Cars 2 Movie Review

When Toy Story came out in 1997, the movie was an instant worldwide sensation that would span spin-offs and sequels to come. Ever since, Pixar Movie Studios have spit out incredible stories, hair-raising adventures, unforgettable characters, and boundless humor that has yet to fail!

I think it was in 2009 that I first read that Pixar Studios were going to do a sequel of the 2005 computer animated film Cars. You must know about me that at least once a day I'd go on the web and check for developments such as production, cast, release date, plot etc. I learned it was going to be released in June of 2011. This intrigued me. I also learned it was going to be a spy film, this intrigued me even more. The release date was approaching, gradually creeping closer. I simply couldn’t wait, especially since I have not seen a film in the theaters since the last Harry Potter film last November.

In any event, the film was out and I could not wait to see it. However, I was alarmed and confused when I saw that the film had received quite a bit of negative feedback. At first I didn't believe it but after a while I began to have doubts of my own. Had Pixar finally delivered a movie not worth the theater ticket price of $30? After my father suggested that we wait for it to come out on DVD, he added with a shrug "You can't win them all". But Pixar is a good reputable studio that has brought us some great movies in the past, I could only surmise that they would not have let us down. "Besides," I said to my father, " its the movie theater experience that counts!”

After much debate, we arrived in time to see the already half-way over Toy Story short which was funny and had the right kick for a short film. The movie started when I was in the restroom and I arrived just in time to see a spy chase spreading its magic across the large screen. After that I just sat back and enjoyed!

Cars 2 deserves better reviews than it’s been getting. It’s a fast-paced hilarious character driven spy comedy. Good writing combined with a story that adds more to what the first film gave us. Although I largely disagree with the bad reviews one thing that one of the reviewers mentioned was correct: Mater the tow-truck (Larry the Cable Guy) is the main focus in this film. This may disappoint a number of fans from the first film as Lightning Macqueen (Owen Wilson) was the star in the film's predecessor. The reason the filmmakers did this I believe, is first because of Mater's popularity and second because from the first film Mater was introduced as a loud-mouthed unassuming clumsy old tow truck who no one takes quite seriously. In this film, his character is taken to a new level where he actually has to deal with his reputation as a supposedly dim-witted old tow truck who eventually proves his worth. We also get to see how this affects his close friendship with Lightning McQueen.

It’s character-driven element makes the film a little more thought-provoking. Once again Pixar picks a hero of no particular stature and lets him find his way through the film. This is one of the things that makes Pixar special. Also I must compliment the Pixar team on choosing the many famed exotic locations. It adds an intriguing touch to the film.
A note of caution: In one fan-written review, an anonymous movie-goer said she had taken her two and four year old to see the movie which did apparently not appeal to them. Now this is a point I must make. This is a film recommendable for ages 8 and up as there are scenes of action and intellectual content - one casualty of the film- that younger children may be startled by and may miscomprehend. Although I'm sure younger children will respond positively to Matter's comedic antics, it all depends on your child’s experience as a movie-goer. I also must point out that this film is sure to please fans of James Bond. Well done Pixar! Who says you can't win them all?!

Copyright 2011 by Robert Steven Mack (all rights reserved!)