Things about The Need For Speed you need to know

All the things you never cared, err — dared to ask!

If you are a fan of the “Need for Speed” movie series, you might have noticed some hidden easter eggs that the filmmakers have cleverly inserted. These are references to the video games, pop culture, or other car chase movies that fans will appreciate. Here are some examples of these easter eggs, along with some trivia and stupid observations that I have made while watching the movies:

• The name of the final race in the first movie, The DeLeon, is a tribute to Cesar DeLeon, a character in “Need for Speed: The Run”, a video game released in 2011. The DeLeon is also the name of a real-life car company that produces high-performance vehicles.
• In the opening scene of the first movie, we can see action figures of Mario and Luigi, the famous brothers from the first video game movie adaptation ever made, “Super Mario Bros.” (1993). This is a nod to the movie’s roots as a video game adaptation, as well as a subtle jab at the poor quality of the “Super Mario Bros.” movie.
• The dashboard of Tobey’s Ford Mustang in the first movie is designed to look like the circular dashboard and speedometer from the video games. This is a way of bringing the video game experience to life on the big screen, as well as showing off Tobey’s custom-made car.
• When Tobey checks in at a hotel for the final race in the first movie, his computer screen tells him he has completed a checkpoint, just like in the video games. This is a way of breaking the fourth wall and acknowledging the video game logic of the movie.
• Tobey’s friend Benny, who flies planes and helicopters in the first movie, calls himself Maverick, after Tom Cruise’s character in “Top Gun” (1986). He also makes references to “Speed” (1994) and “Keanu” Reeves during one of the chase scenes. These are examples of meta-references that pay homage to other action films that influenced the “Need for Speed” movie series.
• The first movie was based on the video game series of the same name by Electronic Arts, but it did not follow any specific storyline or characters from the games. The filmmakers wanted to create an original story that would appeal to both fans and newcomers alike.
• The second movie, “Need 2 Speed”, was loosely based on the video game “Need for Speed: Underground 2”, which featured an open world environment and customization options for cars. The filmmakers wanted to explore the underground racing culture and show off more exotic cars and locations.
• The third movie, “Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit”, was inspired by the video game “Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2”, which introduced police chases and pursuit modes to the series. The filmmakers wanted to create a more intense and thrilling experience that would pit racers against cops.
• The fourth movie, “Need for Speed”, was a reboot of the series that focused on Tobey’s origin story and his rivalry with Dino Brewster. The filmmakers wanted to go back to the basics and tell a more personal and emotional story that would connect with audiences.
• The fifth movie, “Need for Speed: Underground”, was a sequel to the second movie that followed Tobey’s adventures in Los Angeles’ underground racing scene. The filmmakers wanted to expand on the underground theme and showcase more street racing styles and subcultures.
• The sixth movie, “Need for Speed: Most Wanted”, was based on the video game “Need for Speed: Most Wanted”, which featured a blacklist of racers that Tobey had to defeat one by one. The filmmakers wanted to create a more competitive and challenging scenario that would test Tobey’s skills and reputation.
• The seventh movie, “Need for Speed: Underground 2”, was a sequel to the fifth movie that followed Tobey’s journey across Europe’s underground racing scene. The filmmakers wanted to explore more diverse and exotic locations and cars that would appeal to international audiences.

Revved Up and Ridiculous: Wild Tales from the ‘Need for Speed’ Gearheads!

The “Need for Speed” movie series is not only a thrilling ride for the viewers, but also a challenging and rewarding experience for the actors. The cast and crew have shared some behind the scenes stories and secrets that reveal the relationship between the actors on set and some juicy details and issues that they had to deal with. Here are some of them:

Aaron Paul, who plays Tobey Marshall, the main protagonist of the series, is a huge car enthusiast and a skilled driver in real life. He did most of his own stunts and driving scenes in the movies, and even got to keep one of the cars he drove, a 1969 Ford Torino. He also bonded with his co-stars over their love of cars and racing, especially with Scott Mescudi, who plays Benny, Tobey’s friend and pilot.

Dominic Cooper, who plays Dino Brewster, Tobey’s rival and antagonist in the first movie, is not a fan of cars or driving in real life. He admitted that he was terrified of driving the fast and expensive cars in the movie, and that he had to rely on his stunt double for most of the scenes. He also had a hard time getting along with Aaron Paul at first, because they wanted to create a realistic tension between their characters. However, they eventually became friends and respected each other’s work ethic.

Imogen Poots, who plays Julia Maddon, Tobey’s love interest and car broker in the first movie, had no driving license when she was cast in the movie. She had to learn how to drive in two weeks before filming started, and she was nervous about driving the rare and expensive cars in the movie. She also had to wear high heels while driving, which she found uncomfortable and impractical. She developed a close friendship with Aaron Paul during filming, and they often joked around on set.

Dakota Johnson, who plays Anita Coleman, Tobey’s ex-girlfriend and Dino’s fiancée in the first movie, had a minor role in the movie, but she became more famous after she was cast as Anastasia Steele in the “Fifty Shades of Grey” movie series. She said that she enjoyed working on “Need for Speed”, because it was a fun and action-packed movie that contrasted with her more serious and dramatic roles. She also said that she had a crush on Aaron Paul when she was younger, and that she was starstruck when she met him on set.

The director of the first movie, Scott Waugh, is a former stuntman who wanted to make a realistic and authentic car movie that would honor the video game series and the car culture. He insisted on using practical effects and real cars instead of CGI or green screens for the stunts and races. He also hired professional drivers and stuntmen to perform some of the most dangerous and spectacular scenes in the movie. He said that he wanted to make a movie that would make people feel like they were playing a video game.

Things you might have missed

Some observations that I have made while watching the movies are:

• The heroes always drive cars with bright colors like red, blue, or yellow, while the villains drive cars with dark colors like black, gray, or silver. Is this a way to show who is good and who is bad? Or is it just a coincidence?
• The cars never run out of gas, even when they drive at high speeds for long distances. How do they do that? Do they have magic fuel tanks? Or do they just refuel off-screen?
• The police are always one step behind the racers, even when they have helicopters and roadblocks. What?

How the “Need for Speed” movies draw inspiration from ancient Greek and Roman myths and create a modern epic of cars, races, and revenge.

The “Need for Speed” movie series is a modern epic that draws inspiration from the ancient Greek and Roman mythology. The movies feature heroes and villains, quests and challenges, love and betrayal, and fate and destiny. Here are some parallels that can be drawn between the movies and the myths:

• Tobey Marshall is like Odysseus, the hero of the Odyssey, who embarks on a long and perilous journey to return home and avenge his friend’s death. He faces many obstacles and enemies along the way, but he also receives help from his loyal friends and allies. He is also like Hercules, the son of Zeus, who performs twelve labors to prove his worth and redeem himself. He has to defeat a series of racers and overcome various difficulties to reach his goal.
• Dino Brewster is like Ares, the god of war, who is Tobey’s nemesis and rival. He is violent, arrogant, and ruthless, and he enjoys causing chaos and destruction. He is also like Hades, the god of the underworld, who kidnaps Tobey’s ex-girlfriend Anita and tries to prevent him from reaching his destination. He is also like the Hydra, the multi-headed serpent that grows two heads for every one that is cut off. He always comes back with more power and resources to challenge Tobey.
• Julia Maddon is like Athena, the goddess of wisdom and strategy, who helps Tobey in his quest. She is smart, resourceful, and courageous, and she provides him with guidance and support. She is also like Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, who falls in love with Tobey and becomes his partner. She is also like Penelope, the wife of Odysseus, who waits for him to return and remains faithful to him.
• Benny is like Hermes, the messenger of the gods, who assists Tobey in his journey. He is fast, witty, and adventurous, and he uses his skills as a pilot to help Tobey escape from danger and reach his destination. He is also like Icarus, the son of Daedalus, who flies too close to the sun with his wings of wax. He takes risks and challenges himself to fly higher and faster than anyone else.
• Anita Coleman is like Persephone, the daughter of Demeter, who is abducted by Hades and taken to the underworld. She is Tobey’s former lover who is now engaged to Dino. She is unhappy and trapped in a toxic relationship with him. She is also like Helen of Troy, the most beautiful woman in the world, who sparks a war between two kingdoms. She is the reason why Tobey and Dino become enemies and compete for her affection.

The “Need for Speed” movie series is a thrilling and entertaining saga that combines elements of mythology and reality. It appeals to both car enthusiasts and general audiences alike. It showcases amazing cars, stunning locations, spectacular stunts, and engaging characters. It also delivers a message of friendship, loyalty, justice, and redemption. It is a movie series that will make you feel the need for speed.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go catch a flight with Benny. He said he has a surprise for me. I hope it’s not another helicopter.

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