Before anyone actually sees the thing, perhaps the best remark one could make about any video game adaptation is that it kind of, sort of looks like an actual movie, not simply a fancier-than-its-source collection of computer-generated snippets accompanied by recognizable stretches of top 40 songs. So, while there are undeniable shades of pretension and portent in the marketing of Need for Speed — said shades only accentuated by it being, again, a video game adaptation — yours truly can (to a small extent) appreciate a willingness to put on a few airs.
Act of Valor co-helmer Scott Waugh takes up the picture, which fashions (what I recall being) a non-narrative series into the story of cross-country revenge littered with fast cars dodging around corners and crashing in the air — all while, amazingly, real actors even occupy the screen. (Granted, Michael Keaton, great as he is, also happens to in the upcoming RoboCop remake — can someone get him an AMC series or whatever? — but let’s not pick and choose here, people.) Initially unimpressive digital photography notwithstanding, a few of the images on display have a discernible physicality that car films fully demand; add a screenplay from John Gatins (Flight), George Gatins, and George Nolfi (The Bourne Ultimatum), and there exists just the slightest chance that this one turns out fine.
Watch the trailer below:
Synopsis:
“The story chronicles a near-impossible cross-country race against time—one that begins as a mission for revenge, but proves to be one of redemption. In a last attempt to save his struggling garage, blue-collar mechanic Tobey Marshall (Aaron Paul)—who with his team skillfully builds and races muscle cars on the side—reluctantly partners with wealthy, arrogant ex-NASCAR driver Dino Brewster (Dominic Cooper). Just as a major sale to car broker Julia Bonet (Imogen Poots) looks like it will save the business, a disastrous, unsanctioned race results in Dino framing Tobey for manslaughter.
Two years later and fresh out of prison, Tobey is set on revenge with plans to take down Dino in the high-stakes De Leon race—the Super Bowl of underground racing. To get there in time, Tobey must run a high-octane, action-packed gauntlet, dodging cops coast-to-coast and dealing with fallout from a dangerous bounty Dino put on his car. With his loyal crew and the surprisingly resourceful Julia as allies, Tobey defies odds at every turn and proves that even in the flashy world of exotic supercars, the underdog can still finish first.”
With Aaron Paul, Dominic Cooper, Scott Mescudi (the youth call him “Kid Cudi”), Dakota Johnson, and Rami Malek leading the way, Need for Speed will open on March 14.
Does this preview do anything to convince you a reliable video game adaptation is forthcoming?