comment #1

Doug Pratt says ...

I don't know about the John Goodman stuff. The film is beginning to look like a car wreck in the making.

comment #2

Josh Massey says ...

It looks like that Bill Paxton movie Thunderbirds. Or at least it looks like the trailer for Thunderbirds - never actually saw it.

comment #3

actionman says ...

The visuals certainly look different and unique and cool but the dialogue in all of the trailers is atrocious, as well as all of the line delivery. Wooden beyond belief. Maybe that's the point, I don't know, have never seen the cartoon. I am on the fence with this film.

comment #4

Mr. Muckle says ...

Tron

comment #5

MAGGA says ...

Hook

comment #6

hiviper says ...

first off - I'm the right demographic (I guess) since I grew up with this obvious import, cheap animation series. Even as a young kid, it was sort of compelling, but not on the top if my list. Watching this, it's like cotton-candy confection bullshit, more-of-the-same-FX extravanganza, ho-hum, crap. I'd rather watch the 60's cartoon.

Course I've not seen the movie, but just sayin'

comment #7

D.Z. says ...

actionman: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sacx1WZQv3I
sums up the show quite nicely.

comment #8

GlassFamily says ...

Can't believe I'm admitting to it, but I can't wait to see this based on these trailers alone. That and my abiding love of Speed Racer. Or maybe it's just the thought of watching it when I was a kid and it was on MTV very late at night and it was the only thing on. Takes me back, thats all I'm saying.

By the way, the dialogue and delivery seems to be in sync with how the show was. Actually, less annoying than the show. And yeah, i realize that I'm the odd man out here, thinking this looks cool. So be it.

comment #9

christian says ...

I like it. But then I know who Tatsuo Yoshida is.

comment #10

D.Z. says ...

BTW, the lighting of the movie appears to owe more to the Neo Tokyo short "Running Man" than anything else. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTPGG4XNpy8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2QHquCnIIk&feature=related
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=2044

comment #11

Geoff says ...

I'm glad your interest level is rising Wells. I thought the McDonald's thing was funny...but I would have been dissapointed if you started with that and kept on bashing. I like the Sin City comparison as well.

I'm not ashamed at all to say that I want to see this sucker. And I'm no Wachowski worshiper like David Poland.

comment #12

cinemascopian says ...

Mark my words: Come Christmas time "Speed Racer" will do to Blu-Ray what "The Matrix" did to DVD back in 1999.

comment #13

D.Z. says ...

Only if the economy improves by then, and only if this doesn't end up being the Wachowskis' "Lady in the Water".

comment #14

ROTC says ...

cinemasopian, I highly doubt it. Since the pronouncement of death upon HD-DVD, retail prices of BluRay players have actually ticked upward. Add to that the fact that China isn't being granted licenses to manufacture BluRay players - which is what always drives down consumer electronics prices - and it becomes pretty clear that BluRay will continue to be an overhyped niche market item for the foreseeable future.

comment #15

Malone says ...

HUGE.

It will be HUGE.

And I'm the demographic -- 45-year-old male film geek.

comment #16

Rich S. says ...

I was a big fan of the cartoon when I was a kid. I don't think I know a kid my age who wasn't. (I'm talking about the original syndicated showings, not the MTV revival.)

The first couple of trailers were very ADHD. This latest one is more linear, and you can see how many beats they're taking directly from the original cartoon. That will pull in the nostalgic adults. I imagine it will also do well in Japan, since it doesn't completely ignore the original, like the remake of Godzilla. The action will pull in the kids. Like the original, it will sell about a billion toy cars.

If it's any good at all, I think it will be huge.

comment #17

Rich S. says ...

Now, what about that astonishing new Wall-E trailer?

comment #18

Walter Sobchak says ...

Sure it looks goofy, but isn't anyone else here woodified by Christina as Trixie in black boots?

comment #19

actionman says ...

Not me. She was hot in Black Snake Moan; never been attracted to Ricci in anything else.

comment #20

D.Z. says ...

Rich: "That will pull in the nostalgic adults."

Dude, judging by this thread alone, there aren't that many of those for the film.

"I imagine it will also do well in Japan, since it doesn't completely ignore the original, like the remake of Godzilla."

That assumes the Japanese remember it any more than people here.

actionman: I had a thing for her outfits in the Pumpkin trailer.

comment #21

JapAdapters says ...

Looks a little like DICK TRACY.

comment #22

Balthazar says ...

Meh. What I really want is Gatchman (ie, Battle of the Planets) feature film. That was my favorite childhood anime.

I want to see the fiery Phoenix on the big screen. (goosebumps)

comment #23

corey3rd says ...

looks like they just made a videotape of someone playing the Speed Racer game on Playstation 3.

comment #24

atticusrex says ...

Not sure if I like this new format Jeff. Harder to read but prettier.

Ok now on point: The cartoon from what the late '60's or early '70's was a hoot. Very simplistic and fun... I mean how could it not be fun it had two great comedic elements... Bad English dubbing and a Chimp! Everyone knows Monkey's are comedic gold.

Now for the Trailer... Very colorful and stylish but confusing as well. It could play out fine... but the W.Bros have had a heck of a time topping the 1st. Matrix. They have a weight upon them to be innovators.

I liked the comparison to M. Night as well in that he does Sixth Sense and then is compelled to top it which of course he hasn't.

I enjoyed the old cartoon import for it's time and the slogan Go Go Speed Racer and it's anthem is fun and nostalgic.

THis new updating does have a built in aud. and if it's at least kinda good will sell a bunch of those cool arse mach 5 cars. And perhaps a few Racer X cars as well. At least it seems they are keeping the outfits these guys wore.

The only real break from the show that I can tell from the trailer is the visual set up especially the racing scenes but the characters seem to be exactly how I remember them to be.

comment #25

Balthazar says ...

Actually, there IS a Gatchman movie: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0818257/

Holy crap-doodle!

comment #26

rr3333 says ...

Isnt Jack Black a little long in the tooth to be Speed Racer?

Did the Wachowski 'brother' who's confused do this film as a guy or a girl?

comment #27

Monument says ...

Does anyone else find it curious that there are so few current images of Larry Wachowski? You'd think that in our current paparazzi drenched climate, someone would snap a picture or two but I haven't seen any, not even a cell phone shot from the set. The only pictures I've seen are from public events, red carpets etc...

comment #28

bents75 says ...

Monument, isn't it "Lana" Wachowski now?

I don't think there is a Larry Wachowski... at least in unofficial namesake.

comment #29

Monument says ...

Joel Silver still calls him Larry:

http://defamer.com/hollywood/hollywood-genderwatch/update-larry-wachowski-probably-still-a-dude-297069.php

comment #30

jasonvang says ...

She is a talented woman. love her. seems saw her before on a celebrity and millionaire dating site called WEALTHYLOVES.c o m where people can find their perfect matches or quality friendships.