Review - Cars 2

Cars 2 Doesn’t Lap The Field

Radiator Springs seems like a world away in the new film Cars 2.

Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) is back home relaxing after winning yet another championship. Half a world away a new competition is about to take place. The World Grand Prix will pit some of the best cars from a variety of disciplines in races across three countries. These cars will compete with an alternative fuel and try to show the world what is possible.

Of course, Tow Mater (Larry The Cable Guy) insists McQueen will dominate. And this bragging brings the crew overseas to take on the world.

When they arrive; the gang is thrown into the midst of a devious plot as someone is trying to wreak havoc on the new fuel and all those who use it. Now Mater is mistaken for a master spy and the world, as we know it, just could come down to Mater’s ability to make a difference. Can McQueen win? But more importantly, can Mater save everyone?

Fairly or unfairly, Pixar has raised the bar on animated films. With that said, it’s tough to watch a film like Cars 2.

I enjoyed the first Cars, just didn’t fawn over it like most. In fact, I was one of few that was only mildly supportive of the film. With Cars 2, the film felt more action, more excitement, but also a little messier. In fact I liked this film a touch more than the original.

The story may not have flowed the same as most Pixar films, but that doesn’t mean the action didn’t jump a notch or two. The attention to detail is wonderful and worth seeing as some of the background fun is truly a sight in and of itself.

The problem for Cars 2 is the fact that we now know what can be done in animated film, and we expect more. It doesn’t make Cars 2 a bad movie, just not one that easily laps the field. Caution ahead, the film is in for a pit stop, but the future is still bright at Pixar.

B-

Cars 2

Walt Disney Pictures

Director: John Lasseter, Brad Lewis

Cast: Larry The Cable Guy, Owen Wilson, Michael Caine, Emily Mortimer, Eddie Izzard

Rating: G

Runtime: 1 hour 52 minutes