This week, The Source Magazine was on the red carpet for the New York premiere of “Turbo,” presented by DreamWorks Animation, in association with 20th Century Fox. Cast in attendance included, Paul Giamatti, Luis Guzman, Ken Jeong, Michael Pena, Ryan Reynolds, Michelle Rodriguez, and Ben Schwartz. We also spoke with the production team behind “Turbo” and countless other film scores, DeeTown.
From the makers of “Madagascar” and “Kung Fu Panda,” “Turbo” is a high-velocity 3D comedy about an underdog snail whose dreams kick into overdrive when he miraculously attains the power of super-speed. But after making fast friends with a crew of streetwise, tricked-out es-car-goes, Turbo learns that no one succeeds on their own. So he puts his heart and shell on the line to help his pals achieve their dreams, before Turbo-charging his own impossible dream: winning the Indy 500.
Q: Tell us about the character that you’re voicing.
Michael Pena: Well I play this guy Tito, who’s a taco salesman and he sells tacos. But he’s an entrepreneur, a dreamer, then all of a sudden he finds this one little snail that goes 200 mph, and he makes it his life’s mission to try to go to have him participate in the Indy 500.
Q: What was it like working with a director like David Soren?
Michael Pena: It was pretty intense, usually you have to trust a director, but in this one you really had to put your trust in him. But it’s good, it’s his world, it’s DreamWorks, and they do great animation.
Q: Since the film also stars Snoop Lion, what are your favorite Snoop songs?
Michael Pena: Well I mean, he keeps on putting out hits after hits like “Young, Wild & Free”…”Gin and Juice” even. From “Gin and Juice” to now it’s crazy, but he’s still got the touch.
We also spoke with IndyCar Drivers Ryan Hunter-Reay, Tony Kanaan, Ana Beatriz, and Will Power on the red carpet. They were excited that “Turbo” is bringing more awareness to the racing community.