Watch and Read: Spotlight on Media Tie-ins
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Joy Fleishhacker -- School Library Journal, 4/14/2008 1:05:00 PM
Go, Speed Racer, Go!
Speed Racer (PG), a live-action film adapted from the 1960s Japanese animated series, roars into theaters on May 9, 2008. Written and directed by Larry and Andy Wachowski, the movie stars Emile Hirsch in the title role. Speed, a talented young driver, feels compelled to live up to the legacy of his older brother, the legendary Rex Racer (Scott Porter), who died tragically while competing in an event. Despite his successes, Speed’s feet are kept solidly on the ground by his girlfriend Trixie (Christina Ricci) and his parents, Mom (Susan Sarandon) and Pops (John Goodman), who run the family’s racing business (Pops designed Speed’s famed car, the Mach 5).
When Speed turns down a tempting offer from the owner of Royalton Industries (Roger Allam) to join his racing team, choosing instead to remain loyal to his family, the young driver makes a powerful enemy. He also uncovers a terrible secret: top corporate leaders, including Royalton, are fixing auto races for profit. Determined to expose the corruption that threatens his family’s business and the very sport itself, Speed enters the hazardous Casa Cristo cross-country rally…the very race that took his brother’s life. Tune into the pre-race action at the official site.
Racer’s Roots
The characters and concept were originally created by anime pioneer Tatsuo Yoshida (1933-1977) as a manga series (Mach GoGoGo) and produced for Japanese television in 1966. Soon after, 52 episodes were acquired by Trans-Lux and prepared for the English-speaking market by writer/director Peter Fernandez, who also voiced many of the characters and added a new theme song. Syndicated nationally on American TV, Speed Racer ran for nearly 20 years. Cartoon Network brought back reruns of the series in the 1990s, winning a new generation of fans. Those interested in exploring the original cartoons—or taking a drive down memory lane—can check out the official Speed Racer Web site to view the artwork and listen to character voices, sound effects, and that catchy theme music.
Speed Racer hasn’t taken its final lap on the small screen. Speed Racer: The Next Generation, a new animated series, takes up the action several years after the original and focuses on the sons of the original character. Produced by Animation Collective, the show will air on Nicktoons Network with a premiere scheduled to coincide with the May release of the feature film.
Movie Tie-ins
Film-goers can relive the action with several titles from Price Sloan Stern. Born to Race (Gr 3–6) presents a fast-paced recap with quick dialogue, informative flashbacks, and suspenseful race scenes. Eight pages of glossy movie-inspired art depict sleek-looking race cars in motion. Similar illustrations adorn Go, Speed Racer, Go! (Gr 1–3), a beginning chapter book that focuses on the young Speed’s relationship with older brother Rex. Filled with movie photos and concept art, The Official Racing Book (Gr 1–5) takes on the chatty tone of a fan magazine to provide the scoop on Speed and the Racer team, Mach 5 and Mach 6 technology, rival drivers, and the dreaded and dangerous Casa Cristo 5000 cross-country competition.
Back to the Beginning: TV Series Tie-ins
With full-color covers featuring vintage cartoon images, Grosset & Dunlap’s new series of “Speed Racer” books (Gr 2–5) will catch the attention of kids familiar with the 1960s TV show…and elicit nostalgic sighs from their parents. Beginning with The Great Plan (#1), the six titles have been adapted from the first six episodes of the TV series. Each volume is illustrated with grey-toned screen grabs from the highlighted show and includes a bonus story that is related to the story’s theme. With straightforward language, cliff-hanger chapters, and high-octane action, these books will appeal to both TV and movie enthusiasts and may also draw in a few beginning chapter-book readers.
Pub Info
Speed Racer Movie Tie-ins
KELLY, Sophia, adapt. Go, Speed Racer, Go! pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-0-8431-3211-3.
_____. The Official Racing Book. pap. $5.99. ISBN 978-0-8431-3207-6.
STEELE, Michael Anthony, adapt. Born to Race. pap. $4.99. ISBN 978-0-8431-3210-6.
ea vol: Price Stern Sloan/Penguin. April 2008.
“Speed Racer” Series
WHEELER, Chase. The Great Plan (#1). ISBN 978-0-448-44804-6.
_____. Challenge of the Masked Racer (#2). ISBN 978-0-448-44805-3.
_____. The Secret Engine (#3). ISBN 978-0-448-44806-0.
_____. Race against the Mammoth Car (#4). ISBN 978-0-448-44807-7.
_____. The Most Dangerous Race (#5). ISBN 978-0-448-44808-4.
_____. Race for Revenge (#6). ISBN 978-0-448-44809-1.
ea vol: Grosset & Dunlap/Penguin. 2008. Tr $6.99.
