TURBO

US, 2013, 96 minutes, Colour.
Voices of Ryan Reynolds, Paul Giamatti, Michael Pena, Samuel L. Jackson.
Directed by David Soren.

Turbo, like Planes which was released the same time, is a film about an unlikely hero. While in Planes, the young crop duster is in a race around the world, Turbo’s ambition is to participate in the Indianapolis 500. And he does. And, like Dusty, he wins. Of course!

The film, however, gives new meaning to the phrase, snail’s pace.

Turbo is a snail. He is voiced by Ryan Reynolds. And he has a very cautious brother, Chet, voiced by Paul Giamatti. He doesn’t encourage his brother to follow his powers for racing (until the finale!).

However, Turbo finds a whole lot of friends who have all kinds of ultra-snail powers. When he comes to Indianapolis, they are there to support him, especially at the pit stops. Needless to say, there is a villain, a human car driver from Canada who gives very pleasant television interviews but, underneath, is a relentless opponent and does dastardly things to turbo during the race.

Turbo also gets a great deal of support from a young Hispanic man, who also has a reluctant brother, who joins with the group at the pits. He is voiced by Michael Pena and, amongst other snails, there is Samuel L. Jackson.

The animation for the races in Indianapolis his very effective. And, for Turbo, there is a great deal of stunt work. The race is dramatic, has some very exciting moments, has an ending with gridlock on the course, a relentless attempt to win by the villain and Turbo having to rely on his snail nature to get himself to the finishing line. An inspiration for us all to be a true selves when we are in competition!.

Not one of the great animation films, but should attract boys’ attention, as well as girls who are fans, and those who will find Turbo very cute.

1. A family entertainment? The animation? The potential audience? Boys, girls?

2. The quality of the animation, drawing, characters, action sequences, the voice cast, the musical score?

3. The world of snails, audience response to snails and real life? The visuals and the variety of the snail characters? Colourful? The range and voices?

4. An underdog winning story? Turbo and his ambitions, the snails’ reactions, his character, determination?

5. Chet, a protective brother, being careful, his advice, not encouraging Turbo in his ambitions?

6. Indianapolis 500, its implications, the style of racing cars, the focus and racing, the crowds, television coverage, the presentation of the races? The interview with the stunt driver? And the preparation for him to emerge as the villain? Turbo and his being entranced by watching the races?

7. The diner in Indianapolis, meeting his friend, his protective brother, work with the tortillas, the acclaim of the customers? The range of snails, their friendship, their help? Going to the track?

8. The snail community, the variety of characters, appearances, stereotypes and playing with stereotypes?

9. Turbo and the races, and the reaction of the drivers, negative, his becoming an idol for the crowds? The officials, the commentaries?

10. The race, Turbo and his energy, speed, the cars, the star driver, the comments?


11. The pit stops and everybody coming in, helping?

12. The number of laps, becoming more difficult, the cheating, the driver trying to crush Turbo? The effect on him physically, psychologically, the thought of giving up, it encouraging him? To be his true self?

13. The effect on Turbo, stopping, starting again, the pit stops, breaking his shell, travelling in the wheel of the driver?

14. The spectacular crash, the gridlock? Turbo out in front, but feeling broken, Chet and his coming to help and encourage? Turbo moving slowly, like a snail? The driver behind him, dragging his car? Chet and Turbo’s finally falling over the line and winning?

15. The happy celebration, Turbo as a champion, having faith in himself and his talents? The moral of the story?