Speed Racer Movie Preview

Larry and Andy Wachowski, the filmmakers behind The Matrix franchise, might not appear to be the obvious choices for directing a movie based on a classic anime series and featuring a family of race car drivers and a chimp. But the Wachowskis, notoriously picky when it comes to signing on to a project, were fans of the series and bring their own unique visual style to this family-friendly PG Speed Racer film. Emile Hirsch, Matthew Fox, and the rest of the actors had to do a lot of greenscreen work and the end result is a film in which the foreground, mid-ground and background are simultaneously in focus, an innovative process the filmmakers described as achieving a "live-action anime look."

Synopsis: Hurtling down the track, careening around, over and through the competition, Speed Racer 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, 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 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.

Speed Racer hopes to cross the finish line in first place on May 9, 2008.

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Speed Racer Interviews, Cast List, Trailer and Posters

Emile Hirsch / Christina Ricci Resources