The Chinese version of the "Speed Racer" poster. [QQ.com]

The Warner Bros. film "Speed Racer" opened in Beijing for a special media screening on Wednesday.

The stunning visual effects and cutting-edge storytelling is sure to wow Chinese audiences, Web portal sina.com.cn says.

"Speed Racer," from the directors of the Matrix trilogy, tells how a racer, Speed, saved his family business through a competition with his longtime rival, Royalton.

The film stars Emile Hirsh as Speed, Christina Ricci as Speed's girlfriend, Trixie, and Oscar winner Susan Sarandon and John Goodman as Speed's parents.

South Korean music star Rain and Chinese mainland actress Yu Nan play siblings in the film, adding some Asian flavor to the U.S. product.

The movie will hit the Chinese silver screen on August 10.

(CRI July 31, 2008)