“Slo No Mo” ~ Turbo Movie Review

Disclaimer: QueMeansWhat was given preview passes to see TURBO in 3D on behalf of DreamWorks Animation and 20th Century Fox. Opinions are my own.

From the makers of Madagascar and Kung Fu Panda, TURBO is a high-velocity 3D comedy about an underdog snail whose dreams kick into overdrive when he miraculously attains the power of super-speed. But after making fast friends with a crew of streetwise, tricked-out es-car-goes, Turbo learns that no one succeeds on their own. So he puts his heart and shell on the line to help his pals achieve their dreams, before Turbo-charging his own impossible dream: winning the Indy 500. (DreamWorks Animation)

At first, I honestly thought this story line was a little far-fetched. A snail racing in the Indy 500? The creators of this movie made it work!

Turbo (Ryan Reynolds), the racing snail, and Tito (Michael Peña), a taco truck salesman, find their way to each other and it’s really a match made in heaven for the two dreamers. No one in their family really believes in their dreams. In this funny and action-packed animation, the two don’t give up on their dreams no matter how ‘out there’ the dreams are.

This story is one of an underdog who isn’t supposed to win. It’s also a great story of family, community and loving support of others’ dreams. In particularly about two brothers’ love and support. So, mom of boys, this one is great for your familia.

The kids will love the movie if they love bugs. The kids will love the movie if they love racing. The parents will love the movie for all the recognizable voices of the animated characters. At least I did so here is a small breakdown of the TURBO movie characters and cast, where we’ve seen them and where we may see them next.

Ryan Reynolds (Turbo) starred in THE SAFE HOUSE with Denzel Washington and the comedy THE PROPOSAL with Sandra Bullock and will next be seen in R.I.P.D. alongside Jeff Bridges.

Paul Giamatti (Chet, Turbos’ brother) starred in Rock of Ages and The Ides of March and up next is Morrison’s Almost Christmas, which Giamatti also produced and stars in alongside Paul Rudd.

Michael Pena (Tito) was in CRASH with Don Cheadle and the critically acclaimed END OF WATCH. In March of 2014 Peña will be seen as civil right and labor organizer Cesar Chavez in CHAVEZ. (Now that's one I'm anxious to see!)

Luis Guzmán (Tito’s brother and taco truck business partner) has appeared in CARLITO’S WAY, TRAFFIC and ARTHUR. Look out for him in the upcoming WE’ERE THE MILLERS with Jennifer Aniston. (I feel like I've been watching Guzmán all my life. Glad he's still at it.)

Bill Hader (Guy Gagné, Turbo’s biggest competitor on the race track) just finished up his eighth and final season on ‘SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE’.

Michelle Rodriguez (Paz, body shop owner) is best known for her role as Letty in THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS Series. Director Soren admits that it’s no mistake Rodriguez portrays Paz. We love Rodriguez because she’s undeniably a bada$$ Latina (and was born in San Antonio, TX). In September, Rodriguez will return as Luz in Robert Rodriguez’s MACHETE KILLS, the sequel to the action feature MACHETE.

Richard Jenkins (Bobby, a visitor) has been in THE COMPANY YOU KEEP with Robert Redford, THE RUM DIARY with Johnny Depp, and THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY. (just few out of many)

Ken Jeong (Kim Ly, nail salon owner) has made us laugh in KNOCKED UP and THE HANGOVER (I, II, III).

Maya Rudolph (Burn, a racing snail) is best-known for her time on “SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE” but has also starred in BRIDESMAIDS and GROWN UPS. She can be seen in GROWN UPS 2 which was released July 12.

Ben Schwartz (Skidmark, a racing snail) has three films upcoming including RUNNER RUNNER alongside Justin Timberlake and Ben Affleck, BETTER LIVING THROUGH, and COFFEE TOWN.

Snoop Dogg (Smoove Move, a racing snail) acting credits include OLD SCHOOL, STARSKY & HUTCH, the Oscar winning drama TRAINING DAY. He has produced his album, Reincarnated, under the new moniker Snoop Lion. (from hip-hop star to reggae singer)

and Samuel L. Jackson (Whiplash, a racing snail) Well, we all know who he is from PULP FICTION to the recent DJANGO UNCHAINED. The kids might recognize his voice from THE AVENGERS.

TURBO was directed by David Soren and produced by Lisa Stewart. TURBO is released in theaters JULY 17, 2013.