MTV Movies Blog » No Go On ‘Speed Racer’: Why Didn’t You Go?

No Go On ‘Speed Racer’: Why Didn’t You Go?

Published by Josh Horowitz on Monday, May 12, 2008 at 11:05 am.

'Speed Racer' Let the second guessing begin. The preliminary numbers are in and while we probably don’t know if “Speed Racer” will end up in second or third place for the weekend, one thing is for certain: summer knows its first high-profile failure.

So why didn’t you go? What made you pass on “Speed Racer” and perhaps opt to see “Iron Man” again (Robert Downey Jr.’s superhero debut continues to rake in the cash)?

Some theories…

– Emile Hirsch? Great if you want an Oscar-caliber performance in a film like “Into the Wild”…not so great if you want help opening a movie.

– So who was the audience for this again? The vibrant colors screamed kids. The Wachowskis traditionally scream adults (”Speed Racer” is their first PG film).

– Nostalgia for “Speed Racer”? Not so much. The love of this character was always a little bit closer to the nostalgia for a “George of the Jungle” than a “Spider-Man.”

– Too big for the small screen. How do you convey a jaw-dropping sensory experience on your 23-inch screen at home? Answer: clearly you don’t. Commercials seen from the comfort of your couch couldn’t possibly do justice to the Wachowski’s grand cinematic vision.

So what gives? Why didn’t “Speed Racer” make you go Speed go to the theater?

132 Responses to “No Go On ‘Speed Racer’: Why Didn’t You Go?”

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Terry max says:

11:01 on 05/13

Sorry you guys i know that speed racer was suppose to be a big summer hit but iron man was just to much for any movie to handle, marvel is on top of its game and to go up against them is cinematic sucide only bigger names like batman and superman would be true contenders for this marvel giant
Sara says:

1:53 on 05/13

I saw this movie last night and it was GREAT. Throughout the experience I was AMAZED at the imagination and vision of the Wachowski Brothers. It one of the best, if not the best visual experience I have ever seen at the theatre. Just spectacular!! And the story was moving and well-acted. I was talking this morning with a friend who also saw it about why this movie was failing at the box office when it was so great. He thought it was because the theme is not quite resonant with the American audience at this time -- a story of corporate greed and the deception perpetrated upon the masses. I think it was because it was marketed poorly and they should've waited a few weeks after Iron Man's crushing opening. Also I think the trailers didn't do it justice -- they really failed in their marketing effort to create the fervor this movie deserved. It's a shame.

All around, this is a brilliant movie and I feel a future classic. It may lose money in the short-term but eventually this film will get its due as the craft and vision is simply too well done.
Rich says:

2:03 on 05/13

I saw this movie with my kids and thought it was awesome! I was thrilled and disappointed at the same time. The special affects were great! But... Where was the crowd?
I'm sure opening a week after "Iron Man" had alot to do with it. (timing is everything and they didn't marked it well enough).
I liked how they explained Racer X and I'm now a fan.
The plot build was a little long but neccesary.
The road race with the mach 5 needed to be more elaborate. But COME ON !! This movie deserves a sequel! There is so much more to do with Speed Racer. Unless some how this becomes a sleeper hit It won't have the chance it deserves.
I'll watch it 2 or 3 more times before owning the DVD.
Ima says:

2:35 on 05/13

I went to see it. Twice! I've long missed movies that actually had a conclusive plots, with character's experiences motivating them to form an arch, and enough universality for multiple generations to enjoy. I think critics are overlooking the way this film incorporated diversity and multiculturalsim in it's cast, script, and style. I agree that Speed Racer only flopped because it showed up before it's time. Most viewers are simply going to theaters to veg out as they digest some predictable and safe performance. Most good art isn't appreciated in it's time. Perhaps the Wachowskis should be flattered.
Mike says:

3:42 on 05/13

I did see it and thought it was wonderful... The answer is simple, the critics killed the movie days before it's release. Once again proving, that those idiots don't know a damn thing about how to watch a movie from the public eye.
twilight fan says:

4:20 on 05/13

I did see it... for the twilight trailer... but it didn't show.the movie was still good though.
ToTheChase says:

4:49 on 05/13

I was proud that this movie was so close to the TV show. Can't believe some of the stuff they transferred over--very gutsy. I didn't think it was overly hyper as most dullard reviewers said. if anything it had too many slow, reflective moments!
Jordan says:

6:37 on 05/13

Interesting... the people who actually saw the movie loved it. The people who hate the movie never saw it...

Me? Oh, I saw it. I loved it, but I do think it was a little too talky, bordering on preachy. Not enough racing action.
Rae says:

6:58 on 05/13

I thought it was fantastic. I never really liked the cartoons, either, and I went into the movie knowing how it was going play out, but I still found myself on the edge of my seat for a good part of it. It stayed true to the quirkiness of the original (some needless random parts, but easily overlooked) while still focusing on today's audience. The colours and CG were magnificent, anyone who can turn a live-action movie into a cartoon while still making it believable has to be extremely skilled.
I can see how it wouldn't appeal to everyone though, it's more of an acquired taste. Overall I think it hit several target audiences fairly well, and I really enjoyed it. I'll probably buy it on Blu-Ray when it comes out too!
Austin says:

7:50 on 05/13

The amount of negative comments here from people that have NOT seen it are so disappointing. While Iron Man was a definite money-maker, I'm sure you gave up your money and time to see yet another comic book adaptation that you probably won't remember until it comes out on DVD.

To the people who aren't so sure yet:
-Do NOT listen to critics on this one. They have never been more wrong.
-Go and see this movie and do NOT expect a dark and serious movie. See this movie because it's fun, entertaining, and it deserves to be seen in all its glory on an IMAX screen.

The Wachowski brothers have created a masterpiece of visual and technical achievements, and it's defintely agreed with that this movie is many years ahead of its time.
Badpope says:

10:48 on 05/13

I didn't go because the second two Matrix movies really sucked, and V for Vendetta really sucked. The Wachowski Bros just have a knack for taking good ideas and good actors and delivering lame films. I'll most likely see this film on DVD but I won't support another Walchowski Theatrical release. They already robbed me three times in a row.

Also, the ads for this film just looked plain Awful.
Lee says:

11:32 on 05/13

Comments that the positive posts here are from publicists make me laugh. I just saw this in Imax yesterday and I loved it. It is indeed very intense, but that's a huge reason to love it as it can be seen as a real roller coaster of a movie, but that's not all it is. I can tell a huge amount went into the production and it is HIGHLY stylized, the most stylized movie probably in existence. Honestly seeing this probably made my inner child wet himself. I hope people who think it's "kiddy" don't get maturity & cynicism and narrow mindedness all mixed up, I feel sad for those people. You are dead inside.
Alexis says:

12:24 on 05/14

Wow. It's such a pity, because I saw the movie, and I personally thought it was amazing. From the trailers, I thought it was going to be terrible.

It looked like a bright bubblegum coloured movie with no plot and eye-burning special effects. It had terrible reviews, and I only went because I got the tickets for free. But what I found was an endearing, entertaining movie (although Spritle and his monkey were sometimes annoying, they definitely appealed to the kids), with great graphics, good (and pretty) actors, and catchy music.

I would definitely recommend it, and I would recommend it on the big screen, given the sheer magnitude of the special effects. In fact, I'm planning on going to see it again soon. In imax, in fact.
Edward (Speed Racer) says:

2:08 on 05/14

MANY people tell me I would have made an Incredible Speed Racer. (Because of my looks, my love for Racing AND the cartoon.)
Stephanie says:

2:26 on 05/14

I went to watch it,sad thought that it didn't rank in so much money! Really good movie though!
patrick says:

2:26 on 05/14

just saw Speed Racer; i was expecting something a little more "grown up"... but maybe that was misguided; it was a cross between anime, a kaleidoscope, the flinstones, and video game and the dukes of hazard
Danyelle says:

5:27 on 05/14

I loved both movies, thank you very much. I do think that poor Speed isn't getting the attention because the trailers were aweful. At first, I thought the entire point was that it was him as a kid fantasizing about being Speed Racer. Really though, it's a fantastic movie, especially if you are a kid at heart and don't expect it to be some deep, moving thing. It's beautiful and simple and great and you should see it before you judge it.
Scott says:

5:46 on 05/14

AWESOME MOVIE! I grew up watching Speed Racer cartoons, and the movie was almost perfect! One of the few movies I could watch over and over and enjoy every time!!
Matt says:

1:48 on 05/14

So from what I am reading, 90% of the negative comments are from people who didn't actually *see* the movie but are reacting to their feelings about cartoon movies, the Matrix or Iron Man.

While on the other hand 90% of the positive comments are from people who went and had a really good time.

It is one thing to not like something, but it is another to call someone a plant because they liked something you haven't tried.
wesley says:

5:28 on 05/16

I was looking forward to taking my stepson to see this movie. I remember Speed Racer when I was kid.
This movie was NOT a disappointment.
Although there were a couple of parts that were not necessary to put in a film for kids, ie: Little Brother flipping off the bad guy & a little swearing.
On a whole it was a Great movie & we had a great
time.
My stepson is 7 and he enjoyed this movie, his mother also went,(not thinking she would like it at all), really enjoyed it also.
Larry says:

2:54 on 05/17

I watched the movie with my family and I thought that it was well done. I thought that a good ending point would have been just as the final race was starting to leave open the possibility for a "Speed Racer 2".

The monkey was awesome! Susan Sarandon didn't strike me as a very convincing "Mom Racer". She looked pissed and very unhappy throughout the entire movie. Everyone else was awesome.

I think the main thing here is that the trailers didn't do this movie justice. I went mainly due to my enjoyment of the TV show. I will get it when it comes out on DVD.
cdkobasiuk says:

8:40 on 05/17

Well I sure don't work for any branch of the movie industry. I and my family LOVED Speed Racer. My hubby was glad that they kept the 'cartoony' aspect and didn't try to make it too real. I think they did a good job with casting. I'm no Matrix fan either but the script worked for this story very well. It was true to its roots while still being updated and 21st century. We made sure our 11 year old had a background in the original cartoon before we took her too. But I don't think it would have been necessary for her to enjoy it. If people don't understand the action or the plot they are either dumb as bricks or trying to see what isn't there. It was supposed to be fun and it was. I can't see how it was a @#$$ of the original either when the original was all campy and flash to begin with. It isn't so much a racing movie as it is 'kung-fu' with cars. My daughter who dosn't like very much and never wants to see anything again was bugging to see it again as we walked out of the theater. The bottom line is 'never listen to the critics' , they're idiots.

cdk
eduardo says:

3:54 on 05/18

FAKE positive comments ? Are you guys serious? What a bunch of narrow-minded people... I loved the movie, took my wife (we are both 25 year olds) and WE really enjoyed the movie.... people on the room were laughing and having fun.. teens loved the fx and art-style (I was hearing comments), overall, anybody can enjoy this movie. Im writing from Latin America, were japanese cartoons like Speed RAcer were really popular, and im pretty confident they will be a huge hit in our market.

I think the liberal tone may put some down too, and the movie critics may be triying to hard to make this movie a failure on purpose... REMEMBER, is all green-screen almost no location, they're triying to save some big corporate interests, to hell with them... this will be a movie to be remembered.
Steff says:

3:59 on 05/18

My husband took me to see it on Imax and we had such a good time! I loved the movie and am sadden by all the critics not to mention the people saying that the positive comments are fake :( My husband is a hardcore Marvel fan and he even couldnt hide that smile that he was enjoying the movie. I think timing was the only mistake here everyone is in this big comic book kick there forgetting theres so much more out there. I disagree with the critics its not the movie that bombed its the people that only see what they are told to go see. I loved all the color and all the fast action and dont get me wrong cause ill also be in that seat next to my husband watching the dark, dark knight movie, which will get most of its hype due to the dead actor :( shame shame.
Timmy says:

9:28 on 05/18

I thought the pinball sling shot race track scenes looked lame in the previews as if normal high speed racing couldnt be cool enough. I dont recall the "Hot Wheels" track effect in the cartoon. Still I took a chance and over all I'd give it a thumbs up. I liked everything *except* John Goodman? Susan Sarandon? really? REALLY !? Did we need these overused actors in a fresh new film? They both bring too much baggage to the screen. I tired of the panning across character effect to cut scenes and into them....after a while I was like "stop that" And the story was slightly cliched but hey ok. I would have likes more evocation of the cartoons character personalities and vocalizing...I hadly heard Speed give any of his trademark "OH!'s" while driving
Go Speedy Gonzales says:

4:30 on 05/19

Haven't seen it--yet (my reason: I almost never see a movie in the "full-price" theatre--the last being Transformers which I had high hopes for, but it was ok, not great).

But I definitely noticed a couple things reading the critics' reviews and scanning these posts. As far as the critics go. It seemed like only one critic I read who didn't like SR went in anticipating a live action cartoon--so only his review concerns me, because that's what I want to see--a cartoon come to life. Most reviewers seemed put off by this. What did they expect? If they didn't want to see a CGI filled, live-action, anime style cartoon, then they should've let someone else watch and review it.

Of these comments, with few exceptions, the ones I read which criticized the film hadn't seen it. (I realize the caption is "why didn't you go?") But almost everyone who saw SR liked it. That tells me that most who posted negatives probably don't know what they're talking about. Because of the accolades by people who've actually seen it I might actually splurge and try to catch it on IMAX.. though I better move fast--with Indy and Batman on the horizon and the TV ads being pulled, I don't think this movie will turn it around. On the other hand, I could wait a few weeks and it will probably be in the discount theatre, whether or not it deserves an early demise.
JesseR says:

12:48 on 05/24

If you loved the cartoon growing up Please DON'T GO see the movie!!I have been a fan since I can remember... I used to go running after school to my friends house to watch it every day and couldn't get enough of it UNTIL now!!
It looks like the movie TRON..Like a big video game..The racing looked so unbelievable..It looked like the Wachowski’s set out to insult our intelligence.. The plot was so week..Spridle and Chim Chim were so pathetic.The movie wasn't all bad..it had very little momments were they took from the actual cartoon and that made me smile only to ,seconds later, hit me with the reality that this was (my nightmare going amok)..There was this episode of the original were Trixie is having a dream and she see's Speed driving towards her in the distance..He stops and jumps out of his car with his back towards her..Trixie runs to him crying out 'Speed,Speed, Oh Speed...'..When she gets there she puts her hand on his shoulder to turn him around to hug him only to discover that he was a hideous demon...she shrieks in horror... Well that, in many ways, remainds me of this movie!!!I had so many expectations...waited so long for it(since was 5 .. am 41 now ) and now just wish they had NEVER made it...The last straw for me was the blasphomesly torture that I had to endure in seeing him drive the fabulous Mach ..ah..6??? What the f*** is this??? Did I pay to see 'Speed Racer' or 'Speed Racer the next generation'???
Please, if you loved the original, DON'T GO SEE THIS !!!
Paul H says:

11:04 on 05/26

I took my son who begged me. I watched the cartoon as a 6 yearold, loved the cartoon. My son loved the movie, and I really enjoyed it as well. Very faithful to the cartoon. I am not sure what the critics expected, 3d characters? IT IS SPEED RACER, I mean the family's name is RACER! Racer-X story is better that the cartoon. Pops was great, fantastic races. contrived plot? -yup IT IS A CARTOON. Great escape movie. I highly recommend.
Mel Stockwell says:

7:11 on 05/28

I didn't go see the movie at first because the trailers looked incredibly lame.

I went to see SPEED RACER instead of Indiana Jones. I have to tell you, that Speed rocked the earth in every sense of the word. The visuals were simply amazing and the story was very good. I think the promos were lame because the visuals were so far beyond anything previously seen. The trailers should have emphasized the story rather than the visuals.

I liked it ... a lot. More than Iron Man? Maybe ...
Matt says:

4:52 on 05/28

Well, as a fan of the Wachowski's, Speed Racer, and racing movies, here's what I have to say about Evan's comment, AND the movie.

Speed Racer wasn't too kiddy, it was perfectly in the middle.
Its not just eye-candy, it has a great plot
fans of the original WILL like it, its SPOT ON with the show! Even down to the point of THE BUTTONS ON THE MACH 5!
The Hollywood Americanization works great
Kids didn't know Iron Man. Kids didn't know Fantastic 4. And they saw it. Means nothing

Its a great movie, and really is something new. Despite the reviews of it being a flop and sucking, it didn't. Please, do yourself a favor and WATCH ONE episode of Speed Racer on youtube, THEN watch the movie. You will Be STUNNED how well the Wachowski's did.
foxdie03 says:

1:37 on 06/02

Speed Racer Was Great! The Future Of Movie Making At It Best. A Movie About Family, Brothers, Love and Adventure. A Must See! Looking Forward To Seeing It On Blue Ray.

P.S. Ghost in the Shell Would Be An Great Live Action Movie, If Done Right.
Felipechoque says:

9:10 on 06/26

I went to speed racer, hoping for the worst! and DAMN i'm so glad i did!!! Sure it's kiddy, but this movie is way ahead of its time, the races were fckin awesome!! of course it's cheesy, it retains the spirit of the old cartoon!
And you think this comment is fake? it's that so, you can't even imagine that other people have different tastes than you? don't be ridiculous!!