Remember the totally bonkers ‘”Kung Fury” that became an internet sensation early this year? If you did enjoy it, you’ll dig “Turbo Kid” (2015) more than everything else. Directed by four people who I’m sure were born in the 80s, or at least are immensely nostalgic about it, “Turbo Kid” is set in an apocalyptic Mad-Max-esque wasteland. Though set in contemporary times, it is essentially an 80s movie. While “Kung Fury” relied a lot on modern technology to fuse the retro with the modern. Whereas “Turbo Kid” is more focused on creating an authentic 80s feel much like the brilliant “Tucker & Dale Vs Evil.” There are tons of cheesy prosthetics, gallons of overflowing fake blood, and awful one-liners. And, of course, a sinful electronic soundtrack that all screams of an 80s movie.
Similar to the Turbo Kid – Slightly Overrated Films: Mad Max Fury Road (2015)
The film revolves around a character whom we only know as ‘The Kid’ (Munro Chambers). He lives in a world where water is a dying resource. The Kid is not only a scavenger who roams around collecting things that would help him stay alive but is also a huge comic-book fan. He is especially head over heels in love with the ‘Turbo Rider’ comic books. One day he comes across a girl named ‘Apple’ (Laurence Leboeuf). Even though she is extremely creepy and weird, he develops a soft spot for her.
The film basically revolves around two sub-plots. One takes you to a very charming tale of friendship between the two kids, and the other takes you to the over-the-top cheese feast of superfluous dialogues and completely douched-up outrageous gore revolving around Zeus (Michael Ironside), who is the ruler of the wasteland.
The film is part Mad Max, part slasher flick, part Western, part 80s superhero flick, and partly a rom-com too. While I was watching “Turbo Kid,” I was reminded of Dave from “Kick-Ass,” whose sole aim was to be a superhero so that he could do good. “Turbo Kid” also has a very likable superhero origin story somewhere in its narrative. It is partly naive and partly awesome. When Apple and The Kid meet for the very first time, we see him running away from her and not liking her. But slowly, they develop a friendship that’s both acceptable and charming. That’s because the directors have created two very likable characters cleverly slipping in a very subtle message of realizing who and what a person is when you know them well.
“Turbo Kid” is a film that treads the fine line between being too dramatic and too cheesy, which, in my opinion, it does flawlessly. However, there are not many surprises to be had in this simple tale of Good vs. evil. It chalks out pretty much like an 80s television episode which is a huge negative in its kitty. Even though the violence is ridiculous (which is a definite plus in my bag), the film is not funny enough. It doesn’t make you laugh your guts out as you expect it to. Having said that, the people in the film ride BMX bikes when needed to run or hide, stumble upon silly superhero suits that shoot lasers, and make friends with robotic strangers who are more eager than humans themselves.
Also, Read – Back to the Future (1985) Review: Pure Sci-Fi Delight
“Turbo Kid” is a completely wild, over-the-top action-comedy with a heart. It’s enjoyable if you are one of those who don’t need their stories to make a whole lot of sense.
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