Turbo: The DreamWorks Animation Snail Racing Adventure
In the world of animation, few premises are as whimsical as a garden snail dreaming of high-speed racing. Turbo, produced by DreamWorks Animation and distributed by 20th Century Fox, brings this unlikely ambition to life. Directed by David Soren, the film blends the slow-paced world of gastropods with the adrenaline-fueled environment of the Indianapolis 500.
The story follows a determined snail who defies the limitations of his species to pursue a passion for speed. With a star-studded voice cast and a vibrant visual style, the film attempts to deliver a heartfelt message about perseverance and chasing one's dreams, regardless of how improbable they may seem.
Key Facts
- Director: David Soren
- Release Date: July 17, 2013 (United States)
- Budget: Approximately $131 million
- Box Office: $282.6 million
- Runtime: 96 minutes
- Lead Voice Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Paul Giamatti, Michael Peña, and Samuel L. Jackson
Production and Creative Team
The film was written and directed by David Soren, with screenplay contributions from Darren Lemke and Robert Siegel. To capture the essence of professional racing, the production incorporated real-world elements, including the appearance of Will Power's Verizon car and voice cameos from racing legends like Mario Andretti, who served as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Traffic Director.
The technical side of the production was handled by cinematographer Chris Stover and editor James Ryan. The auditory experience was crafted by composer Henry Jackman, who provided the film's score.
Music and Soundtrack
Music played a pivotal role in the film's promotion and atmosphere. One of the most notable contributions was from Snoop Dogg, who voiced the character Smoove Move. Snoop Dogg created the song "Let the Bass Go" specifically for the soundtrack.
![Snoop Dogg, who voices Smoove Move in the film, debuted "Let the Bass Go", a song he created for the film's soundtrack, at the E3 convention.[23]](/images/bc/71/bc71bbe5d24fec7016d80b3d8412277b148237772fab16f226799db865c2721f.jpg)
Commercial Performance and Reception
Turbo premiered at CineEurope on May 20, 2013, before its wide U.S. release in July. While the film earned $282.6 million globally, its financial journey was complex. Despite the healthy box office number, DreamWorks Animation reported a $13.5 million charge for the film in its Q4 earnings, though CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg noted that the overall franchise would remain profitable.
Critical response was mixed, with some reviewers praising its colorful animation and positive message, while others found the plot formulaic. However, the film received several industry accolades, including a win for Samuel L. Jackson at the Black Reel Awards for Best Voice Performance.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Production Company | DreamWorks Animation |
| Distribution | 20th Century Fox |
| Budget | $131 Million |
| Global Box Office | $282.6 Million |
| Major Award Win | Black Reel Award (Samuel L. Jackson) |
Expanded Universe: Series and Games
The success of the film led to further expansions. Turbo FAST, an animated series, was launched as the first-ever Netflix original series for kids on December 24, 2013. The series consisted of 56 11-minute episodes, with a significant portion of the production taking place in South Korea.
The franchise also entered the gaming market with Turbo: Super Stunt Squad for PlayStation 3 and a mobile app titled Turbo Racing League, the latter of which achieved over 20 million downloads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who provided the main voice acting for Turbo?
The film features a high-profile cast including Ryan Reynolds, Paul Giamatti, Michael Peña, Luis Guzmán, Bill Hader, and Samuel L. Jackson.
Was the movie a financial success?
The film earned $282.6 million against a budget of roughly $131 million. While it took a $13.5 million charge in certain quarterly reports, the franchise was described as profitable by leadership.
What awards did Turbo receive?
Samuel L. Jackson won a Black Reel Award for Best Voice Performance. The film also received multiple Annie Award nominations for directing, music, character design, and voice acting.
Is there a TV show based on the movie?
Yes, Turbo FAST was created as a Netflix original series for children, featuring 56 short episodes.
Which real-life racing figures appeared in the film?
Racing driver Will Power appeared as himself (along with his car), and Mario Andretti provided the voice for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Traffic Director.