Fresh from prison, a street racer who was framed by a wealthy business associate joins a cross country race with revenge in mind. His ex-partner, learning of the plan, places a massive bounty on his head as the race begins.

In “Need for Speed,” a character cites the oft-quoted phrase that a man in a big, flashy, expensive car “is overcompensating for something.” The same can be said for this movie. It wears on its sleeve the desperation of trying to create another macho racing franchise like “The Fast and the Furious.” That series had six movies to create, shape, modify and solidify its mythology. With five fewer tries, “Need for Speed” aims for “F&F’s” level of goofy, fan-pleasing grandiosity while attempting the existential vengeance vibe of “Drive.” The resulting mishmash is as exciting as getting a tow from AAA, and just as slow.