Parents' Guide to Turbo

Movie PG 2013 96 minutes
Turbo movie poster: A snail looks determined as it speeds over a racing finish line

Common Sense Media Review

Sierra Filucci By Sierra Filucci , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 6+

Speedy snail dreams big; expect peril, stereotypes.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 6+?

Any Positive Content?

  • 2:20
  • Turbo Trailer
  • Turbo movie: A group of snails smile against a colorful backdrop
  • Turbo movie: Tito and Angelo work at the taco shop while two snails sit on the counter

Parent and Kid Reviews

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age 6+

Based on 20 parent reviews

 

 

See all 20 parent reviews
age 6+

Based on 46 kid reviews

Kids say the movie is a nostalgic and lighthearted animated comedy about a snail who dreams big and competes in a high-stakes race, presenting positive messages about perseverance and self-belief. While some reviews appreciate its humor and animation, others criticize its unrealistic elements and themes that could be interpreted negatively, particularly regarding the source of the snail's newfound speed.

  • nostalgic charm
  • positive messages
  • lighthearted comedy
  • mixed animation reviews
  • age-appropriate fun
Summarized with AI
 

 

See all 46 kid 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 an 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 Peña), whose after-hours snail racing hobby reveals Turbo's remarkable talents, Turbo and his 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 ( 20 ):
Kids say ( 46 ):

This film does lots of things right when it comes to making an engaging, funny animated movie for kids. Turbo is the kind of main character kids can root for and relate to, and a menagerie of supporting characters amps up the laughs. White Shadow, voiced by Michael Bell, especially 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. 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, clichéd human characters, and lack of surprises are what keep it from being a true standout for kids. Any subplots are sped through with little attention. And while the city 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 likely really enjoy the movie, but it might not stick in their minds for long.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how movies like Turbo aren't especially 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

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by

Turbo movie poster: A snail looks determined as it speeds over a racing finish line

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