Summary
Sixteen years after the release of the Wachowskis’Speed Racerzoomed into theaters, I’m still amazed by the anime adaptation’s status as a severely underrated movie. Based on Tatsuo Yoshida’s manga series of the same name,2008’sSpeed Raceralso takes cues from the hugely popular anime of the mid-60s. One of thefirst anime to become successful in the US,Speed Racer— in all its iterations, including the Wachowskis' movie — features a titular protagonist defined by his love of high-speed racing, his high-tech and high-speed Mach 5 car, and his family.
Best known for writing and directingThe Matrix, one of Hollywood’s most influential sci-fi action films of all time, Lana and Lilly Wachowski followed up their commercially successful franchise by writing and producingV for Vendetta, the 2005 film adaptation of Alan Moore and David Lloyd’s iconic graphic novel. The duo returned to directing three years later with their live-action adaptation ofSpeed Racer. Starring Emile Hirsch, Christina Ricci, John Goodman, Susan Sarandon, and Matthew Fox,the Wachowskis' moviewas a surprisingly faithful adaptation. However, despite their inventive approach,theSpeed Racermovie bombed at the box office.
Speed Racer Was A Good Anime Adaptation (& Even Better Movie)
Viewers & Critics Alike Should Revisit The Underrated 2008 Movie
In the wake of its failed release, box officebombSpeed Racerlater gained a cult following. Reflecting on the experience, star Emile Hirsch, who played Speed Racer, called the cult classic status “validating.” With its incredibly earnest tone, over-the-top action sequences, and cartoony humor, I thinkSpeed Racerreally captures the essence of the animeit’s translating into live-action format. Unlike other live-action anime adaptations that feel like a complete departure from the franchises fans love, the Wachowskis’Speed Racerembraces its roots, from its tone to its characters.
…I guarantee the beautifully campy and wildly imaginative Speed Racer will make you smile.
Even when theSpeed Racermovie is a jumbled mess of mid-aughts CGI, it’s an incredible thrill ride. In the best way possible, the 2008 movie feels like a live-action cartoon. The stakes feel high, even when the racetrack drama is punctuated by cheesy or humorous moments, andSpeed Racer’s casting is wildly spot-on. It’s hard to imagine anyone else playing live-action versions of Pops Racer (John Goodman), Mom Racer (Susan Sarandon), or Trixie (Christina Ricci). Put aside any pretentiousness, and I guarantee the beautifully campy and wildly imaginativeSpeed Racerwill make you smile.
John Wick Director Credits His Filmmaking Career To Speed Racer Movie
John Wick director Chad Stahelski credits his filmmaking career to the Speed Racer movie, citing the visual-effects heavy nature of the production.
What Went Wrong With Speed Racer’s Box Office
Speed Racer Wasn’t The Accessible Or Mainstream Hit It Needed To Be
Considered a flop due to its poor box office performance,Speed Racerhas managed to regain some ground in recent years. Thanks to its candy-colored glut of CGI,Speed Racer’s budget ballooned to a staggering $120 million. Ultimately, the movie hit some box-office speed bumps, grossing just $93.9 million. Unfortunately forSpeed Racer,its theatrical release coincided withIron Man’s second weekend in cinemas(and it went on to gross $585.8 million). Along with the larger MCU, theIron Man movieshelped revolutionize the way comic book movies are thought of by viewers and critics.
9 Unrealized Wachowski Sisters Projects That Sound Great
Between having full control of a Batman movie, a Conan reboot, and Speed Racer 2, there are so many Wachowski projects that could have been.
Speed Racer Would Fit In Well With Netflix’s Live-Action One Piece Adaptation
There’s no doubt about it: I know 2008’sSpeed Racerwas way ahead of its time. DespiteIron Man’s release, 2008 was still a pre-Marvel Cinematic Universe world. MCU films have made comic book movies more mainstream, proving that they can be both commercial and critical, all while telling stories across many genres. It’s possibletoday’s viewers would be more open toSpeed Racer’s distinctive style. After all, live-action anime adaptations that embrace their source material are still rare, but if thesuccess of Netflix’sOne Pieceproves anything, it’s thatSpeed Racerdeserves a rewatch.
Speed Racer
Speed Racer (2008) is a live-action adaptation of the classic anime series Speed Racer. Directed by the Wachowskis, the film stars Emile Hirsch as Speed, a young race car driver aiming to win races with the help of his family and his high-tech car, the Mach 5. The movie features a vibrant visual style and intense racing sequences, with supporting roles from Christina Ricci, John Goodman, and Susan Sarandon.
