Turbo (2013) - Short Movie Review

Plot Summary:

Theo is a snail who wants to be fast. After a happy accident, he embarks on a journey that defies eveything the world thought about snails.

Movie Specs:

Rating- PG

Sex and Nudity- 0/10 (it’s all about snails)

Language- 0/10

Violence- 1/10 (some mild car crashes)

Drugs-0/10

Length- 1hr 36 mins

Review:

Turbo is a fun film that is able to blend cars and snails into a seamless and interesting plot about defying limitations and breaking the rules. Theo a.k.a. Turbo is tired of the snail-paced (pun intended) life his is living. After hearing his racing idol Guy Gagne’s inspiring speech (“No dream is too big and no dreamer too small), Theo attempts a feat that almost gets him killed. With his dreams crushed, he wanders aimlessly until he reaches the highway where one thing leads to another and he finds himself transformed after he gets dipped into nitrous. This begins his slow rise to fame as the world’s fastest snail.

After Monster University and Despicable me 2, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed ANOTHER animation film.  Being a non-fan of 3D, it says a lot that I recommend watching it in 3D. The effects are appropriate for authentic 3 dimensional experience of this racing film. You would be hearing many familiar voices (Reynolds, Jackson, Snoop, Jeong). Although the comedy is tame, I found the script engaging and entertaining. While I understand the “reach for your dreams” moral of the story, I am a bit concerned about the message that being safe is boring, limiting, and restrictive (I feel for Chet’s character). As amusing as “Turbo” is, I would not bet on the bankability of a sequel.

Fave Character:

White Shadow (no one is as bad@$$ as a white shadow)

Least Liked Character:

None. No one was unlikable enough to standout

Fave Quote: (NV)

Theo: Everybody’s got that one thing that makes them happy. For me, it’s terrifying blazing speed

Fave Scene:

Transformation scene

Despicable Me 2 (2013)- Short Movie Review

Plot Summary:

Gru is no longer a villain after he saved his three adopted daughters Margo, Edith, and Agnes from Vector in the first film, but he is unexpectedly recruited to defeat a new villain. With help from his assistant, Dr. Nefario, his minions, and Margo, Edith, and Agnes, Gru must save the world (again). © wiki

Movie Specs:

Rating- PG

Sex and Nudity- 1/10 (teenage relationships)

Language- 1/10 (very very mild insults)

Violence- 1/10 (violence against animals hehehe)

Drugs-0/10 (injectable serum)

Length- 1hr 38 mins

Review:

Despicable Me 2 follows Gru’s new life as an adoring dad and aspiring fruit jam/jelly entrpreneur. Because of his past villainous acts (the renowned “steal the moon” plan), he gets recruited to help capture a villain who has stolen a highly dangerous serum. The movie chronicles how he juggles working for the good guys and fulfilling his role as a protective father to his adorable daughters.

The best thing about this film is the bigger role given to Gru’s minions. The capsule-shaped yellow creatures were given more screen time and delivered majority of the laughs. Agnes, the youngest daughter, never fails to squeeze out an “aaaaaww” from the audience as she delivers kids-say-the-darndest-things lines. However, some scenes were so dragging that I had to quelch my need to play the Minions game on my gadget. Despite this small negative, kids will still love the movie and adults will find it amusing enough to sit through. I say give the Minions and Agnes their own movie!!

Fave Character:

Minions (animated slapstick comedy at its finest )

Least Liked Character:

Antonio (he was meant to be annoying)

Fave Quote: (NV)

Agnes: Sometimes I stare at it (bald head) and imagine a little chick popping out. (peep, peep, peep)

Fave Scene:

Capture of Gru