I had the pleasure of seeing Turbo last weekend, and I was not disappointed. It actually was better than I expected. I laughed out loud numerous times, and I'm an adult! I was afraid the previews had given too much of the movie away, but that wasn't the case. Turbo really is a must-watch for all IndyCar fans, children, and anyone who ever had a dream that someone criticized.
I'm sure everyone knows the storyline by now: a racing-obsessed snail who calls himself Turbo has a freak accident and suddenly gains blistering speed. His snail brother and "co-workers" think he's weird and should spend his days keeping the garden intact rather than dreaming of racing. But he sets on a quest to participate in the Indy 500. The story's message for kids is nothing we haven't heard before: "Follow your dreams, no matter what others tell you." But it bears repeating for today's youth I think. One of my colleagues is currently doing a speaking tour across the nation encouraging people to follow their dreams. She thinks people, particularly young college students, have forgotten how to or don't want to dream anymore. This movie hits on that message, and it also points out how critical people are nowadays, especially of each other. Turbo's brother, voiced by Paul Giamatti, thinks he's showing brotherly love by talking some sense into him, but it comes across as harsh criticism for being different. I think no matter what age you are, you can relate to that experience. So the "follow your dreams" mantra may not be original, but it's still timeless.
As for the racing and depiction of IndyCar, I think this is Turbo's biggest strength. Keep in mind that you have to suspend disbelief when you watch this movie. It's a cartoon but also has elements of realism. I couldn't help but gaze in awe at the accurate and spectacular way DreamWorks has captured the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the thrills of racing. They really did a phenomenal job, and I do recommend seeing the movie in 3D to feel the full effects. After I left the theater, I wondered two things: 1) when am I going to get that Snoop Dogg/Lion song out of my head? (seriously, it's catchy) and 2) how long until the Indy 500? It just made me want to watch a real race! And unfortunately IndyCar is off until August 4, darn it!
Will Turbo bring us a new crop of IndyCar fans? Time will tell, but I'm sure there's at least a few kids out there whose interest was piqued. Unfortunately I think the beneficiary of the movie's release will be NASCAR, because they're the ones racing at IMS this weekend. But this movie gives some much-needed exposure to IndyCar and reminds naysayers that IndyCar racing is still some of the most exciting entertainment out there. If I was in marketing, I would release Turbo on DVD for Christmas, but then again in May as an "Indy 500 special edition." I wish Turbo had been released over Memorial Day weekend instead of now, so you could have that sort of mutually beneficial cross-marketing.
Speaking of NASCAR, word broke this week that NBC would begin covering them in 2015 instead of ESPN and TNT. While I think this is great for NASCAR because NBC's motorsports coverage (and their coverage of live sporting events in general) is far superior to ESPN's, I think it signals doom for ESPN. Not only is Fox Sports debuting a new 24-hour sports channel on August 17, ESPN has now lost bids to broadcast the Olympics, NHL, UFC, and NASCAR. (And three of those organizations chose NBC.) Clearly ESPN is not the sports superpower they once were, and I for one could not be happier. My opinion of ESPN has really changed in the last few years, since their coverage turned more sensational and football-dominated. I now turn to other sports channels (MLB Network is my fave) and websites for my sports news. I don't think I'm alone in that sentiment.
NBC's winning bid should mean good things for IndyCar. For one, NBC will be able to advertise upcoming IndyCar races during NASCAR events, and that's a key target audience to reach. NBCSN may even be able to do some racing doubleheaders, with IndyCar followed by NASCAR or vice versa. It should also give NBCSN more visibility. This deal is still a year and a half away, but I'm optimistic that it will have a positive impact on IndyCar.
And now, since we have to wait another week for an IndyCar event, why not go see Turbo? I highly recommend it, and it's a great way to get your IndyCar fix while they're away!
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