Warner naive about Speed Racer tracking?

Last week we already found out how the 'Speed Racer' tracking numbers indicated a miserable opening, but Warner Bros. doesn't necessarily see it this way. They're not only giving the funky movie a $6 million push in the UK, they've also planned a $100 million marketing campaign worldwide, in addition to $100 million in promotional deals with 53 partners like McDonalds.

In reaction to the low tracking, Warner's marketing president Sue Kroll said, "We've been talking about this a lot internally. There is a disconnect between how people react to the film and what the tracking is indicating." But there's no question about the mediocre reception of the critics either.

The toy stores put their bets on the movie too, buying all the 'Speed Racer' merchandise, but seem to come out empty handed also. "Now, that product has to sell to the consumer... The recognition isn't necessarily there," analyst Gerrick Johnson said.

I really can't see 'Speed Racer' doing well. Warner even expects the over-50 crowd to remember the TV series it's based on, but I can only see it making way for the other blockbusters starting next week. And this week it's expected to be topped by 'Iron Man' anyway.

The Wachowski brothers' movie might have the lowest Hollywood buzz this year, the only question is what $200 million in marketing and promotional deals can do about it.