Rally Road Racers is coming to theaters nationwide on May 12th, and like many high-profile animated family films of recent years, has a stacked cast that will bring joy to adults as well as children. The great J.K. Simmons (Whiplash) stars alongside Chloe Bennet (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), Jimmy O. Yang (Silicon Valley), Sharon Horgan (Catastrophe), Lisa Lu (Crazy Rich Asians), Catherine Tate (Monster Family), and legendary Monty Python member John Cleese (Trolls).
The synopsis for the film, which seems like a delightful marriage of Speed Racer and Mad Max, reads as follows:
Zhi, a rookie race car driver, gets the opportunity to compete against the reigning champion of the rally car circuit. With help from a former driver-turned-mechanic, Zhi must overcome treacherous terrain, rival racers, and unexpected obstacles to prove he has what it takes to be the next great racer.
You can check out an exclusive clip below:
Simmons' iconic voice has been put to good use in a bevy of family films before, including Chip n' Dale: Rescue Rangers, Marmaduke, Spider-Man: No Way Home, Seal Team, Zootopia, Rock Dogs, and the great Christmas film Klaus. It's an interesting side career for the great actor, who is usually known for his intense and powerful performances.
Rally Road Racers is yet another colorful family film about anthropomorphic animals in a world all their own, brimming with puns both visual and verbal, and featuring a racing story that sets it apart from many of the more fantasy and adventure focused animated films. It seems like a vibrant sidekick to the more frenetic and downright epileptic Speed Racer, and more cuddly than the massive franchise Cars.
The film is directed by Ross Venokur, who saw some success with the 2018 animated family film, Charming, which featured a plethora of musicians in its voice cast (Avril Lavigne, G.E.M., Sia, Demi Lovato, Ashley Tisdale). This time, his excellent voice cast includes some comedy legends from the UK (Sharon Horgan, Catherine Tate, John Cleese) alongside Simmons and Bennett. Chloe Bennett herself has had some recent experience with voice acting after her years in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., having voiced Yi in Abominable and its television spin-off, Abominable and the Invisible City.
Rally Road Racers comes from the producer of Shrek and Riverstone Pictures, Kintop Pictures, and Vanguard Films and Animation. It will be destributed by Viva Pictures on May 12th in theaters nationwide. You can check out the trailer below: