There's been much buzzing around the Cinematical virtual office over the past few days about Speed Racer. James pretty much liked it (for a kids' movie), Scott pretty much hated it, and Eugene seems, well, a bit disappointed. We just got back from taking the crew to see Speed Racer.

Last week at the same time, we were at Iron Man, and the theater was almost completely packed, with only front row seats left by the time the previews started. This week, same time, exact same theater, even, and there were maybe 20 people total. And I have to say, if the Wachowskis are aiming for the kiddie market with this film, as many seem to think, I think they've largely missed their mark. Aside from the largely empty matinee theater, there were a couple of signs during the screening that this movie wasn't playing well to the kiddie set.

There have been mutterings about a live-action Speed Racer movie forever, with stars ranging from Johnny Depp (as Speed) to Vince Vaughn (as that cartoon super-stud, Racer X), and directors from Hype Williams to Gus Van Sant to Alfonso Cuarón. Nothing, however, has moved on the project since 2004, when Vaughn sold his pitch for the movie to Warner Brothers, who seem to have put it in a drawer and forgotten all about it. Now, however, comes a rumor that is sure to reawaken the series' drowsing fans: Word is that Larry and Andy Wachowski may write and direct the movie. Um, holy crap. Just on visual style alone, this is a potentially awesome idea. Plus, the Wachowskis could probably be counted on to tap into the seriously weird darkness of Racer X, which would push the movie to an entirely different level of coolness. (Yes, I watched the show entirely for Racer X. Sue me.)

Needless to say, reps for both the Wachowskis and Vaughn (If this is for real, what happens to his movie?) were either unavailable or refused to comment on the rumor.