The video game adaptation NEED FOR SPEED is giving BREAKING BAD star Aaron Paul to prove he can be a big screen leading man. Paul isn’t a stranger to movies, as he previously starred in the critically-praised SMASHED with Mary Elizabeth Winstead, and had roles in DECODING ANNIE PARKER and LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT. This fast and furious live action take on the popular game is helmed by stuntman-turned-director Scott Waugh (who did ACT OF VALOR), and also stars Michael Keaton, Dominic Cooper, Imogen Poots, Dakota Johnson, Nick Chinlund, Han Soto, Kid Cudi, Carmela Zumbado, and Rami Malek. Most of what you see in the trailer is pretty flashy, so I’m reserving judgment until I see the finished product… I do like Aaron Paul though, so it will be interesting to see what he can do here. Of course the biggest question most are already asking is how many times Paul will say the word “bitch” in the film – gotta love the lasting effect of BREAKING BAD. Take a look and tell us your thoughts in the comments.
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.