Slated for release on May 9, 2008, "Speed Racer" marks the Wachowski brothers' first writing/directing collaboration since "The Matrix" trilogy.
Joel Silver, who previously worked with the Wachowskis on "The Matrix" trilogy and "V For Vendetta," is producing the film under his Silver Pictures banner.
Control A: Releases powerful jacks to boost the car so that Sparky, the mechanic, can quickly make any necessary repairs or adjustments. Although designed for this practical function, the auto jacks have also been used to “leap” the car short distances at high speeds, as a wedge to prevent the car from toppling over a waterfall, as an alternative braking systems, and as a tool to crush cars in a car-wrestling match.
Control B: Sprouts special grip tires for traction over any kind of terrain. At the same time, 5,000 horsepower is distributed equally to each wheel by auxiliary engines. Definition of “any kind of terrain”: Firm, Icy,Unsteady grounds such as the Ocean floor and Vertical mountainsides.
Control C: For use traveling over heavily wooded terrain. Powerful rotary saws protrude from the front of the Mach 5 to slash and cut any and all obstacles. The rotary saws have also been used as a means of self-defense.
Control D: Releases a powerful deflector which seals the cockpit into an air-conditioned, bullet- and crash-proof, and water-tight chamber. Inside it, Speed is completely isolated and shielded. The deflector also protects against sleeping gas.
Control E: The control for special illumination which can be traversed singly or in tandem, and which enables Speed to see much farther and more clearly than with ordinary headlights. It’s invaluable in some weird and dangerous places that Speed races the Mach 5. When used with the “night shades” attached to Speed’s helmet, his vision is enhanced with infrared light.
Control F: Used when the Mach 5 is under water. First, the cockpit is supplied with oxygen. Then, a periscope is raised to scan the surface of the water. Everything that is seen is relayed down to Speed by television. The 100-pound auxiliary supply of oxygen is enough to last for thirty minutes.
Control G: Releases a homing robot from the front of the car. The homing robot can carry pictures or tape recorded messages to whomever or whenever Speed wants to send them. The robot also can carry handwritten messages, X-ray film, rope, and small Egyptian statues, and it has been used as a means of defense. The bird-like device is operated by a built-in remote control within the cockpit. A separate button sends the robot “home.”
*The film stars Emile Hirsch as Speed, Christina Ricci as Trixie, Matthew Fox as Racer X, and Oscar winner Susan Sarandon and John Goodman as Mom and Pops Racer.*