Brandon Sanderson Says the Speed Racer Movie is ‘Unironically a 10 out of 10’
Brandon Sanderson, the bestselling author behind the Cosmere fantasy universe, has declared the 2008 Speed Racer film to be a masterpiece. During his weekly podcast with cohost Dan Wells, Sanderson made an emphatic endorsement, calling the movie “unironically a 10 out of 10” and attributing it to the Wachowskis working at their creative peak. Despite his glowing assessment, the film has struggled with critical reception, currently holding a 42% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, suggesting it was significantly underappreciated upon its theatrical release.
Sanderson’s praise came during a segment where he and Wells were ranking notable villains and overlords in popular media. The statement appeared to come before they had even begun their main discussion topic, indicating the strength of Sanderson’s conviction about the film’s quality.
The Speed Racer movie, an adaptation of the classic anime series, became a polarizing project upon release. While mainstream critics were harsh, the film has developed a cult following over the years, with some viewers and creators championing its bold visual style and technical achievements as ahead of their time. Sanderson’s public endorsement from someone of his stature in entertainment adds momentum to the ongoing reappraisal of the film.