Mach 5]] and his own T-180 car the Mach 6, although primarily interested in the art of the race and the well-being of his family.
One day, E.P. Arnold Royalton, the [[Chief executive officer|CEO]] of conglomerate Royalton Industries, offers Speed an astoundingly luxurious lifestyle in exchange for signing to race with him. Though tempted, Speed declines because of his father's distrust of power-hungry corporations. Angered, Royalton reveals that for many years, key races have been [[match fixing|fixed]] by corporate interests, including himself, to gain profits. Royalton takes out his anger on Speed by having one of his drivers force Speed into a crash that destroysseverely damages the Mach 6 and suing Racer Motors for [[intellectual property infringement]]. Speed gets an opportunity to retaliate through Inspector Detector, head of an intelligence agency's corporate crimes division. RacerFellow racer Taejo Togokahn supposedly has evidence that could indict Royalton but will only offer it up if Speed and the notorious masked Racer X agree to race on his team in the upcoming Casa Cristo 5000, which could also substantially raise the stock price of his family's racing business, blocking a Royalton-arranged buyout. Speed agrees but keeps his decision secret from his family, and Detector's team makes several defensive modifications to the Mach 5 to assist Speed in the race.
After they drive together and work naturally as a team, Speed begins suspecting that Racer X is actually Rex in disguise. His family discovers that he has entered the race and agree to support him, though Pops is angry with him for not asking permission to race earlier. With his family and Trixie aiding him, Speed defeats many brutal racers, who were bribed by fixer Cruncher Block to stop him, and overcomes seemingly insurmountable obstacles to win the race, while Detector's team arrests Block. However, Taejo's arrangement is revealed to be a sham, as hehis wastrue onlyintention interestedwas into increasingboost the value of his family's company to profitbenefit from Royalton's buyout. Enraged by this revelation, Speed hits the track that he used to drive with his brother, and confronts Racer X with his suspicion that he is Rex. Racer X removes his mask, revealing an unfamiliar face, and tells Speed that Rex is indeed dead, but advises Speed to not let racing change the way he is and figure out his own driving. Speed returns home and plans to leave, but Pops expresses his pride in Speed's actions, and that he was wrong to not let Speed enter the race since his own stubbornness drove Rex away, before finding out about the race-fixing conspiracy. Taejo's sister Horuko unexpectedly arrives and gives him Taejo's rejected automatic invitation to the upcoming Grand Prix. The Racer family bands together and builds a new Mach 6 in 32 hours.
Speed enters the Grand Prix with the help of Inspector Detector against great odds; Royalton has placed a $1,000,000 bounty on his head that the other drivers are eager to collect, and he is pitted against future Hall of Fame driver Jack "Cannonball" Taylor. Speed overcomes a slow start to catch up with Taylor, who uses a cheating device called a spearhook to latch the Mach 6 to his own car. Speed uses his jump jacks to expose the device to video cameras, causing Taylor to crash. SpeedHe then wins the race, having successfully exposeddisclosed Royalton's crimes. While Racer X watches, a [[Flashback (narrative)|flashback]] [[montage (filmmaking)|montage]] reveals that he really is Rex, having faked his death, secretly attended his funeral and undergone [[plastic surgery]] to change his appearance as part of his plan to protect Speed and the sport of racing. He chooses not to reveal histhe identitytruth to his family, declaringaffirming that he must live with his decision. The Racer family celebrates Speed's victory as Speed and Trixie kiss, Taejo testifies against Royalton and Block, and Royalton is sent to jail.
== Cast ==
* [[John Benfield]] as Cruncher Block, a professional race fixer and gang leader
* [[Christian Oliver]] as Snake Oiler, a shady racer who wears [[snakeskin]] racing clothes
* Ralph Herforth as Jack "Cannonball" Taylor, a superstar racer, 5-time WRL champion, 3 2-time Grand Prix winner, and future hall of famer sponsored by Royalton Industries
* [[Scott Porter]] as Rex Racer, Speed Racer's older brother and idol presumed to have been killed in a race
* [[Yu Nan]] as Horuko Togokahn, Taejo Togokhan's sister
* [[Nayo Wallace|Nayo K. Wallace]] as Minx, a scientist and Racer X's girlfriend
* [[Melvil Poupaud]] as Johnny '"Goodboy'" Jones, a race commentator
* [[Ramon Tikaram]] as Casa ChristoCristo Announcer
* [[Ben Miles]] as Cass Jones
* [[Peter Fernandez]] as Local Announcer
* [[Cosma Shiva Hagen]] as GennieJeannie
* [[Moritz Bleibtreu]] as Gray Ghost, a French racer offor Eccran Establishment tasked with eliminating Speed
* [[Karl Yune]] as Taejo's Body GuardBodyguard
* [[Joon Park]] as Kakkoi Teppodama, a Japanese racer for Musha Motors tasked with taking out Speed at the Grand Prix for a million dollars. He is credited as "Yakuza Driver" in the end credits.
* [[Togo Igawa]] as Tetsua Togokahn, Taejo and Horuko's father, and a corporate rival to both Royalton and Musha
== Production ==
=== Development ===
In September 1992, [[Joe Pytka]] announced that Warner Bros. held the option to create a live-action [[film adaptation]] of the 1960s Japanese anime and manga series ''[[Speed Racer]]'', in development at [[Silver Pictures]].<ref>{{cite news|author=BPI Communications |url=httphttps://articleswww.chicagotribune.com/1992-/09-/03/features/9203200425_1_speedspeed-racer-artto-housesbecome-silvera-picturesfilm/ |title='Speed Racer' to become a film |work=Chicago Tribune |publisher=[[Tribune Company]] |date=September 3, 1992 |access-date=September 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101004358/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1992-09-03/features/9203200425_1_speed-racer-art-houses-silver-pictures |archive-date=November 1, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> In October 1994, singer [[Henry Rollins]] was offered the role of Racer X.<ref name="Matthew Gilbert">{{cite news | author=Matthew Gilbert | title=Workman's got the beats | work=[[The Boston Globe]] | publisher=[[The New York Times Company]] | date=October 9, 1994 }}</ref> In June 1995, [[Johnny Depp]] was cast into the lead role for ''Speed Racer'', with production slated to begin the coming October,<ref>{{cite news | title=Pacino, Depp To Star in Film On FBI Agent | work=[[Chicago Sun-Times]] | publisher=[[Sun-Times Media Group]] | date=June 20, 1995 }}</ref> with filming to take place in [[California]] and [[Arizona]].<ref>{{cite news | last= Sumner | first= Jane | title=Old commish now the new commish | work=[[The Dallas Morning News]] | publisher=[[A. H. Belo Corporation]] | date=July 28, 1995 }}</ref> The following August, Depp requested time off to the studio for personal business, delaying production.<ref>{{cite news | author=Speers, W. | title=R.E.M. is far from sweet on Hershey – it's suing | work=[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]] | publisher=[[Philadelphia Media Network]] | date=August 23, 1995 }}</ref> However, due to an overly high budget,<ref name=track>{{cite news|author=Fleming, Michael |url=https://variety.com/2004/film/news/wb-racer-is-back-on-right-track-1117906949/ |title=WB 'Racer' is back on right track |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |publisher=[[Penske Business Media]] |date=June 23, 2004 |access-date=November 9, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102193022/http://variety.com/2004/film/news/wb-racer-is-back-on-right-track-1117906949/ |archive-date=January 2, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> the same August, director [[Julien Temple]] left the project. Depp, without a director, also departed from the project. The studio considered director [[Gus Van Sant]] as a replacement for Temple,<ref>{{cite news | title=Column: News and Notes | publisher=[[North Jersey Media Group]] | work=[[The Record (Bergen County)|The Record]] | date=August 28, 1995}}</ref> though it would not grant writing privileges to Van Sant.<ref>{{cite news | last= Morris |first= Wesley | title=The Minimalist | work=The Boston Globe | publisher=The New York Times Company | date=July 31, 2005}}</ref> In December 1997, the studio briefly hired [[Alfonso Cuarón]] as director.<ref>{{cite news | author=Graham, Renee | title=Stipe gets in on the producing act | work=The Boston Globe | publisher=The New York Times Company | date=December 28, 1997}}</ref> In the various incarnations of the project, screenwriters [[Marc Levin]], Jennifer Flackett, [[J. J. Abrams]], and [[Patrick Read Johnson]] had been hired to write scripts.<ref name=hooked>{{cite news|last1=Lyons |first1= Charles |last2=Harris |first2= Dana |url=https://variety.com/2001/film/news/warners-hooked-on-speed-1117854467/ |title=Warners hooked on 'Speed' |work=Variety |publisher=Penske Business Media |date=October 17, 2001 |access-date=November 9, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140226153757/http://variety.com/2001/film/news/warners-hooked-on-speed-1117854467/ |archive-date=February 26, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref>
In September 2000, Warner Bros. and producer [[Lauren Shuler Donner]] hired music video director [[Hype Williams]] to take the helm of the project.<ref name=hudlin>{{cite news|author=Fleming, Michael |url=https://variety.com/2000/voices/columns/hudlin-to-service-sarah-1117786594/ |title=Hudlin to service 'Sarah' |work=Variety |publisher=Penske Business Media |date=September 19, 2000 |access-date=November 9, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102194729/http://variety.com/2000/voices/columns/hudlin-to-service-sarah-1117786594/ |archive-date=January 2, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> In October 2001, the studio hired screenwriters Christian Gudegast and [[Paul Scheuring]] for $1.2 million split between them to write a script for the film.<ref name=hooked /> Eventually, without production getting under way, the director and the writers left the project. In June 2004, [[Vince Vaughn]] spearheaded a revival of the project by presenting a take for the film that would develop the characters more strongly. Vaughn was cast as Racer X and was also attached to the project as an executive producer.<ref name=track /> With production never becoming active, Vaughn was eventually detached from the project.<ref>{{cite news | author=Kit, Borys | url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3id1c3d218198539cbbe3da77ba227ce79 | title=Goodman, Sarandon on 'Speed' | work=The Hollywood Reporter | publisher=Prometheus Global Media | date=April 2, 2007 | access-date=November 9, 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070506080258/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3id1c3d218198539cbbe3da77ba227ce79 |archive-date =May 6, 2007}}</ref>
=== Pre-production ===
[[File:Lana Wachowski - TIFF 2012 (7960740126) (cropped).tif|thumb|alt=Photograph of a woman with bright pink and purple hair in medium-length dreadlocks|When directing ''Speed Racer'', [[the Wachowskis]] took inspiration from avant-garde literature and [[pop art]]. Lana (pictured in 2012) described the film as an "assault [on] every single modern aesthetic".<ref name=McWeeny>{{cite web |last=McWeeny |first=Drew |date=October 10, 2012 |title=An epic interview with the Wachowskis and Tom Tykwer: From 'Cloud Atlas' to 'Jupiter Ascending' |page=3 |website=[[HitFix]] |url=http://www.hitfix.com/motion-captured/an-epic-interview-with-the-wachowskis-and-tom-tykwer-from-cloud-atlas-to-jupiter-ascending/3 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012231339/http://www.hitfix.com/motion-captured/an-epic-interview-with-the-wachowskis-and-tom-tykwer-from-cloud-atlas-to-jupiter-ascending/3 |archive-date=October 12, 2012 |access-date=March 28, 2023}}</ref>]]
In October 2006, [[the Wachowskis]] were brought on board by the studio to write and direct the film. Producer [[Joel Silver]], who had collaborated with the Wachowskis for ''[[V for Vendetta (film)|V for Vendetta]]'' and [[The Matrix (series)|''The Matrix'' Trilogy]], explained that they were hoping to reach a broader audience with a film that would not be rated [[MPAA film rating system|R]] by the [[Motion Picture Association of America]]. Visual effects designer [[John Gaeta]], who won an [[Academy Award for Best Visual Effects]] for the Wachowskis' ''[[The Matrix]]'', was brought in to help conceive making ''Speed Racer'' into a live-action adaptation. Production was set to begin in summer 2007 in European locations for a summer 2008 release.<ref>{{cite news|author=Fleming, Michael |author2=McClintock, Pamela |url=https://variety.com/2006/digital/news/sibs-built-for-speed-1117953047/ |title=Sibs built for 'Speed' |work=Variety |publisher=Penske Business Media |date=October 31, 2006 |access-date=November 9, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140226153747/http://variety.com/2006/digital/news/sibs-built-for-speed-1117953047/ |archive-date=February 26, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> In November 2006, the release date for it was set for May 23, 2008.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/02/14/geh-speed-racer-geh |title=Geh, Speed Racer, Geh |publisher=Ziff Davis Media |work=IGN |date=February 17, 2007 |access-date=August 14, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140220210015/http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/02/14/geh-speed-racer-geh |archive-date=February 20, 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref>
Producer Joel Silver described ''Speed Racer'' as a family film in line with the Wachowskis' goal to reach a wider audience.<ref name=status>{{cite news|author=Moro, Eric |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/03/04/wondercon-07-wonder-woman-speed-racer-status |title=WonderCon 07: ''Wonder Woman'', ''Speed Racer'' Status |work=IGN |publisher=Ziff Davis Media |date=March 3, 2007 |access-date=November 9, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131107224721/http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/03/04/wondercon-07-wonder-woman-speed-racer-status |archive-date=November 7, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> However, contrary to the apparent mainstream appeal of the project, the directors decided to take the source material in an [[avant-garde]] direction, declaring: "Okay, we are going to assault every single modern aesthetic with this film."<ref name=McWeeny/> According to Lana, representatives of Warner Bros. were initially "gleeful" that the directors chose to take on "a known entity that seemed like a family movie for kids," but when executives reviewed the work-in-progress, "they were like, 'Oh my god. Are you insane? What are you doing? This is the weirdest thing I've ever seen.' And we're like, 'Yes, that's the reason we're making it.'"<ref name=Vary>{{cite web |last=Vary |first=Adam B. |date=February 5, 2015 |title=The Wachowskis Refuse to Take No for an Answer |website=[[BuzzFeed News]] |url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/adambvary/the-wachowskis-jupiter-ascending-the-matrix-cloud-atlas |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150207213506/http://www.buzzfeed.com/adambvary/the-wachowskis-jupiter-ascending-the-matrix-cloud-atlas#.irkxlexXw |archive-date=February 7, 2015 |access-date=March 28, 2023}}</ref> For the Wachowskis, the project presented a unique opportunity to experiment with techniques of [[Postmodernist film|postmodernist cinema]], as they believed the film's younger target audience would be more receptive to radical [[Experimental film|experimentalism]] than adults. In a 2012 interview, Lana said:
=== Casting ===
While [[Joseph Gordon-Levitt]], [[Shia LaBeouf]] and [[Zac Efron]] were originally considered for the role of Speed Racer, [[Emile Hirsch]] eventually won the role.<ref name=lyons>{{cite news | url=http://www.eonline.com/movies/lyonsden/detail/index.jsp?uuid=d30a0ecf-30fa-47fc-bd93-442e2b65b0df | author=Lyons, Ben | title=Extreme Sneak Peek: ''Speed Racer'' Is Cast, Gassed Up and Ready to Go Go Go! | publisher=[[E!]] | date=May 11, 2007 | access-date=November 9, 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070930190125/http://www.eonline.com/movies/lyonsden/detail/index.jsp?uuid=d30a0ecf-30fa-47fc-bd93-442e2b65b0df |archive-date =September 30, 2007}}</ref><ref name="nydailynews.com">{{Cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/rose-mcgowan-zac-efron-speed-racer-film-article-1.245941|title = Rose McGowan and Zac Efron miss out on 'Speed Racer' film|website = [[New York Daily News]]| date=September 20, 2007 }}</ref> When he prepared for the role, Hirsch watched every ''Speed Racer'' episode and visited [[Charlotte Motor Speedway]] (known as Lowe's Motor Speedway at the time), where he met with driver [[Jimmie Johnson]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Vukcevic, Filip |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/09/17/exclusive-hirsch-talks-speed-racer |title=Exclusive: Hirsch Talks Speed Racer |work=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis Media]] |date=September 17, 2007 |access-date=November 9, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131205211524/http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/09/17/exclusive-hirsch-talks-speed-racer |archive-date=December 5, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Elisha Cuthbert]], [[Kate Mara]] and [[Rose McGowan]] were originally considered for the role of Trixie, the role was eventually given to [[Christina Ricci]].<ref name=lyons /><ref name="nydailynews.com" /> Before [[Matthew Fox]] was cast as Racer X, [[Henry Rollins]] was originally considered for the role.<ref name="Matthew Gilbert" /> [[Keanu Reeves]] was offered the role of Racer X, but he declined.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/2008/05/speed-racer-kea/|title = Lost's Fox Fills Keanu Reeves' Helmet in Speed Racer|magazine = Wired|last1 = Hart|first1 = Hugh}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/2429889/keanu-reeves-says-he-turned-down-watchmen-and-speed-racer-roles/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305090616/http://www.mtv.com/news/2429889/keanu-reeves-says-he-turned-down-watchmen-and-speed-racer-roles/|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 5, 2016|title = Keanu Reeves Says He Turned Down 'Watchmen' and 'Speed Racer' Roles|website = [[MTV]]}}</ref>
=== Filming ===
[[File:Mach5 Comic-Con2007.jpg|thumb|right|The [[Mach Five]] (shown on display at the 2007 [[San Diego Comic-Con International|Comic-Con International]]), although a fully-functioning automobile, was hung from a crane for the film's sequences and had its motoring effects computer-generated.<ref name=demon />]]
In February 2007, the Wachowskis selected [[Babelsberg Studios]] in Potsdam, Germany to film.<ref>{{cite news | author=Roxborough, Scott | url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/film/news/e3if37c02bf3d9ac5319c19eb7f012063bb | title=Babelsberg feels need for 'Speed' | publisher=Prometheus Global Media | work=The Hollywood Reporter | date=February 14, 2007 | access-date=November 9, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070217080109/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/film/news/e3if37c02bf3d9ac5319c19eb7f012063bb |archive-date=February 17, 2007 }}</ref> In the following March, Warner Bros. moved the release date two weeks earlier to May 9, 2008.<ref>{{cite news|author=McNary, Dave |url=https://variety.com/2007/film/news/wb-speeds-up-racer-1117960920/ |title=WB speeds up 'Racer' |work=Variety |publisher=Penske Business Media |date=November 3, 2007 |access-date=November 9, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140226153751/http://variety.com/2007/film/news/wb-speeds-up-racer-1117960920/ |archive-date=February 26, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> The studio received a grant of $12.3 million from Germany's new Federal Film Fund, the largest yet from the organization, for its production in the Berlin-Brandenburg region.<ref>{{cite news|author=Meza, Ed |url=https://variety.com/2007/film/news/new-film-funds-gets-up-to-speed-1117963955/ |title=New film funds gets up to 'Speed' |work=Variety |publisher=Penske Business Media |date=April 29, 2007 |access-date=November 9, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140226153753/http://variety.com/2007/film/news/new-film-funds-gets-up-to-speed-1117963955/ |archive-date=February 26, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> The amount was later increased to $13 million.<ref>{{cite news|author=Koehl, Christian |url=https://variety.com/2007/scene/markets-festivals/germans-to-h-w-d-look-past-berlin-1117977711/ |title=Germans to H'w'd: Look past Berlin |work=Variety |publisher=Penske Business Media |date=December 14, 2007 |access-date=November 9, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111090910/http://variety.com/2007/scene/markets-festivals/germans-to-h-w-d-look-past-berlin-1117977711/ |archive-date=November 11, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Principal photography]] commenced on June 5, 2007, in [[Berlin]],<ref name=status /> and was shot entirely against [[Chroma key|greenscreen]],<ref>{{cite news|author=Richards, Olly |title=Emile Hirsch Talks Speed Racer |work=[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]] |publisher=[[Bauer Media Group]] |date=November 22, 2007 |url=https://www.empireonline.com/news/story.asp?NID=21537 |access-date=November 9, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101000721/http://www.empireonline.com/news/story.asp?NID=21537 |archive-date=November 1, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> lasting 60 days.<ref name=lohan>{{cite news|author=Horowitz, Josh |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1572602/emile-hirsch-talks-about-singing-karaoke-with-lindsay-lohan-heading-into-the-wild-with-sean-penn/ |title=Emile Hirsch Talks About Singing Karaoke With Lindsay Lohan, Heading 'Into The Wild' With Sean Penn |publisher=MTV |date=October 24, 2007 |access-date=November 9, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140528095429/http://www.mtv.com/news/1572602/emile-hirsch-talks-about-singing-karaoke-with-lindsay-lohan-heading-into-the-wild-with-sean-penn/ |archive-date=May 28, 2014 |url-status=livedead }}</ref> The Wachowskis filmed in [[high-definition video]] for the first time.<ref>{{cite news|author=Murray, Rebecca |url=http://movies.about.com/od/thereaping/a/silver040107.htm |title=Producer Joel Silver Talks "Speed Racer" and "Whiteout" |publisher=[[IAC (company)|IAC]] |work=[[About.com]] |date=April 3, 2007 |access-date=November 9, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131031214014/http://movies.about.com/od/thereaping/a/silver040107.htm |archive-date=October 31, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> With the camera, the Wachowskis used a layering approach that would put both the foreground and the background in focus to give it the appearance of real-life anime.<ref name=theme>{{cite web|author=Carroll, Larry |title=Wachowskis Go With Original 'Speed Racer' Theme |publisher=MTV |date=August 28, 2007 |url=http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2007/08/27/wachowskis-go-with-original-speed-racer-theme/ |access-date=November 9, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101001220/http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2007/08/27/wachowskis-go-with-original-speed-racer-theme/ |archive-date=November 1, 2013 |url-status=livedead }}</ref> The film has a "retro future" look, according to Silver.<ref name=demon>{{cite news|author=Bowles, Scott |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2007-05-30-speed-racer_N.htm |title=First look: 'Speed Racer's' demon on wheels |publisher=Gannett Company |work=[[USA Today]] |date=May 31, 2007 |access-date=November 9, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131229043652/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2007-05-30-speed-racer_N.htm |archive-date=December 29, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> Filming concluded on August 25, 2007.<ref>{{cite news|author=Chupnick, Steve |title=Susan Sarandon on Speed Racer |publisher=SuperHeroHype.com |date=August 25, 2007 |url=http://www.superherohype.com/features/94753-susan-sarandon-on-speed-racer |access-date=November 9, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203110555/http://www.superherohype.com/features/94753-susan-sarandon-on-speed-racer |archive-date=February 3, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Music ===
{{Main|Speed Racer (soundtrack)}}
In 2007, the Wachowskis purchased the rights to the sound effects and theme song of the television series for use in the film.<ref name=theme /> The film's soundtrack was composed by [[Michael Giacchino]], performed by [[Hollywood Studio Symphony]] and released by [[Varèse Sarabande]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soundtrack.net/album/speed-racer-score/ |title=Speed Racer – Original Score (2008) |authorlast=Ruiz, |first=Rafael |date=May 16, 2008 |publisher=[[Soundtrack.net]] |access-date=April 4, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108025423/http://www.soundtrack.net/album/speed-racer-score/ |archive-date=January 8, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=ts>{{cite web|url=http://www.tracksounds.com/reviews/speed_racer_michael_giacchino.htm |title=Speed Racer (Soundtrack) by Michael Giacchino |authorlast=Coleman, |first=Christopher |publisher=Tracksounds |access-date=April 4, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141026053831/http://www.tracksounds.com/reviews/speed_racer_michael_giacchino.htm |archive-date=October 26, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> It was used along with orchestral score; Warner Bros. added an updated version of the "Go Speed Racer Go" theme song, which plays during the end credits, and was produced by [[Ali Dee Theodore]] and [[Jason Gleed]], and performed by [[Ali Dee Theodore|Ali Dee]] and the Deekompressors.<ref name=ts /> [[Razor & Tie]] released this version as an [[extended play]] on January 1, 2008, to promote the film's release, and as a [[single (music)|single]] released along with film's soundtrack on May 6, 2008.<ref name=ts /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/go-speed-racer-go-theme-song/id326908253 |title=Go Speed Racer Go (Theme Song From the Motion Picture Speed Racer) – EP |date=6 May 2008 |publisher=[[iTunes]] |access-date=August 15, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140525034956/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/go-speed-racer-go-theme-song/id326908253 |archive-date=May 25, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002KX27YW |title=Go Speed Racer Go: Ali Dee and The Deekompressors |website=Amazon |access-date=August 15, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109104337/http://www.amazon.com/Go-Speed-Racer/dp/B002KX27YW |archive-date=January 9, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Animal cruelty incident ===
== Release ==
=== Marketing ===
The ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' estimated that nearly 5,000 ''Speed Racer'' film-related products were licensed by Warner Bros.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://articleswww.latimes.com/2008archives/la-xpm-2008-may/-09/business/-fi-speed9-story.html |title='Speed Racer' trying to gain traction |date=May 9, 2008 |author=Eller, Claudia |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=August 18, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109191846/http://articles.latimes.com/2008/may/09/business/fi-speed9 |archive-date=November 9, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> The film was backed by multiple promotional partners with over $80 million in marketing support. The partners include [[General Mills]], [[McDonald's]], [[Target Corporation|Target]], [[Topps]], [[Esurance]], [[Mattel]], [[Lego]] and [[Petrobras]]. The film also received support from companies outside of America in an attempt to attract international audiences. With early support before the film's release, the studio provided 3D computer models of the ''Speed Racer'' vehicle [[Mach Five|Mach 5]] to the companies so they could accurately render the vehicle in their merchandise.<ref name=merch>{{cite news|author=Graser, Marc |url=https://variety.com/2008/film/news/speed-racer-aims-for-multiple-tie-ins-1117979682/ |title='Speed Racer' aims for multiple tie-ins |work=Variety |date=January 25, 2008 |access-date=November 9, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140226153802/http://variety.com/2008/film/news/speed-racer-aims-for-multiple-tie-ins-1117979682/ |archive-date=February 26, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Mattel produced toys based on the film through several divisions. [[Hot Wheels]] produced die-cast vehicles, race sets and track sets. [[Tyco International|Tyco]] produced remote-controlled Mach 5s and racing sets. [[Radica Games]] produced video games in which players can use a car wheel, along with a cross-promotion with the video game [[U.B. Funkeys]]. The products became available in March 2008.<ref>{{cite news|author=Warner Bros. Consumer Products |url=http://www.superherohype.com/features/94079-mattel-on-board-for-speed-racer-the-dark-knight |title=Mattel on Board for ''Speed Racer'' & ''The Dark Knight'' |publisher=SuperHeroHype.com |date=June 19, 2007 |access-date=November 9, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203110720/http://www.superherohype.com/features/94079-mattel-on-board-for-speed-racer-the-dark-knight |archive-date=February 3, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> Also, the Lego Company produced four Lego sets based on the movie.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-01-30/lego-to-create-speed-racer-toys | title=Lego to Create Speed Racer Toys | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080305062751/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-01-30/lego-to-create-speed-racer-toys | archive-date=March 5, 2008 | date=January 30, 2008 | publisher=[[Anime News Network]] | access-date=August 13, 2013 | url-status=live}}</ref> As part of the General Mills promotional tie-in, during the [[2008 Crown Royal Presents the Dan Lowry 400]], part of the [[2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series|2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup season]], the famous #43 [[Dodge Charger]] of [[Petty Enterprises]] was transformed into a [[NASCAR]] [[Sprint Cup Series]] version of the Mach 5, driven by [[Bobby Labonte]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bobbylabonte.com/news/08_news/080429_pre.php |title=Bobby Labonte Richmond Preview |publisher=Bobbylabonte.com |access-date=April 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109161641/http://www.bobbylabonte.com/news/08_news/080429_pre.php |archive-date=November 9, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Warner Bros., through its [[Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment|Interactive Entertainment]] division, self-published a video game based on the film titled ''[[Speed Racer: The Videogame]]'', which was released on May 6, 2008, on the [[Nintendo DS]] and [[Nintendo Wii]] and on September 16, 2008, for the [[PlayStation 2]].<ref>Chris Morell, "''Speed Racer'': ''The Matrix'' creators spawn the next ''Speed Racer'' game," ''GamePro'' 235 (April 2008): 38.</ref> The [[Speed Racer: The Videogame#Soundtrack|original music]] for the ''Speed Racer'' video game was written by [[Winifred Phillips]] and produced by [[Winnie Waldron]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=53424&tab=credits |title=Speed Racer: The Videogame – Credits |publisher=[[All Media Guide]] |work=[[Allgame]] |access-date=June 21, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114180422/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=53424&tab=credits |archive-date=November 14, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> The game was released on the Nintendo DS and Wii in May with the film's theatrical release and was released on the PS2 in the fall to accompany the film's [[DVD]] and [[Blu-ray]] release. Due to a short development schedule, the studio chose not to develop games for the [[PlayStation 3]] and [[Xbox 360]].<ref>{{cite news|author=Ben Fritz |url=https://variety.com/2007/digital/news/wb-gears-up-speed-racer-game-1117969879/ |title=WB gears up 'Speed Racer' game |work=Variety |publisher=Penske Business Media |date=November 9, 2013 |access-date=November 9, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140226153742/http://variety.com/2007/digital/news/wb-gears-up-speed-racer-game-1117969879/ |archive-date=February 26, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Home media ===
== Reception ==
=== Box office ===
''Speed Racer''’s world premiere took place on April 26, 2008 during a [[Microsoft Theater|Nokia Theater]] Special Screening event in Los Angeles, where 4,000 people attended.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/speed-racer-bow-rocks-nokia-110340 |title='Speed Racer' bow rocks Nokia Theatre |date=April 27, 2008 |author=Kit, Borys |work=The Hollywood Reporter |publisher=Prometheus Global Media |access-date=January 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180524151410/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/speed-racer-bow-rocks-nokia-110340 |archive-date=May 24, 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUS213203+22-Apr-2008+BW20080422 |title=Speed Racer – Saturday, April 26th, at the Nokia Theatre |date=April 22, 2008 |publisher=Reuters |access-date=January 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240527162748/https://www.webcitation.org/6eJqD0ZUa?url=http://www.reuters.com/article/idUS213203+22-Apr-2008+BW20080422 |archive-date=May 27, 2024 |url-status=dead }}</ref> It was released in regular theaters on May 9, 2008, grossing $18,561,337 in its opening weekend from around 6,700 screens at 3,606 theaters in the United States and Canada, ranking third at the box office behind ''[[Iron Man (2008 film)|Iron Man]]'' and ''[[What Happens in Vegas]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.the-numbers.com/box-office-chart/weekend/2008/05/09 |title=Weekend Domestic Box Office Chart for May 9th, 2008 |access-date=August 14, 2013 |work=The Numbers |publisher=Nash Information Services |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140705061922/http://www.the-numbers.com/box-office-chart/weekend/2008/05/09 |archive-date=July 5, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> In its second weekend it grossed $8,117,459 and ranked fourth at the box office. The film closed its run on August 1, 2008 with $43,945,766 domestically and $93,945,766 worldwide.<ref name=BOM>{{cite web|title=Speed Racer (2008) |url=https://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=speedracer.htm |work=[[Box Office Mojo]] |publisher=Amazon.com |access-date=November 9, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140518061057/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=speedracer.htm |archive-date=May 18, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> Based on its total gross, it was considered the [[List of biggest box-office bombs|harshest financial dowry in history]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/summer_movies/2010/07/a_world_without_waterworlds.html |title=A World Without Waterworlds |author=Shone, Tom |date=July 2010 |work=[[Slate (magazine)|Slate]] |publisher=[[Graham Holdings Company]] |access-date=February 8, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924095807/http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/summer_movies/2010/07/a_world_without_waterworlds.html |archive-date=September 24, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://metro.co.uk/2013/08/08/from-stealth-to-cutthroat-island-10-box-office-flops-to-rival-the-lone-ranger-3916049/ |title=From Stealth to Cutthroat Island: 10 box office flops to rival The Lone Ranger |date=August 8, 2013 |author=Westbrook, Caroline |work=[[Metro (British newspaper)|Metro]] |publisher=[[DMG Media]] |access-date=February 8, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140705171851/http://metro.co.uk/2013/08/08/from-stealth-to-cutthroat-island-10-box-office-flops-to-rival-the-lone-ranger-3916049/ |archive-date=July 5, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20199172,00.html2008/05/12/speed-racer-crashes-box-office/ |title='Speed Racer' Crashes at the Box Office |access-date=November 9, 2013 |author=Rich, Joshua |date=May 11, 2008 |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |publisher=[[Time Inc.]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109161159/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20199172,00.html |archive-date=November 9, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> The results were well below studio expectations,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://variety.com/2008/film/news/why-speed-racer-sputtered-1117987417/ |title=Why 'Speed Racer' sputtered |access-date=November 9, 2013 |author=Thompson, Anne |date=June 18, 2008 |work=Variety |publisher=Penske Business Media |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140226153924/http://variety.com/2008/film/news/why-speed-racer-sputtered-1117987417/ |archive-date=February 26, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> given that the production costs of ''Speed Racer'' were estimated to be over $120 million.<ref name=BOM /> Despite the low box office numbers, Warner Bros. remained optimistic about sales of associated products ranging from toys to tennis shoes. Brad Globe, president of Warner Bros. Consumer Products, expressed hope that "We're still going to do very well with ''Speed Racer''", acknowledging that "a giant movie would have made it all a lot bigger".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://variety.com/2008/more/news/speed-racer-s-driving-force-1117985941/ |title='Speed Racer's' driving force |access-date=November 9, 2013 |author=Graser, Marc |date=May 16, 2008 |work=Variety |publisher=Penske Business Media |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140226153745/http://variety.com/2008/more/news/speed-racer-s-driving-force-1117985941/ |archive-date=February 26, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref>
===Critical response===
Writing for ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'', Kirk Honeycutt called ''Speed Racer'''s visual effects "stellar", but stated it "proudly denies entry into its ultra-bright world to all but gamers, fanboys and anime enthusiasts". He criticized that story and character were "tossed aside" towards the "wearying" races.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/imdb/reviews/article_display.jsp?rid=11040&vnu_special_account_code=thrsiteimdbpro | title=Speed Racer review | last =Honeycutt |first = Kirk | publisher=Prometheus Global Media | work=The Hollywood Reporter | date=May 1, 2008 | access-date=November 9, 2013 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080505233500/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/imdb/reviews/article_display.jsp?rid=11040&vnu_special_account_code=thrsiteimdbpro |archive-date=May 5, 2008}}</ref> Todd McCarthy of ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' noted the target audience should be amused, but others might think the film "a cinematic pile-up", citing its implausibility and the lack of identifiable peril in the driving sequences. While noting viewers interested in CGI would appreciate it, McCarthy said the frame sometimes resembled "a kindergartner's art class collage". He had praise for the cinematography, the musical score, and the cast.<ref name=variety /> [[Anime News Network]]'s Zac Bertschy also praised the cast, while saying the story is "as anyone would expect", adding "the characters are all cardboard archetypes with [[Saturday morning cartoon|Saturday Morning]] dialogue."<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/speed-racer | title=Speed Racer – Review | date=May 9, 2008 | author=Bertschy, Zac| publisher=Anime News Network | access-date=August 14, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080524061505/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/speed-racer | archive-date=May 24, 2008 | url-status=live}}</ref> ''Speed Racer'' "sets out to honor and refresh a youthful enthusiasm from the past and winds up smothering the fun in self-conscious grandiosity", declared ''[[The New York Times]]''{{'s}} [[A. O. Scott]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/09/movies/09spee.html?_r=1& |title=Gentlemen, Start Your Hot-Hued Engines |author=[[A. O. Scott|Scott, A. O.]] |date=May 9, 2008 |work=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=August 15, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220427175012/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/09/movies/09spee.html?_r=1& |archive-date=April 27, 2022 |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[Glenn Kenny]] of ''[[Premiere (magazine)|Premiere]]'' criticized the film's time-shifting narrative and multiple storylines, saying it "yields heretofore undreamed of levels of narrative incoherence". Kenny praised the film's look, saying the "cheez-whizziness" that others had criticised was "precisely the point". He remarked the movie inspires even more thinking than ''The Matrix'' because of its "blatantly anti-capitalist storylines".<ref name=premiere /> Similarly, ''[[The New Yorker]]''{{'}}s Anthony Lane said the film could still end up "bleached of fun" due to the theme mooted in ''The Matrix'' that all of us are being controlled. In ''Speed Racer'', Lane argues, this comes in the form of villain Royalton, who "vows to crush [Speed] with 'the unassailable might of money.'" He concluded some people may call it entertaining, but he "felt [it] like Pop [[fascism]]".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newyorker.com/arts/critics/cinema/2008/05/12/080512crci_cinema_lane |title=Around the Bend |author=Lane, Anthony |magazine=[[The New Yorker]] |publisher=[[Condé Nast Publications]] |date=May 1, 2008 |access-date=November 9, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101020115/http://www.newyorker.com/arts/critics/cinema/2008/05/12/080512crci_cinema_lane |archive-date=November 1, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> Jim Emerson, editor at the ''[[Chicago Sun-Times]]'', wrote that ''Speed Racer'' "is a manufactured widget, a packaged commodity that capitalizes on an anthropomorphized cartoon of Capitalist Evil in order to sell itself and its ancillary products".<ref>{{cite journalnews|url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/speed-racer-2008 |title=Speed Racer Review |author=Emerson, Jim |journalwork=[[Chicago Sun-Times]] |publisher=[[Sun-Times Media Group]] |date=May 8, 2008 |access-date=November 9, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140708200928/http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/speed-racer-2008 |archive-date=July 8, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> It was said to be "the most tiresome piece of CGI ({{sic|Computer Generated Idiocy|expected=Computer-generated imagery}})" of the "past couple of years" at the time of film's release by [[Philip French]], a ''[[The Guardian]]'' critic.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2008/may/11/culture.actionandadventure |title=Review: Speed Racer |author=[[Philip French|French, Philip]] |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=10 May 2008 |publisher=Guardian News and Media |access-date=August 14, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102204606/http://www.theguardian.com/film/2008/may/11/culture.actionandadventure |archive-date=November 2, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[IGN]]'s Todd Gilchrist gave a positive review, stating that ''Speed Racer'' "is not merely the best film that it could be, it's pretty much exactly what it should be: full of exciting, brilliantly-conceived races, primary-color characterizations and an irresistible sense of fun". He called ''Speed Racer'' "a masterpiece of its kind", praising "the special effects extravaganza" and "the moment when the Wachowskis went from wunderkind directors to true auteurs".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/05/07/speed-racer-review?page=2 |title=Speed Racer Review |author=Gilchrist, Todd |date=May 7, 2008 |access-date=August 13, 2013 |work=IGN |publisher=Ziff Davis Media |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221162029/http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/05/07/speed-racer-review?page=2 |archive-date=February 21, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Michael Phillips (critic)|Michael Phillips]] of the ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'' described ''Speed Racer'' as "buoyant pop entertainment and noted the Wachowskis respected "the themes of honor, dishonor, family loyalty and [[Visigoth]]-inspired barbarism behind the wheel" of the original work. The cast is praised as being "earnest" and "gently playful". However, he stated that "it sags in its midsection" with unnecessary dialogue.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/movies/chi-speed-racer-0509may09,0,3718539.story |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080725164905/http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/movies/chi-speed-racer-0509may09%2C0%2C3718539.story |archive-date=July 25, 2008 |title='Speed Racer' (3 stars) |author=Phillips, Michael |work=Chicago Tribune |publisher=Tribune Company |date=May 9, 2008 |access-date=November 9, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Although it was said to be among the worst films of the year by Rebecca Murray of [[About.com]], she included ''Speed Racer'' on her list of "Top 10 Action Movies of 2008", stating "the action sequences are definitely eye-catching."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://movies.about.com/od/upcomingreleases/tp/actionmovies2008.htm |title=Top 10 Action Movies of 2008 |author=Murray, Rebecca |work=About.com |publisher=IAC |access-date=August 15, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140712091149/http://movies.about.com/od/upcomingreleases/tp/actionmovies2008.htm |archive-date=July 12, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' magazine included ''Speed Racer'' on its list of "The All-Time 25 Best Sports Movies" and "Top 10 Movies of 2008". It said "Not every [[avant-garde]] FX masterpiece receives instant audience validation", described the film as "a rich, cartoonish dream: non-stop Op art, and a triumph of virtual virtuosity."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://entertainment.time.com/2011/09/22/the-all-time-25-best-sports-movies/slide/speed-racer-2008/ |magazine=Time |publisher=Time Inc. |title=All-Time 25 Best Sports Movies |date=September 22, 2011 |access-date=August 13, 2013 |author=Corliss, Richard |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109192056/http://entertainment.time.com/2011/09/22/the-all-time-25-best-sports-movies/slide/speed-racer-2008/ |archive-date=November 9, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1855948_1863826_1863835,00.html |magazine=Time |publisher=Time Inc. |title=Top 10 Movies of 2008 |date=November 3, 2008 |access-date=August 13, 2013 |author=Corliss, Richard |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140722183715/http://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1855948_1863826_1863835,00.html |archive-date=July 22, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[Roger Allam]]'s portrayal of Arnold Royalton was praised; ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' said he made "a delicious love-to-hate-him villain".<ref name=variety>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2008/film/reviews/speed-racer-2-1200522793/ |title=Review: 'Speed Racer' |last=McCarthy |first=Todd |work=Variety |publisher=Penske Business Media |date=May 1, 2008 |access-date=November 9, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140226153759/http://variety.com/2008/film/reviews/speed-racer-2-1200522793/ |archive-date=February 26, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' magazine critic [[Richard Corliss]] claimed that Allam was "channeling Brit pundit [[Christopher Hitchens]] as his most pompestuous";<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://content.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1738558,00.html |author-link= Richard Corliss | last=Corliss |first=Richard |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |publisher=Time Inc. |date=May 8, 2008 |access-date=August 14, 2013 |title=Speed Racer: The Future of Movies |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140723024354/http://content.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1738558,00.html |archive-date=July 23, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> similar comparisons were made by several other reviewers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/movies/2008/05/go_speed_racer_go_away.html |title=Go, Speed Racer, Go Away! |author=[[Dana Stevens (critic)|Stevens, Dana]] |date=May 9, 2008 |access-date=August 14, 2013 |work=[[Slate (magazine)|Slate]] |publisher=[[The Washington Post Company]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029200751/http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/movies/2008/05/go_speed_racer_go_away.html |archive-date=October 29, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pghcitypaper.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A46286 |work=[[Pittsburgh City Paper]] |publisher=Steel City Media |access-date=August 14, 2013 |date=May 18, 2008 |author=Hoff, Al |title=Speed Racer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924072237/http://www.pghcitypaper.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A46286 |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=premiere>{{cite news | url=http://www.premiere.com/moviereviews/4561/speed-racer.html | title=Speed Racer review | author=Kenny, Glenn | work=[[Premiere (magazine)|Premiere]] | publisher=[[Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S.]] | date=May 9, 2008 | access-date=November 9, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080515053309/http://www.premiere.com/moviereviews/4561/speed-racer.html | archive-date=May 15, 2008}}</ref>
====Retrospective reappraisal====
About the movie's reception, Christina Ricci said: "I think I was aware of the disconnect that was going on at the time, and I was sort of watching and… Not that I expected that, but I knew that there would be problems, because I knew that people were expecting something very different than what was actually going to be delivered."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.avclub.com/christina-ricci-on-sleeping-over-at-cher-s-and-the-impo-1826995324|title = Christina Ricci on sleeping over at Cher's and the importance of being Wednesday|website = [[The A.V. Club]]| date=28 June 2018 }}</ref>
The film has appeared periodically on lists of underrated films. ''Speed Racer'' was elected the third most underrated film of the 2000s by [[Den of Geek]]'s N.P. Horton, which called it "a game-changing film which redefined and reconceptualised the film form as we know it."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/24649/top-50-underrated-films-of-the-2000s |title=Top 50 underrated films of the 2000s |author=Horton, N.P. |date=March 8, 2013 |work=Den of Geek |publisher=[[Dennis Publishing]] |access-date=August 14, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140627051023/http://www.denofgeek.com/movies/24649/top-50-underrated-films-of-the-2000s |archive-date=June 27, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> Nick Hyman, writing for Metacritic, included the film on its list of "movies that critics got wrong" calling it "a cult classic in the making".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/feature/15-movies-the-critics-got-wrong |title=15 Movies the Critics Got Wrong |author=Hyman, Nick |date=June 14, 2010 |work=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=June 9, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140324180636/http://www.metacritic.com/feature/15-movies-the-critics-got-wrong |archive-date=March 24, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> It was described as "nearly unmatched [...] insofar as action/adventure/family films go" by Alejandro Stepenberg from [[JoBlo.com]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.joblo.com/movie-news/the-unpopular-opinion-speed-racer |title=The Unpopular Opinion: Speed Racer |author=Stepenberg, Alejandro |date=April 4, 2012 |work=[[JoBlo.com]] |publisher=Joblo Media |access-date=June 9, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714205825/http://www.joblo.com/movie-news/the-unpopular-opinion-speed-racer |archive-date=July 14, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> while ''[[Slate (magazine)|Slate]]''{{'}}s Chris Wade named it "an underrated masterpiece," stating that the Wachowskis "made a brilliant visual cartoon that dares to ask that you take it seriously."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2012/10/25/speed_racer_the_wachowskis_masterpiece_is_underrated.html |title=''Speed Racer'', the Wachowskis' Masterpiece |author=Wade, Chris |work=[[Slate (magazine)|Slate]] |date=25 October 2012 |publisher=[[Graham Holdings Company]] |access-date=June 9, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714133718/http://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2012/10/25/speed_racer_the_wachowskis_masterpiece_is_underrated.html |archive-date=July 14, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[Annalee Newitz]] of [[io9]] analyzed the ten reasons why they believe the film to be an "unsung masterpiece", including its visuals, humor, and political themes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://io9.com/5954595/10-reasons-why-speed-racer-is-an-unsung-masterpiece |title=10 Reasons Why ''Speed Racer'' Is an Unsung Masterpiece |date=October 24, 2012 |author=[[Annalee Newitz|Newitz, Annalee]] |work=[[io9]] |publisher=[[Gawker Media]] |access-date=June 9, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714190034/http://io9.com/5954595/10-reasons-why-speed-racer-is-an-unsung-masterpiece |archive-date=July 14, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Tor.com]]'s Dexter Palmer considered the possibility that the film is a "misunderstood art film", highlighting its color scheme that is a "pleasure" and the fact it does not try to seem real. Palmer lauded it because he does not think films must imitate reality, and ultimately said it is "an extreme reminder of what films, and especially fantasy and science fiction films, can place on screen" and that it is "a refreshing change of pace" in film industry.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tor.com/2010/03/31/speed-racer-misunderstood-art-film/ |title=Speed Racer: misunderstood art film? |date=March 31, 2010 |website=Tor.com |access-date=November 30, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208045306/http://www.tor.com/2010/03/31/speed-racer-misunderstood-art-film/ |archive-date=December 8, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Collider (website)|Collider]]'s Kayti Burt ranked it at #No. 30 of Best Hollywood Blockbusters of the 21st Century stating, "While other blockbusters of the year (and the decade) worked to ground their fantastical premises in a gritty, realistic setting, Speed Racer leaned hard in the other direction."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://collider.com/best-blockbuster-movies-of-the-21st-century#gladiator|title=30 Best Hollywood Blockbusters of the 21st Century (So Far)|website=Collider|last=Burt |first=Kayti|date=June 21, 2017|access-date=June 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170621163047/http://collider.com/best-blockbuster-movies-of-the-21st-century/#gladiator|archive-date=June 21, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Accolades ===
''Speed Racer'' was nominated at the [[Golden Trailer Awards]] for "Summer 2008 Blockbuster",<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.goldentrailer.com/speed_racer.php |title=GTA 9 Nominee – Summer 2008 Blockbuster |publisher=[[Golden Trailer Awards]] |access-date=August 13, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130612114533/http://www.goldentrailer.com/speed_racer.php |archive-date=June 12, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> at the [[MTV Movie Award]] for "Best Summer Movie So Far",<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1586901/mtv-movie-award-nominations-show-some-mclovin-to-superbad-juno-transformers-and-more/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150123020759/http://www.mtv.com/news/1586901/mtv-movie-award-nominations-show-some-mclovin-to-superbad-juno-transformers-and-more/ | url-status=dead | archive-date=January 23, 2015 | title=MTV Movie Award Nominations Show Some McLovin To 'Superbad,' 'Juno,' 'Transformers' And More | date=May 6, 2008 | last=Adler |first=Shawn | publisher=MTV | access-date=August 13, 2013 }}</ref> at the [[Motion Picture Sound Editors]] Golden Reel Award for "Best Sound Editing: Sound Effects and Foley in a Feature Film",<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.mpse.org/goldenreels/2009awards/2009featurenominees.html | title=2009 Golden Reel Award Nominees: Feature Films | publisher=[[Motion Picture Sound Editors]] | access-date=August 13, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090227021515/http://www.mpse.org/goldenreels/2009awards/2009featurenominees.html | archive-date=February 27, 2009}}</ref> at the [[Visual Effects Society Awards]] for "Outstanding Matte Paintings in a Feature Motion Picture".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sfx.co.uk/2009/01/20/iron_man_leads_visual_effects_society_awards_nominations/ |title=Iron Man Leads Visual Effects Society Awards Nominations |date=January 20, 2009 |work=[[SFX (magazine)|SFX]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |access-date=August 13, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109161621/http://www.sfx.co.uk/2009/01/20/iron_man_leads_visual_effects_society_awards_nominations/ |archive-date=November 9, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> At the [[2008 Teen Choice Awards]], ''Speed Racer'' was a nominee in the category of "[[Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie – Action|Movie: Action Adventure]]", "[[2008 Teen Choice Awards|Movie Actor: Action Adventure]]" and "[[2008 Teen Choice Awards|Movie Actress: Action Adventure]]".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://theenvelope.latimes.com/env-2008-teen-choice-awards-scorecard17jun17,0,2603341.htmlstory |title=2008 Teen Choice Awards winners and nominees |date=June 17, 2008 |work=The Los Angeles Times |publisher=Tribune Company |access-date= December 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080702124931/http://theenvelope.latimes.com/env-2008-teen-choice-awards-scorecard17jun17%2C0%2C2603341.htmlstory |archive-date=July 2, 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The film was also nominated for the [[29th Golden Raspberry Awards]] in the category of [[Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Prequel, Remake, Rip-off or Sequel|Worst Prequel, Remake, Rip-off or Sequel]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.razzies.com/history/08nomPOS.asp |title=Razzies 2008 Nominees for Worst Prequel, Remake, Rip-Off or Sequel |publisher=[[Golden Raspberry Awards]] |access-date=August 13, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140122163107/http://www.razzies.com/history/08nomPOS.asp |archive-date=January 22, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
== Possible sequel ==
''Variety'' discussed a possible [[sequel]], saying it could happen if ''Speed Racer'' had a good box office performance.<ref name=merch /> In 2008, the possibility was contemplated by the Wachowskis when Rain asked them why his character is so happy for Speed winning, and they replied it could be explained in the next film. Rain said he was hired for three years, while noting that is not a guarantee.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scifijapan.com/articles/2008/05/09/speed-racer-interview-with-rain/ |title=Speed Racer: Interview with Rain |date=May 9, 2008 |publisher=SciFi Japan |access-date=August 14, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109014551/http://www.scifijapan.com/articles/2008/05/09/speed-racer-interview-with-rain/ |archive-date=November 9, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> Ricci also considered it a possibility; she stated "When we [the cast] were all leaving, we were like 'write the sequel!' 'We want to come back'. And they [the Wachowskis] were like, 'I know. I know. We're going to. Don't worry'", adding she would like more action scenes for her character.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=44448 |title=Christina Ricci on ''Speed Racer'' Sequel |last= Newgen |first= Heather |date=April 26, 2008 |work=ComingSoon.net |publisher=CraveOnline |access-date=August 14, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029201253/http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=44448 |archive-date=October 29, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> Producer Silver said that the Wachowskis "have a great story idea for a sequel" but that it is "a great idea for a sequel if it makes sense to make it".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://collider.com/entertainment/interviews/article.asp/aid/7641/tcid/1 |title=Joel Silver talks Ninja Assassin (not Assassins) |date=April 19, 2008 |publisher=Collider.com |access-date=October 29, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328061844/http://collider.com/entertainment/interviews/article.asp/aid/7641/tcid/1 |archive-date=March 28, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2018, Hirsch stated in a tweet that a sequel script has been written.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/emile-hirsch-pushing-for-speed-racer-2-which-already-has-a-script|title=Emile Hirsch pushing for Speed Racer 2, which already has a script|last=Oller|first=Jacob|date=2018-05-15|website=SYFY WIRE|language=en|access-date=2020-03-04|archive-date=November 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110150924/https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/emile-hirsch-pushing-for-speed-racer-2-which-already-has-a-script|url-status=dead}}</ref>
== Notes ==
[[Category:2000s American films]]
[[Category:2000s German films]]
[[Category:WhitewashingCasting controversies in film]]
[[Category:English-language action comedy films]]
[[Category:English-language sports comedy films]]
|