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Need for Speed(film)

This article is about the 2014 film. For the 2003 film also known as Need for Speed, seeMichel Vaillant (film).

Need for Speedis a 2014action crime filmdirected and co-edited byScott Waughand written by George andJohn Gatins.It is the film adaptation of theracing video gamefranchise of the same namebyElectronic Arts.The film starsAaron Paul,Dominic Cooper,Scott Mescudiin his feature film debut,Imogen Poots,Ramón Rodríguez,Rami Malek,andMichael Keaton.It tells the story of street racer Tobey Marshall, who sets off to race cross-country as a way of avenging his friend's death at the hands of a rival racer, Dino Brewster.

Need for Speed
Theatrical release poster
Directed byScott Waugh
Screenplay byGeorge Gatins
Story by
Based onNeed for Speed
byElectronic Arts
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyShane Hurlbut
Edited by
Music byNathan Furst
Production
companies
Distributed byWalt Disney Studios Motion Pictures[a](Worldwide)
Mister Smith Entertainment[3](EMEA)
Reliance Distribution[4](India)
Release dates
Running time
130 minutes[5]
CountriesUnited States
India[6]
LanguageEnglish
Budget$66 million[7]
Box office$203.3 million[7]

Need for Speedwas distributed byWalt Disney Studios Motion Picturesthrough theTouchstone Pictureslabel on March 14, 2014. After its release, the film received negative reviews, criticizing its story, direction, and the performances of the supporting cast, though some praised Paul's performance. Despite grossing $203.3 million worldwide against a production budget of $66 million, the film was abox-office disappointmentin the United States.

Plot

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Tobey Marshall is a former race car driver who owns his late father's garage, Marshall Performance Motors, inMount Kisco, New York,where he and his friends tune performance cars. Struggling to make ends meet, he and his crew participate in street races after hours. Pete has a vision of Toby winning the De Leon. After a race, Tobey's former rival Dino Brewster conscripts them into completing the build of a rareFord Shelby Mustangworked on by the lateCarroll Shelby,in exchange for 25% of the car's sales revenue. The completed Mustang is displayed for auction at a party inNew York City.Tobey and Dino meet Julia Maddon, an English car broker whose client, Bill Ingram, wants to purchase the car if they can prove it will drive over 230 mph, as Tobey claims. Despite Dino's objections, Tobey takes the Mustang to a local race track and successfully drives it at 234 mph, convincing Ingram to purchase it for $2.7 million.

Enraged by Tobey's disobedience to his objections, Dino challenges Tobey and his friend Pete to a race after Pete flatly tells Dino that everyone knows Tobey is a better driver than him. Dino offers to relinquish his entire share of the Mustang sale if Tobey wins, otherwise Tobey will have to forfeit his share. He challenges them to race with his uncle's threeKoenigsegg Agera Rcars illegally imported from Europe. On the home stretch, realizing he is about to lose the race, Dino intentionally rams into Pete's car, sending it down a ravine and killing Pete as it bursts into flames. Dino disappears from the scene, while Tobey is arrested by the police and sentenced to two years in prison for involuntary manslaughter, unable to prove Dino was there.

Upon his release on parole, Tobey sets out to avenge Pete's death. He borrows Ingram's Mustang to enter the De Leon, a winner-takes-allexotic carraceorganized by the mysterious Monarch, but as a condition, Ingram requires Julia to accompany Tobey while Tobey is driving the Mustang. The pair have 45 hours to reachSan Franciscobefore the race starts. InDetroit,they cause an interstate chase with theMichigan State Policeand upload the footage. Dino offers his rareLamborghini Sesto Elementoto anyone who can stop Tobey entering the race, causing a group of truckers to go after the Mustang as well. Julia retaliates by convincing Monarch of Tobey's innocence, securing his invitation to the De Leon.

InUtah,Tobey and Julia are ambushed by truckers, forcing them off the road. Benny, a member of Tobey's crew, appears in a military helicopter stolen from theNational Guard,and carries the Mustang mid-air to Tobey's crew at theBonneville Salt Flats,getting himself arrested in the process. Tobey and Julia reach San Francisco'sMark Hopkins Hotelin time to register for the race, but onNob Hill,a tow truck operated by one of Dino's henchmen smashes into the Mustang, wrecking it and injuring Julia. Desperate to get another car for the race, Tobey meets his ex-girlfriend and Pete's sister, Anita, who is now Dino's fiancée. Having discovered Dino's involvement in Pete's death, Anita gives Tobey the location of Dino's hidden Koenigsegg, which Tobey and crew member Joe extract. Tobey meets Julia at a San Francisco hospital, confessing his feelings for her with a kiss and letting her know that he has a "fast" car, and that this is for Pete.

The next morning, Tobey surprises Dino by not only showing up in the red Koenigsegg he drove when Pete was killed, but also giving him Anita's engagement ring, informing Dino that she is through with him. In the ensuing race along thePacific Coast Highway,the racers and pursuingCalifornia Highway Patrolofficers crash one-by-one, leaving Tobey and Dino racing side-by-side. Dino attempts to ram Tobey the same way he killed Pete, but Tobey dodges, causing Dino to crash and flip over. Tobey pulls Dino from the wreckage before reaching the finish line, but not without punching Dino to avenge Pete; both are subsequently apprehended by the police, with Dino eventually convicted of the murder of Pete.

178 days later, Tobey is released, and Julia meets him at the prison gates in a2015 Ford Mustang.The couple drives to a prison in Utah, where Benny is getting released early for good behavior.

Cast

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  • Aaron Paulas Tobey Marshall, ablue-collarmechanic and skilled former race car driver fromMount Kisco, New Yorkwho isframedfor afederal crimehe didn't commit.
  • Dominic Cooperas Dino Brewster, a formerIndyracer and Tobey's fierce rival.
  • Imogen Pootsas Julia Maddon, a savvy exotic car broker, who becomes Tobey's love interest.
  • Scott Mescudias Sergeant Benny "Maverick" Jackson, a member of Tobey's crew, and a former National Guard soldier. He is a pilot, able to fly small aeroplanes and helicopters, and is often called "Liar One" because fellow crew members don't believe he can fly a military helicopter, which he later proves. He owns aCessna 182.
  • Ramon Rodriguezas Joe "Beasty" Peck, a member of Tobey's crew. He is the crew's professional mechanic, and drives a modified2011 Ford F-450called "The Beast".
  • Rami Malekas Finn, a member of Tobey's crew. He serves as the crew's computer expert, monitoring cameras to record races.
  • Michael Keatonas "Monarch", a reclusive and eccentric host of an"underground"supercarrace competition, De Leon. He operates from a lighthouse on a small farm where he lives.
  • Dakota Johnsonas Anita Coleman, Pete's older sister, Tobey's former girlfriend and Dino's fiancée.
  • Harrison Gilbertsonas Pete Coleman, Anita's younger brother and Tobey's protégé and friend.

Production

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Development

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In July 2012,DreamWorks Studioswas committed to a film based on theNeed for Speedseries of video games byElectronic Arts,initially with a release date of February 7, 2014, and later March 14, 2014.[8]Brothers George andJohn Gatinshad written a script that was being shipped to studios by April of that year.[9]Taylor Kitschwas offered the lead role in July 2012,[10]though the role eventually went toAaron Paulthat October.[11]Paul had originally auditioned for the role of Dino Brewster, although directorScott Waughand DreamWorks headSteven Spielbergdecided against that and cast him as the lead.[12]The same month,Imogen Pootswas cast as the female lead.[13]In January 2013,Dominic Cooper,Scott Mescudi,Ramón Rodríguez,Rami MalekandHarrison Gilbertsonwere cast in the film.[14]Michael Keatonwas cast in February 2013.[15]

Filming

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Principal photographybegan inMacon, Georgia,in mid-April 2013.[16]Other filming locations includeRoad AtlantainBraselton, Georgia,on May 12, 2013,[17]the 13th Street Bridge inColumbus, GeorgiaandPhenix City, Alabama,and Campus Martius inDetroit, Michigan,beginning on June 1, 2013.[18][19]Other production locations include sections of California's Highway 1 north ofPoint Arena,thePoint Arena Lighthouse,andHighway 253betweenBoonvilleandUkiah;and alsoHighway 128,between the town ofNavarroand the Navarro Bridge linking Highway 128 North to Highway 1 South to Point Arena.[citation needed]

For the film's chase sequences, the filmmakers decided against the use ofcomputer-generated imagery,instead employingpractical effects,which required the cast to receive intensive driving lessons.[12][20]All of the exotic cars seen in the film (with the exception of theMercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Roadster) werekit car replicas.

Soundtrack

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Need for Speed
Film scoreby
Nathan Furst
ReleasedMarch 14, 2014
GenreFilm score
Length1:10:34
LabelVarèse Sarabande
Nathan Furstchronology
Need for Speed
(2014) 		Bionicle: Mask of Light
(2017)

The film's soundtrack, composed byNathan Furst,was released byVarèse Sarabandeon March 14, 2014.Interscope Recordsreleased a separateEPon April 8, 2014, which featured four songs; "Fortunate Son"and"Back in the Saddle"byAloe Blacc,"All Along the Watchtower"byJamie N Commons,and "Hero" byKid CudifeaturingSkylar Grey.Linkin Park's song "Roads Untraveled" from their 2012 albumLiving Thingswas also featured in the film.[21]

Track listing
No.TitleLength
1."Marshall Motors"2:30
2."Lighthouse"1:26
3."Mt. Kisco"4:48
4."Mustang Offer"1:45
5."Identical Ageras"2:03
6."Koenigsegg Race"2:06
7."Pete's Death"4:01
8."Right Seater"2:10
9."You Always Go Back"3:43
10."Motor City Mayhem"2:10
11."Grasshopper"1:43
12."Hot Fuel"5:15
13."Crazy Little Tart"5:18
14."Switching Seats"1:55
15."Utah Escape"3:56
16."California Crossing"3:41
17."Broken"6:27
18."De Leon Begins"7:03
19."Lethal Force"4:26
20."In the Lead"4:33
Total length:01:10:34

Marketing and release

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On September 25, 2013, atrailerfor the film was released oniTunes.[22]DisneyandDreamWorks Picturesannounced the film's post-production conversion to3Don February 5, 2014.[23]Need for Speedheld its world premiere at theTCL Chinese Theatreon March 7, 2014.[24]The film was released byWalt Disney Studios Motion Picturesthrough theTouchstone Picturesbanner on March 14, 2014, in selected 3D,IMAX,4DXand 2D theaters.[25]It was also released worldwide by Disney, except in certain international territories, where the rights are sold byMister Smith Entertainmentto other distributors.Reliance Entertainmenthad released the film in India, whileEntertainment Onereleased it in the United Kingdom.

The video gameNeed for Speed Rivalsreleaseddownloadable content(DLC) on March 11, 2014 which added cars that appeared in the movie to the game.[26]

Home media

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Need for Speedwas released byTouchstone Home EntertainmentonBlu-ray Disc,DVDand 3D Blu-ray on August 5, 2014.[27]

Reception

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Box office

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Need for Speedgrossed $43.6 million in North America and $159.7 million in other countries, for a worldwide total of $203.3 million.[7]

In North America, it topped the box office with $6.7 million on its opening Friday, March 14, 2014.[28]However, the film finished in third place over the three-day weekend with $17.8 million.[29][30]Outside North America, the film debuted in first place with $45.6 million on the same weekend as its North America release.[31]It remained in first place for a second weekend.[32]Overall, the film's largest territory is China, where both the film's opening weekend ($21.1 million)[33]and its total earnings ($66.2 million)[34]are higher than in North America. Following these two territories in total earnings is Russia and the CIS with $13.8 million.[35]

Critical response

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OnRotten Tomatoes,the film has an approval rating of 23% based on 186 reviews and an average rating of 4.3/10. The site's critical consensus reads, "With stock characters and a preposterous plot, this noisily diverting video game adaptation fulfills aNeed for Speedand little else. "[36]OnMetacritic,the film has a score of 39 out of 100 based on 38 critics, indicating "generally unfavorable reviews".[37]Audiences polled byCinemaScoregave the film an average grade of "B+" on an A+ to F scale.[38]

Michael Phillipsof theChicago Tribunegave the film 2.5 out of 4 stars, remarking that "Paul has talent, though the actor's idea of simmering intensity in the context ofNeed for Speedcomes off more like a serial killer in the making. Cooper, by contrast, seems to be having some fun playing a dashing, dastardly, sexy beast. "Phillips added," At its occasional best, the thrills in the film recall the delirious fun of theFast & Furiousfranchise. "[39]Betsy Sharkey ofLos Angeles Timesfelt similarly, writing "In trying for the vicarious varoom of the street-racing video game that inspired it, and no doubt dreaming ofFastsuccess,Speedclocks in at a long two-plus hours and falls painfully short. "[40]Jason Torchinsky of the automotive blogJalopnikdecried the movie for insultinggearheadswith its far-reachingsuspension of disbeliefon many plot points and tropes and stated the film was nothing more than a glorified car commercial for the2015 Ford Mustang.[41]

Danny Korecki of automotive outletThe Drivediscussed the thought that the Need for Speed film may have been better had it been a TV series.[42]

A.O. ScottofThe New York Timesgave a more positive review, praising the film's car chase sequences, while declaring the overall film "an energetic, unpretentiousB movie".[43]

Future

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In 2015,China Movie Channeland Jiaflix Enterprises teamed up withEA Gamesto develop a sequel to be set and shot in China.[44]

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^Distributed through theTouchstone Picturesbanner.[1][2]

References

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  1. ^abcde"Need for Speed (2014)".AFI Catalog of Feature Films.Archivedfrom the original on September 24, 2019.RetrievedOctober 23,2019.
  2. ^Eller, Claudia (February 10, 2009)."DreamWorks gets Disney cash in distribution deal".Los Angeles Times.Archivedfrom the original on March 1, 2021.RetrievedNovember 21,2020.
  3. ^"DreamWorks Studios Teams With Mister Smith Entertainment For International Distribution".Deadline Hollywood.August 29, 2012.Archivedfrom the original on June 18, 2020.RetrievedJune 18,2020.
  4. ^"DREAMWORKS STUDIOS AND FORD MOTOR COMPANY ANNOUNCE EXCLUSIVE PARTNERSHIP FOR FILM ADAPTATION OF ELECTRONIC ARTS'NEED FOR SPEEDVIDEO GAME ".June 10, 2013.Archivedfrom the original on June 18, 2020.RetrievedJune 18,2020.
  5. ^"Need for Speed(12A) ".British Board of Film Classification.February 11, 2014.Archivedfrom the original on February 17, 2020.RetrievedFebruary 27,2014.
  6. ^"Need for Speed (2014)".British Film Institute.Archived fromthe originalon November 10, 2019.RetrievedJuly 6,2018.
  7. ^abc"Need for Speed (2014)".Box Office Mojo.Archivedfrom the original on May 5, 2019.RetrievedMay 7,2014.
  8. ^"Disney Sets 'Need For Speed' Release For Feb. 7, 2014".Deadline Hollywood.July 10, 2012. Archived fromthe originalon November 2, 2013.RetrievedFebruary 19,2013.
  9. ^Graser, Marc; Jeff Snider (April 12, 2012)."EA feeling the 'Need for Speed' movie".Variety.Archivedfrom the original on February 11, 2013.RetrievedAugust 4,2012.
  10. ^MacKenzie, Carina Adly (July 19, 2012)."Taylor Kitsch offered 'Need For Speed' lead role: Can he launch the racing film franchise?".Zap2it.Archived fromthe originalon July 22, 2012.RetrievedFebruary 23,2014.
  11. ^"'Breaking Bad' Star Aaron Paul Lands DreamWorks' 'Need for Speed'".The Hollywood Reporter.October 15, 2012.Archivedfrom the original on January 18, 2018.RetrievedNovember 17,2012.
  12. ^abIto, Robert (March 5, 2014)."Hitting High Velocity Without the Meth".The New York Times.Archivedfrom the original on March 18, 2014.RetrievedMarch 7,2014.
  13. ^Siegel, Tatiana; Kit, Borys (October 31, 2012)."Imogen Poots to Star in DreamWorks' 'Need for Speed'".The Hollywood Reporter.Archivedfrom the original on January 8, 2020.RetrievedNovember 17,2012.
  14. ^Fleming, Mike Jr. (January 14, 2013)."DreamWorks Revs 'Need For Speed'; Rap Producer Scott 'Kid Cudi' Mescudi Cast".Deadline Hollywood.RetrievedFebruary 19,2013.
  15. ^Kit, Borys (February 5, 2013)."Michael Keaton Joins DreamWorks' 'Need for Speed' (Exclusive)".The Hollywood Reporter.Archivedfrom the original on January 8, 2020.RetrievedFebruary 19,2013.
  16. ^McAllister, Cameron (March 20, 2013)."Scott Waugh's" Need for Speed "to film in Macon".Reel Georgia.Archivedfrom the original on March 23, 2016.RetrievedMarch 20,2013.
  17. ^"Filming Locations in NYC, L.A., Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit & more including How To Catch A Monster, Divergent, The Walking Dead, Paranoia, & Girls".OnLocationVacations. May 12, 2013. Archived fromthe originalon January 19, 2018.RetrievedSeptember 3,2013.
  18. ^Sorich, Sonya (May 29, 2013)."'Need for Speed' filming: Temporary closure of 13th Street Bridge likely to impact thousands ".Ledger-Enquirer.Archived fromthe originalon December 3, 2013.RetrievedSeptember 3,2013.
  19. ^"Filming Locations in NYC, L.A., Atlanta, Detroit & more including The Newsroom, Spider-Man 2, Castle, & Anchorman 2".OnLocationVacations. April 24, 2013. Archived fromthe originalon June 3, 2017.RetrievedMay 20,2013.
  20. ^Verrier, Richard (March 15, 2014)."'Need for Speed' director Scott Waugh's need for reality ".Los Angeles Times.Archivedfrom the original on March 20, 2014.RetrievedMarch 20,2014.
  21. ^Lee, Ashley (March 6, 2014)."Aloe Blacc, Kid Cudi, Skylar Grey Featured on 'Need for Speed' Soundtrack".The Hollywood Reporter.RetrievedApril 2,2024.
  22. ^Ford, Rebecca (September 25, 2013)."First 'Need for Speed' Trailer: Aaron Paul Is Out for Revenge".The Hollywood Reporter.Archivedfrom the original on December 8, 2019.RetrievedSeptember 27,2013.
  23. ^"'Need For Speed' Getting 3D Release ".Deadline Hollywood.February 5, 2014. Archived fromthe originalon July 22, 2014.RetrievedFebruary 5,2014.
  24. ^Bacardi, Francesca (March 7, 2014)."Aaron Paul's Car Overheats at 'Need for Speed' Premiere (VIDEO)".Variety.Archivedfrom the original on March 13, 2014.RetrievedMarch 15,2014.
  25. ^"'Need For Speed' Release Date Moved To March 14, 2014 ".Deadline Hollywood.March 29, 2013. Archived fromthe originalon November 16, 2020.RetrievedMarch 29,2013.
  26. ^Stellmach, Owen (March 12, 2014)."NFS Rivalsto get Movie DLC Pack ".fudzilla.RetrievedAugust 11,2023.
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  29. ^Khatchatourian, Maane (March 16, 2014)."Box Office: 'Mr. Peabody and Sherman' Bites Into Top Spot, 'Need for Speed' in Third".Variety.Archivedfrom the original on March 16, 2014.RetrievedMarch 16,2014.
  30. ^Mendelson, Scott (March 16, 2014)."Weekend Box Office: 'Veronica Mars' Earns $2M, 'Mr. Peabody And Sherman' Tops".Forbes.Archivedfrom the original on November 25, 2020.RetrievedMarch 16,2014.
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  32. ^Subers, Ray (March 23, 2014)."Weekend Report: 'Divergent' Dominates, 'Muppets' Misses, 'God' Lives".Box Office Mojo.Archivedfrom the original on November 29, 2018.RetrievedApril 1,2014.
  33. ^"China Box Office, March 10–16, 2014".Box Office Mojo.Archivedfrom the original on March 28, 2014.RetrievedApril 1,2014.
  34. ^Coonan, Clifford (April 1, 2014)."China Box Office: 'Need for Speed' Races to $60 Million".The Hollywood Reporter.Archived fromthe originalon April 1, 2014.RetrievedApril 1,2014.
  35. ^"Need for Speed (2014) – International Box Office Results".Box Office Mojo.Archivedfrom the original on September 2, 2018.RetrievedApril 1,2014.
  36. ^"Need for Speed (2014)".Rotten Tomatoes.Fandango.Archivedfrom the original on December 25, 2019.RetrievedOctober 27,2024.
  37. ^"Need For Speed Reviews".Metacritic.Archivedfrom the original on August 31, 2019.RetrievedMay 3,2020.
  38. ^"Cinemascore".cinemascore.Archivedfrom the original on April 13, 2022.RetrievedMay 13,2018.
  39. ^Phillips, Michael (March 13, 2014)."REVIEW: 'Need for Speed'".Chicago Tribune.Archivedfrom the original on March 17, 2014.RetrievedMarch 16,2014.
  40. ^Sharkey, Betsy (March 13, 2014)."Review: Next to 'Fast & Furious,' 'Need for Speed' stalls out".Los Angeles Times.Archivedfrom the original on March 16, 2014.RetrievedMarch 16,2014.
  41. ^Torchinsky, Jason (March 12, 2014)."The Need For Speed Movie Proves Hollywood Thinks Gearheads Are Idiots".Jalopnik.Archivedfrom the original on March 25, 2014.RetrievedMarch 21,2014.
  42. ^Korecki, Danny (September 24, 2017)."Need For Speed Would Be Better As a TV Series Than a Movie".The Drive.Archivedfrom the original on September 27, 2017.RetrievedSeptember 24,2017.
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  44. ^Rainey, James (April 8, 2015)."'Need for Speed' Sequel in the Works With EA, Chinese Partners ".Variety.Penske Media Corporation.Archivedfrom the original on January 9, 2020.RetrievedOctober 31,2016.
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