Movie Man » He’s gaining on you, so you’d better look alive

He’s gaining on you, so you’d better look alive

May 8th, 2008 at 04:39pm Will Pfeifer

Want to see the first seven minutes of SPEED RACER? Click here.

Two observations:

1. It looks amazing. Like no other movie I’ve ever seen. Candy-colored, crystal-clear and the closest a live-action movie has ever come to capturing the visual craziness of a cartoon.

2. I’m not sure I could withstand 2 hours and 9 minutes of this — especially considering this is the (comparatively) quiet part.

Entry Filed under: Summer movies, New movies, hype

8 Comments Add your own

1. chris soprych | May 8th, 2008 at 6:47 pm

I don’t think I can watch this on my 27″ TV, gotta see it in the theater. Will, it seems strange to release the first seven minutes of a movie as a Internet trailer. Has anyone done this before? Is this going to become common practice?
2. Brian M | May 8th, 2008 at 8:54 pm

chris, thats been done many, many times in recent years. not just on the internet, either. in fact, one of the most effective marketing moves ive seen in a long time was when Universal aired the first 10 minutes of the Dawn of the Dead remake on TV a couple days before its release. it was SO effective at teasing the audience and getting us interested.
3. Will Pfeifer | May 9th, 2008 at 4:41 pm

It really is a good way to get people interested. In a related method, I remember getting into the ill-fated drama STUDIO 60 ON THE SUNSET STRIP after watching the pilot on ABC.com. Though the show went downhill, I still think that pilot was brilliant — and it got me to tune in.
4. Jerry | May 9th, 2008 at 10:06 pm

Not too interested in seeing this one. The live action actors seem so out of place with the over-the-top digital backgrounds. Looks too much like a lame video game and not a good film.

This all-animated tale however looks to be a solid bet this summer.
5. Brian M | May 9th, 2008 at 11:27 pm

Well, I gave it a chance. Tried to go in with an open mind, even. But Speed Racer is a strong contender for WORST movie of the year. Holy crap, did that suck.
6. Brian M | May 10th, 2008 at 12:20 am

p.s. Will, Studio 60 was NBC
7. John N | May 12th, 2008 at 10:18 am

I saw it and didn’t think it sucked. It’s perfect for its intended audience. It sticks with the tone of the cartoon and looks great.

I myself didn’t care for the cartoon. I also think the movie is vapid. I wish the Wachowskis would have invested the razzle dazzle on an intelligent script for older audiences. I also wish there was no swearing so I could let my youngest nephews go see it too.
8. Jen Sensible | May 27th, 2008 at 8:31 am

Sucked. Big Time.