If reports are correct, Disney recently held a test screening (where?) for Pixar’s upcoming Cars 2.
Nanna T., a lucky audience member, had the opportunity to review the film over at CC2K. Her (spoiler-lite) criticisms have a semi-negative tone, but they really aren’t anything to worry about.
Here’s why—
"Cars 2 is good, but it never feels PIXAR good." writes Nanna. It must be noted that she wasn’t a big fan of the original Cars in the first place, but she cites a couple of other reasons for her dismay.
"The problem is our star." Basically, she doesn’t like Mater. That may not be a problem for most; I’m a big fan of the rusty-but-trusty tow truck, for example.
Although she seemed to dislike Mater’s presence throughout the entire movie, ironically, she did note that the film was all-around hilarious and succeeded at being a true comedy. "[It’s] all about making people laugh." At the same time, "the script was surprisingly adult."
I’ve heard this said multiple times; anyone who takes Cars too seriously is kidding themselves. They’re cars with a mouth and eyes— Pixar is pushing things, this time, for comedy’s sake rather than dramatic effect.
Speaking of the cast, she did love the new side characters as well as Finn McMissile and Holley Shiftwell, although they did eclipse the folks from Radiator Springs. In a sequel to Cars, I’d opt for speeding up rather than slowing down, which is what the gang from the original (most of which is back!) did.
Of course, the finished animation (and even some of the 2D reels) was top-notch. Like all of us, Nanna can’t wait to see the finished product. Maybe an Oscar winner isn’t on its way, but as far as I can tell, John Lasseter and Brad Lewis’ Cars 2 will be a crowd pleaser.
Now for the current status of Cars 2. Pixar’s 12th film is still deep in production with about 7 months left until its release. Much of the Tokyo sequences are animated, but about 70% of the film is still unfinished.
For more, read Nanna T.‘s full review over at CC2K. Disclaimer: Watch out for minor spoilers outside of the official plot synopsis.
How do you feel about the criticisms presented?
(via /Film + CC2K)
This really just may be made up. Last I checked no real other Pixar movies have had THIS early of a preview.
Also, there is a little thing called a non-disclosure agreement which Pixar would make sure every one signs.
Based on the review, I do wish that McQueen were a bit more involved in the spy entanglement, but we’ll see. I’m looking forward to it 😀
Anonymous— They *have* shown unfinished Pixar films this “early”.
See: http://pixarplanet.com/blog/early-up-test-screening-appears-promising
http://pixarplanet.com/blog/sneak-preview-of-wall-e-screened-in-oregon
http://pixarplanet.com/blog/first-ratatouille-review
It’s pretty common, actually.
In Japan, Cars fans are between 3 to 7 year olds. If these pre-schoolers laugh the parents will be happy customers.
I understand cutting radiator springs out of it for the most part. I mean, two of the townspeople died, one of them major: Paul Newman and George Carlin.
Cars was the one Pixar film that people where a little unsure off but it did incredibly well on Merch sales, i have always been worried that a sequel is the key to keep the Merch sales going and I’m a little worried over the film.
The Trailer was a little bit worrying. It did not feel Pixar.
2 MAJOR stars have died from Radiator Springs—not one.
And almost all of Pixar’s films have had early previews. They preview the films several times over the course of production—just like every other major Hollywood film.
These kind of screenings are usually tests to see what works and doesn’t work. Anything that doesn’t work is usually scrapped or fixed. To write a review for a movie that isn’t finished is, well, pretty stupid.
Plus, I’m pretty sure she may have broken her non-disclosure contract everyone needs to sign by writing this review.
The reviewer goes on and on how much she loves Pixar, then gets a little nasty and mean at the end.
Her 2 reasons for not liking Cars 2 is that she didn’t care much for Cars 1 and doesn’t like Mater. MANY Pixar geeks like myself loved Cars 1 and enjoy the Mater character….even more so with the new Mater Tales.
I’d almost guarantee that Lassiter, Lewis and others in the “brain trust” are not totally happy with Cars 2 right now, much like pretty much ALL their movies 7 months before release. These test screenings with audiences often times make Pixar re-think a few scenes. I know Wall-E got a couple big late changes and Ratatouille probably was many changes away from being complete over a half-year before release.
I’m excited to hear it might be funnier and comical….sounds like it might be a fun, silly romp of a film. I got no problem with that. “Brave” sounds to be heavier in tone, “Cars 2” might be a lighter buy entertaining summer film.
I think John Lasseter is the only director on the film now.
“Why It Isn’t SO Bad”
So, as opposed to being bad it’s only somewhat bad then? Well that’s a relief.
This doesn’t make the movie look any better to me. I dearly hope this movie is nothing like what it sounds like.
But if the plot wasn’t bad enough, Mater is the STAR!?!?!?!? Cars was not meant to be a sequel. This is going to be the first Pixar film that I’m not exited about.
“Pixar is pushing things, this time, for comedy’s sake rather than dramatic effect.”
HA! CALLED IT!
I said it before and I’ll say it again; Cars 2 does not look like it’s gonna be poignant or uber deep; it looks like it’s gonna be REALLY FUN. And every once in a while, there is NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT.
Seriously, don’t knock the work that goes into writing a good comedy film. Comedy is HARD.
I think with the deep emotion of Up and Toy Story 3, everyone’s looking for something really dramatic. Hopefully Cars 2 will be hilarious enough to be forgiven for not having drama, and Brave will have enough emotion to gain back everyone’s respect for Pixar (since all the Cars haters are gonna start dissing it)
I predicted Cars 2 wouldn’t live up to the huge bars set by WALL-E, Up and Toy Story 3, but that’s somewhat forgivable. Cars wasn’t as serious and emotional as these films in the first place, and is more of a comedy anyway… but it’s dissapointing to hear that Pixar wouldn’t try to make it as sophisticated. But like I said, there was a huge bar set by Toy Story 3 with emotion and depth – I’m STILL getting chills remembering Toy Story 3 at midnight on June 18th. While it won’t do well with critics and box office as TS3 or other Pixar films, it’ll still make up the budget and keep kids smiling. That’s whats important, I guess. I’m not a Cars hater, as the original film wasn’t a bad film, but not Pixar’s best at all.
Has anyone asked the original reviewer if Doc or Filmore appear, silent or mentioned?