In the delightful 3D animated film, “Turbo,” Ryan Reynolds stars as a snail with an extraordinary dream: he wants to be fast. Very fast. It’s a contradiction in terms but that doesn’t stop this tenacious creature from pursuing his ambition. Despite a series of obstacles along the way, (including opposition from his own brother, played by Paul Giamatti) the turbo-charged mollusk enlists the help of an unusual crew of supporters who cheer him on.

“Turbo” is the story of an unusual hero, an ordinary garden snail with big dreams. He may be one of the slowest creatures on the planet but he longs to be fast, speedy enough to win a legendary car race. With heart-stopping action and lively characters, the family film from DreamWorks Animation and Twentieth Century Fox centers on the engaging Theo (he changes his name to Turbo) ,voiced by the talented Ryan Reynolds, who lives in the yard of a house in Southern California. He sneaks into the garage at night to watch racing on an old TV set and is obsessed with French-Canadian world champion,Guy Gagné, (Bill Hader) the five-times winner of the historic Indy 500: [The Indianapolis 500-Mile Race] one of the world’s most prestigious car races that is held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The fact that the race is for cars not mollusks is irrelevant to the tiny creature. Turbo has a clear vision, although like every underdog (or under snail) he faces a series of formidable obstacles along the way. It seems like a ludicrously impossible goal, but Turbo’s adventure kicks into high gear on the freeway in Los Angeles when a freak accident gives him the power of super-speed: he can travel at 230 miles per hour! The turbo-charged snail embarks on a thrilling adventure, assisted by a crew of racing snails anda few human characters too. His cautious brother Chet (Paul Giamatti) believes Turbo should stay at home with his family and forget the whole idea. The intrepid snail remains undeterred.

“Ryan just seemed like the perfect fit to play Turbo,” says director David Soren. The ironic thing was that he had just been chosen as (America’s) People Magazine's Sexiest Man Alive before we met him to pitch the role. I was nervously waiting for him to arrive at our lunch. Then he showed up and the first words out of his mouth were: ‘I can't wait to be a snail. ’So you've got to hand it to the guy, he is willing to try anything. He has no ego, he is so talented and he was a joy to work with and incredibly committed to the part.”

“Turbo is a guy who sees himself on the wrong side of destiny. Unfortunately he's a garden snail. And garden snails usually fail to register even the tiniest blip on the spectrum of greatness. Turbo is completely disillusioned with his lot in life and with the perception of his life as ‘ordinary’. He sees himself as a guy who is on the very cusp of true greatness. He views himself not just as the fastest snail on earth, but the fastest anything on earth,” explains Reynolds of his character.

Further, Reynolds notes, “I think kids see the world as a vast expanse in which ANYTHING is possible. I think they typically relate to larger than life characters like Turbo because they themselves are larger than life. Kids haven't internalized the false message that they're limited in some way. The idea that a garden snail might beat an Indy car in a race isn't altogether farfetched to kids. It's possible. It's exciting. And it means they too are capable of shattering moulds in their lives, achieving their goals and realizing dreams.”

“Turbo” is now playing in theaters nationwide from DreamWorks Animation and 20th Century Fox distributed by Warner Bros. in the Philippines.

In the 3D family comedy adventure “Turbo,” a snail learns that it takes more than talent to get to the top and that there’s no substitute for friends and family in the pursuit of a dream.

It’s a lesson that the little snail at the heart of the new animated 3D film TURBO discovers when he sets out to become a champion racing driver. Turbo (Ryan Reynolds) has determination, drive and a sense of adventure but is an outsider within community of ordinary garden snails. He is dissatisfied with his lot; moving through life at a snail’s pace doesn’t suit his temperament.

Turbo has an outlandish fantasy of traveling over 200 miles per hour – just like his hero, a champion French Canadian racing driver. It doesn’t sound possible for a creature known for being one of the slowest on Earth, but an accident on the freeway gives the little snail incredible speed. Turbo-charged, he embarks on a wild adventure in search of racing glory. Initially Turbo has no support at all. His goals are regarded with disdain by his brother Chet (Paul Giamatti), who thinks he should settle down and forget all about racing. Along the way he ends up with a group of racing snails in a rundown strip mall called Starlight Plaza. The humans whom he also met became an integral part of his journey who backed him up in doing the impossible – to race in the Indy 500.

The Starlight team broadens the film’s world, says director Soren. “We begin in the snail universe and the film’s scope and visuals gradually expand to encompass a much more expansive environment.”

The leader of this group is Tito, who is co-owner, with his brother Angelo, of a struggling taco business they call Dos Bros Tacos. Tito’s true passion rests not with ground meat and tortillas, but with the snail races he hosts along with his fellow shop owners at the Starlight Plaza, as a means to gain exposure for their businesses. When Turbo zooms into Tito’s life at 200 miles per hour, Tito is inspired and the two kindred spirits head off to chase their impossible dreams.

The senior member of the Starlight Plaza group is Kim Ly, a cantankerous and elderly nail salon owner who doesn’t mince words voiced by Ken Jeong (widely known for his character in “The Hangover” trilogy). Her expert manicurist skills come in handy when, as a member of Turbo’s pit crew, she paints, buffs and polishes Turbo’s racing shell.

“Kim Ly is menacing, but mostly adorable,” says Jeong who’s anything but typecast as an elderly woman. “She has a little bit of a mean streak and can talk smack with the best of them.” Kim and the other shop owners bankroll Turbo’s trip to Indianapolis, hoping to cash in when he crosses the finish line. But by journey’s end, “she really cares about Turbo and the rest of the crew,” says Jeong.

About his unexpected casting as an aged Vietnamese woman, Jeong says that when he saw the film, “Somehow it just fit!” But Soren knew he had the right actor for the part after watching Jeong on a national talk show. “He was imitating his mother and mother-in-law, and he sounded like an elderly woman,” Soren remembers. “And I said to myself, ‘That’s Kim Ly.’ I talked to Ken about it, and he loves the fact that he’s sort of channeling his mother-in-law for the role.”

“TURBO” (in 3D and 2D) opens July 19 in theaters nationwide from 20^th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

Check out Turbo’s latest trailer here: http://youtu.be/sVZzVIjVhso

DreamWorks Animation’s upcoming action adventure movie “Turbo” starring Ryan Reynolds, Paul Giamatti, Michelle Rodriguez, Ken Jeong and Samuel L. Jackson is a mash-up of superhero and racing film genres. It turns a garden snail into a mighty mollusk who travels at super-speed.

When we meet Turbo, he’s somewhat of an outcast in the snail community, which is less about big dreams and more about punching a time clock at their place of employment (and principal source of nourishment) – the [tomato] “plant.” Leaving the plant behind, Turbo begins his journey to fulfill his dreams when he is swept from a freeway overpass onto the hood of a sports car, and is then propelled into the muscle car’s air intake valve. Explosive nitrous oxide charges every atom of Turbo’s body, altering his molecular structure. The freak accident infuses Turbo with incredible speed – he can reach 200 miles per hour – and he now blazes across the streets of Los Angeles like a neon bullet.

But even a turbo-charged Turbo can’t accomplish miracles on his own. Luckily, Turbo meets the “Racing Snails,” a ragtag group with shells that look like mini-street racing cars. Their pimped-out exteriors are complemented by their trash-talking personalities. The Racing Snails make fast friends with Turbo, and together they begin a journey of adventure, bonding and family.

Another team – this one human –becomes an integral part of Turbo’s journey. Meet the colorful shop owners ofthe rundown Starlight Plaza in Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley, who become reluctant and then fervent backers of Turbo’s quest to race in the Indy 500. The leader of this group is Tito (Michael Pena), who is co-owner, with his brother Angelo (Luis Guzman), of a struggling taco business they call Dos Bros Tacos. Tito’s true passion rests not with ground meat and tortillas, but with the snail races he hosts along with his fellow shop owners at the Starlight Plaza, as a means to gain exposure for their businesses.

An equally tough, though considerably younger member of the Starlight ensemble is Paz voiced by Michelle Rodriguez, who owns and runs an auto repair shop. Street-smart and scrappy, Paz’s passion is cars and she’s put every penny she has into the garage. She’s sharp, has a dry sense of humor, and prefers to cut to the chase.

Michelle Rodriguez, who has starred in several of the Fast and Furious films, portrays Paz. Her connection to that blockbuster franchise and casting in TURBO is no coincidence, according to Soren. “It’s absolutely an homage to my love of those movies and a way for us to capture a little part of them, and show our respect for them. Michelle has a great voice – distinct and raspy, and perfect for Paz.”

“Turbo” opens July 19 in theaters nationwide from DreamWorks Animation and 20^th Century Fox.

“Turbo” (in 3D and 2D) is a heart-stopping action adventure with lively characters starring the voices of Ryan Reynolds as Theo/Turbo, Paul Giamatti as Chet, Samuel L. Jackson as Whiplash, Snoop Dogg as Smoove Move, Maya Rudolph as Burn, Ben Schwartz as Skidmark, Mike Bell as White Shadow, Michael Peña as Tito, Luis Guzman as Angelo, Bill Hader as Guy Gagne, Ken Jeong as Kim Ly and Michelle Rodriguez as Paz.

The family film from DreamWorks Animation centers on the engaging crew of snails starting with a garden snail named Turbo who leaves his snail community behind to begin his journey to fulfill his dream of becoming a racer in the Indy 500. Swept from a freeway overpass onto the hood of a sports car, and is then propelled into the muscle car’s air intake valve, Turbo is then charged with explosive nitrous oxide, altering his molecular structure. The freak accident infuses Turbo with incredible speed – he can reach 200 miles per hour – and he now blazes across the streets of Los Angeles like a neon bullet.

Along the way, Turbo and his brother Chet meet new snails who help achieve his dream of joining the Indy 500 race.

Check out “Turbo’s Snail Crew” clip here - http://youtu.be/7OOCo1phfxo

CHET

Turbo’s cautious, protective and supportive brother voiced by multi award winning actor Paul Giamatti. Chet is a snail who is a stick-in-the-mud and do-everything-by-the-rules kind of guy. His philosophy is: “Do not try to leave your shell or do anything risky. ’I am not a risk-taker. I am ‘Mr. Safety’.”

WHIPLASH

The charismatic leader and reigning champ of the Racing Snails voiced by Samuel L. Jackson. A warm jovial guy who treats his crew like family who helps Turbo realize his dream.

Whiplash has great inspiring abilities. He's able to rally people around him and to make them think that they're capable of doing things that they ordinarily wouldn't be able to do.

SMOOVE MOVE

The Zen-like, laid back racing snail voiced by multi-platinum artist, actor and entertainment icon Snoop Dogg.

A super-cool-low-rider with a blinged-out shell whose motto is derived from what his mamma taught him “Don’t mess with what you’ve been blessed with. I’m S-to-the-M-to-the-double- O-V-E! Wouldn’t change that for the world! Preach.”

BURN

Burn is the only female in the crew voiced by SNL icon Maya Rudolph. A toughie who doesn’t have trouble holding her own amidst the testosterone-fueled, speed-worshipping teammates. Sly and sassy and always chewing gum, Burn hides her soft side under a hard outer shell (adorned with shooting flames).

SKIDMARK

Skidmark or Number 13, this master of skids is voiced by Ben Schwartz. Sentimental and gravity-defiant, his shell is souped-up like a dragster prone to make long skidding noises.

WHITE SHADOW

White Shadow resembles an intriguing cross between Jabba the Hut and Evel Knievel voiced by Mike Bell (a former DreamWorks Animation storyboard artist who initially done the temp voice but the short-term gig became a co-starring voice role due to the perfect voice initially rendered). Full of false bravado and real laughs, White Shadow considers himself to be “fast, like a shadow” – ignoring the fact that shadows aren’t inherently fast. White Shadow prefers to be mysterious and his dream is to have a burrito named after him to be called White Shadorrito.

News on the movies to watch out for this coming months:

Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters

Take a look at the latest teaser on Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters. The film Based on the best-selling book, PERCY JACKSON: SEA OF MONSTERS continues the young demigod’s epic journey to fulfill his destiny.  To save their world, Percy and his friends must find the fabled and magical Golden Fleece.  Embarking on a treacherous odyssey into the uncharted waters of the Sea of Monsters, they battle terrifying creatures, an army of zombies, and the ultimatte Evil. 

"Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters" opens August 7 in theaters nationwide from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

The Counselor

From Academy Award nominee Ridley Scott comes "The Counselor" starring Michael Fassbender, Brad Pitt, Javier Bardem, John Leguizamo, Penelope Cruz and Cameron Diaz. 
Written by Pulitzer Prize winner Cormac McCarthy, "The Counselor" follows lawyer (Fassbender) who he decides to get involved in a drug deal worth millions. Thinking that his involvement in the deal with a friend (Bardem) and a drug broker (Pitt) will never suck him down, he soon learns that such decision will lead him on a desperate trail of survival.
"The Counselor" will open November 15 in theaters from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.
View the teaser trailer here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkMt1ZFf3Ec&feature=youtu.be

“Global Smurfs Day” A Hit in the Philippines

In celebration of the birthday of Peyo, the creator of the Smurfs, the world celebrated Global Smurfs Day last June 22, anticipating the release of “The Smurfs 2” in Philippine theaters August 7.

In the Philippines, families and fans flocked for fun-filled festivities at the SM Mall of Asia atrium where they enjoyed a Smurftastic afternoon of lively games, blue-frosted cupcakes, Lala Smurf song sing-offs, and art activities for kids.

This was the second celebration of Global Smurfs Day in what has quickly become a tradition. In 2011, the round-the-world events included painting one of the famous White Towns of Andalusia blue and setting a new record for Largest Gathering of People Dressed as Smurfs within a 24-hour Period (Multiple Venues).

This year, the studio has lined up an equally impressive program of events, highlighted by a worldwide Smurf Ambassadors initiative, in which over 40 ambassadors from 28 countries (including the Philippines) represented Smurfs fans from around the world with a special day of events celebrating Peyo’s creation.

The Smurf ambassadors dressed as Smurfs began their day in Brussels, where Peyo’s daughter Veronique Culliford officially appointed them as Smurf representatives of their countries. Freshly charged with their ambassadorial duties, the group boarded a Thalys train and shot off to Paris, the locale of the adventures in Columbia Pictures / Sony Pictures Animation’s “The Smurfs 2.” With a few surprises in store and a sightseeing tour of the French capital, the ambassadors were tasked with a mission that is the stuff of high diplomacy: to leave a happy trail of blue smiles in their wake, and herald the arrival of the new film.

“Turbo” 3D High Velocity Animation

Meet Turbo (voiced by Ryan Reynolds), an underdog snail who dreams to overdrive just like his idol who races in the Indy 500. At the start, Turbo is somewhat of an outcast in the snail community, which is less about big dreams and more about punching a time clock at their place of employment.

Training tirelessly all his life, he miraculously gained speed at an opportune time he met a crew of streetwise, tricked-out es-car-goes. Learning that no one can make it on their own in the fast lane. He and his newfound pals help each other achieve their impossible dream of racing in the Indy 500.

"Turbo," says director and co-screenwriter David Soren, is a mash-up of superhero and racing film genres, but “at its heart, TURBO really is an underdog story. The character Turbo has all the hallmarks of an underdog. You expect nothing of snails, whose lives are stacked with obstacles, like being really, really slow. But once you dig into it, a snail is the perfect character to have at the center of an underdog story.”

But turning an everyday, garden snail into a mighty mollusk who travels at super-speed? “Turbo’s dream of becoming something that’s completely in opposition to its nature is ripe for conflict, surprises and a satisfying payoff” when the dream becomes reality,” says Soren.

Soren came up with the idea for "Turbo" almost a decade ago. He described it to DreamWorks Animation management at one of the company’s “pitch program” conclaves, at which DreamWorks employees can pitch their ideas for possible future projects. “At the time it was a very complex idea – the ‘Fast and Furious with Snails,’” he remembers.

As he developed the idea, Soren was inspired by events and people very close to home. His primary muse, he notes, “was my young son, who since before he could talk has been obsessed with toy cars and racing, and could identify virtually any car on the street by its make and model.”

Soren also found motivation in his own front yard, which had a “snail problem” that was eating away at his tomato plants. “This marriage of the slow [the snails] and speed [his son’s preoccupation] was the catalyst that led me to the bones of the story centered on a snail who dreams of racing glory.”

Luckily,the requisite comedic and dramatic acting chops, and bigger-than-life persona, are embodied by Ryan Reynolds, whom Soren describes as “the perfect match” for Turbo. “It all really sounded amazing, and I fell in love with its classic underdog story, which TURBO takes to a new level,” Reynolds continues. “It takes a unique if not insane perspective to bring a snail to life in this way. What I love most about Turbo is his tenacity and refusal to give up on his dream. In fact, it doesn’t even occur to him to give up. Talent is a collision between hard work and luck, and that’s what Turbo is.”

"Turbo" also features a stellar voice cast including Samuel L. Jackson, Paul Giamatti, Michael Pena, Luis Guzman, Bill Hader, Snoop Dogg, Maya Rudolph and Ben Schwartz.

"Turbo" (3D) opens July 19 in theaters nationwide from DreamWorks Animation and 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.