Lakewood Plaza Turbo (2013)

Lakewood Plaza Turbo Poster

Naïve K.O. comes of age, develops his burgeoning powers and works his first job in a video game-inspired world.

Introduction
"Lakewood Plaza Turbo" is a brief, animated action-comedy film directed by Ian Jones-Quartey and produced by Cartoon Network Studios. The seven-minute film premiered in May 2013 and is a precursor to the animated series "OK K.O.! Let's Be Heroes". The film presents viewers to the lively world of Lakewood Plaza and its vibrant characters, and it explores themes of relationship, teamwork, and guts.

Setting and Characters
"Lakewood Plaza Turbo" is embeded in a world filled with superheroes and bad guys, in a shopping mall referred to as the Lakewood Plaza. The protagonist, K.O., is a young kid who desires end up being the world's biggest hero. He works at Gar's Bodega, a shop owned by the hard yet kind Mr. Gar. The store sells devices to heroes. Other characters consist of Rad, an alien who serves as a co-worker, and Enid, a ninja who works as a shop's cashier. These 3 characters work together to safeguard their plaza from numerous dangers.

Plot
In the movie, K.O. is extremely passionate about his task, always all set to serve the requirements of the Plaza's different superhero clients. His world is turned upside down when the villain, Lord Boxman, opens a competing shop across the street, offering weapons to bad guys. The arrival of Boxman and his atrocious henchmen present a significant threat to Lakewood Plaza and its citizens.

Sustained by his goals of being a hero, K.O., in addition to Rad and Enid, take it upon themselves to safeguard their precious Plaza against the enormous Lord Boxman and his evil friends. The fight scenes are filled with extreme, cartoonish action, showcasing each character's distinct capabilities. Eventually, our trio of heroes manage to beat back Lord Boxman's forces, securing the Plaza for another day.

Style and Themes
The film's style is marked by a combination of brilliant, fantastical art with fast-paced action, imbued with humor. It's clear that "Lakewood Plaza Turbo" draws inspiration from Japanese anime and American comics culture. The characters pop off the screen with their distinct styles, and the action series are vibrant and fluid.

Moreover, "Lakewood Plaza Turbo" portrays styles of heroism, friendship, and teamwork. Our young hero, K.O., shows several times his courage to deal with imminent danger. Also, the film shows the worths of relationship and teamwork, as K.O., Rad, and Enid interact to secure the Plaza they cherish from bad guys, showcasing their unity and cumulative strength.

Reception
Overall, "Lakewood Plaza Turbo" was well gotten by critics and audiences for its colorful visuals, special characters, and light-hearted humor. Numerous likewise praised it for its amusing plot, fast-paced action and the message of team effort. This film worked as an excellent introducing pad for the subsequent television series titled "OK K.O.! Let's Be Heroes" which aired from 2017 to 2019.

Conclusion
"Lakewood Plaza Turbo" is a delightful mix of action, funny, and thriller, with vibrant animation and relatable characters. It examines the importance of unity against misfortune, and parallels real-life lessons of team effort and relationship. Its effective reception caused the production of a popular animated series, additional enriching the universe of Lakewood Plaza Turbo.

Top Cast

  • Mena Suvari (small)
    Mena Suvari
    Enid / Ginger
  • Stephanie Nadolny
    KO / Customer / Gladys
  • Ian Jones-Quartey (small)
    Ian Jones-Quartey
    Radimus / Real Magical Skeleton / Darrell
  • Dave Herman
    Narrator / Mr. Gar / Brandon
  • Kate Flannery (small)
    Kate Flannery
    Carol / Gertie