Speed Racer was the first financial casualty of the summer blockbuster season, as it coined a downright platry $20 million opening; just about finishing ahead of What Happens In Vegas - which was a couple of hundred grand behind by studio estimates. Both films however, were spanked by the mighty Iron Man, which pulled in a further $50 million to remain at the top of the charts, and take its gross to an impressive $177 million. ‘Racer’ not only tanked domestically, but on a worldwide scale as well as audiences found the special effects-laden kiddie angle a bit much, and either stayed away or went to see Iron Man again. The chart should have a new champion next week though, as Narnia sequel Prince Caspian is released stateside.
