I had no idea.

I'm watching David Letterman last night, because he had Paris Hilton as a guest. I honestly do not remember a single word. She. Said. Then this dude comes on:

He's Emile Hirsch. Everybody but me probably already knew that. I'm really not a pop culture guy. Did I just say Paris Hilton? :) Anyhow, Dave's talking to him about his latest movie coming out, I think it had wilderness in the title, can't remember.

But Dave just casually throws out there, "and ya got that Speed Racer movie deal coming out next summer..." I dropped my pizza.

Speed Racer is, was, and always will be, the Ultimate Racer. I would be willing to bet, Dale Earnhardt would not disagree with me. I spent much of my pre-double digit youth watching this cartoon series, and just the words Speed Racer brought back a flood of memories. Thanks Dave! Speed, for me, is the finest animé ever created. That's probably because I don't watch animé! But Speed was the guy I always wanted to be. Here's a profile of the Boy Wonder (sorry, Robin), from the Official Website:

"Ready to take on the most treacherous courses, Speed faces the most ruthless villains as he competes in races around the world in such real-life destinations as Japan, Egypt, and Mount Rushmore, and other worldly places like Sandoland, Abalonia, and Flathill. Speed races blind or without brakes, he sets a new land speed record and races the car no one could drive.

Although important, winning races isn't Speed's primary goal. Sometimes, he will intentionally lose a race to aid a total stranger, but more often, he will win a race while aiding the likes of Inspector Detector in whatever mysterious situation he encounters."

There's also an outstanding supporting cast, including his cute-as-a-button gal Trixie, Mom and Pops Racer, Sparky his mechanic, and the mysterious Racer X! Spoiler Alert: Racer X is actually his older brother, who ran away from home. It's really not a spoiler. Speed and all the other characters are the only ones who don't know it. The audience is constantly reminded of it! There's also Speed's younger brother Spritle, and his pet monkey, Chim Chim. Great, great cast.

So back to the movie. This Emile Hirsch dude, yeah, he could be Speed. I just hope they don't screw the movie up. I'm not going to do a bunch of links to the series or movie websites, just google Speed Racer or Speed Racer the Movie. But they do have a great ensemble of actors, including John Goodman as Pops Racer! Yeah, this movie has potential.

Oh, I forgot to mention one of the most important characters, Speed's best friend (sorry, Trixie):

The Incredible Mach 5!

This is the Machine they will be using in the movie. Nice Start! Am I getting too excited about this? This blog would not be complete without:

The Speed Racer Theme Song
Here he comes
Here comes Speed Racer
He's a demon on wheels
He's a demon and he's gonna be chasin' after someone
He's gainin' on you
So you better look alive
He's busy revvin' up the powerful Mach 5
And when the odds are against him
And there's dangerous work to do
You bet your life Speed Racer will see it through
Go Speed Racer
Go Speed Racer
Go Speed Racer, GO!
He's off and flyin'
As he guns the car around the track
He's jammin' down the pedal
Like he's never comin' back
Adventure's waitin' just ahead
Go Speed Racer
Go Speed Racer
Go Speed Racer, GO!

I think the movie debuts May 8, 2008. I'll try not to wee in my pants. I just wish they would get around to making a movie for Jonny Quest! Wait, I just did another google search. Looks like there might be one in the works! I see another blog in my future...

TG