Parents' Guide to

Turbo

By Sierra Filucci, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 6+

Speedy snail dreams big in fun animated comedy.

Movie PG 2013 96 minutes
Turbo Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 6+

Based on 16 parent reviews

Spagooch
Spagooch Parent of 9-year-old
March 27, 2022
age 6+

Fun family film

Our family enjoyed this movie. No issues at all.

This title has:

Great messages
1 person found this helpful.
Nilus
Nilus Parent of 5 and 12-year-old
September 23, 2020
age 5+

Good family fun

Nothing objectionable and good for the whole family. What more can you ask for?
1 person found this helpful.
See all 16 parent reviews

What's the Story?

TURBO (voiced by Ryan Reynolds) is a speed-obsessed garden snail who, more than anything, wants to compete in the Indy 500. He's a misfit in his slow-moving snail community until a freak accident with Nitrous Oxide gives him car-like abilities, including eyes that light up like headlights, a red-blinking shell akin to taillights, and, of course, speed. When Turbo and his naysaying brother, Chet (Paul Giamatti), are captured by human Tito (Michael Pena), whose after-hours snail racing hobby reveals Turbo's remarkable talents, Turbo and his misfit band of supporters make their way to Indianapolis, where Turbo becomes an unlikely competitor in the most famous race in the world.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (16):
Kids say (45):

Turbo does lots of things right when it comes to making an engaging, funny animated movie for kids. It's got a main character kids can root for and relate to, plus a menagerie of supporting characters who amp up the laughs (White Shadow, voiced by Michael Bell, steals the show). Kids don't care that the concept of a snail being allowed to race in the Indy 500 is completely implausible and full of logic problems. (Nor do they care that the tacos featured in the taco stand/truck aren't authentic.) They'll love the little details, like when Tito puts Turbo to bed with a packet of taco sauce for a pillow and a warm tortilla for a blanket.

But the movie's simplicity and lack of surprises are what keep it from being a true stand-out for kids. We never doubt that Turbo and Tito will be successful. Any subplots are sped through with little attention. And while the urban setting, hip-hop soundtrack, and ethnically diverse cast are welcome additions to the kids' movie pantheon, the setting doesn't feel fully realized. Overall, kids will totally enjoy the movie, but it might not stick in their minds for long.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about movies being realistic. Do you think it's important that stories seem believable in real life? Is it hard to enjoy a movie if the concept seems too far-fetched?

  • What did you notice about where Turbo was set? Have you seen any other animated movies set in urban environments like this one? Did the characters seem to fit the location? Did you notice any stereotypes?

  • What kinds of dreams do you have? Who supports your dreams? Does anyone tell you your dreams are unrealistic? How do you feel when that happens?

Movie Details

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