Turbo

This review may contain spoilers.

I have a big place in my heart for a good animated feature film and Turbo delivers on so many levels. This film for me is a solid 8/10.

The animation in this film is superb, nothing stand out of course but it gives each character a nice fleshed out look that is common with modern animation. The music in this film is also so lively and fresh, it heightens the film's atmosphere in just the perfect way. But what I really loved about this film was how the plot played out. What could initially be seen as Dreamworks scraping the bottom of idea barrel due to the premise of the fast snail is quickly shunted to the side by the incredible journey this story takes us of standing with family and people rising above their situation to achieve their dreams no matter how impossible they seem. I don't even care if that sounds generic, those are two of the best morals to be seen in a kid's film.

But even more than that, this cast is simply phenomenal. Firstly Ryan Reynolds as Turbo carried the lead voice well, making a very convincing protagonist who desired nothing more than to achieve his dreams. Paul Giamatti as Chet was a particular favourite of mine, this was a fairly cynical role but we saw that brotherly affection in the voicework as well and I was on the edge of my seat when Chet made his way down to give Turbo a pep talk. Michael Pena as Tito was adorable, even if it was a bit of a copy of Reynold's performance. Also Bill Hader as Guy Gagne was a fantastic and probably underrated villain; he started as such a heroic and idealised character that when he showed his dark and greedy nature you felt Turbo's betrayal. But finally commendations must go to Samuel L. Jackson who can be put into any film and instantly make it gold, his character of Whiplash was crazy and badass and bore all the traits of the usual Jackson character.

If I had to criticise the film there are two things I immediately think of. Firstly Snoop Dogg as Smoove Move was moronic, I don't know why his character was there, it felt like he got his agent to hook him onto any potentially big film so he could put some music out. Secondly the snail and human stories between the brothers is too similar and they both seem locked in a struggle to dominate the heart of the film. I was conflicted whether the film was meant to be about Turbo and Tito which didn't seem right to me.