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Upcoming Pixar Reviews Cars 2!

Cars 2 News Review

Note: Before reading, please note that this review of Cars 2 does contain spoilers. At the end, I’ve included a spoiler free verdict and a review of the attached Hawaiian Vacation short film as well as the Brave teaser. Enjoy!

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A transmission from the middle of the Pacific Ocean, ominous oil rigs surround a boat, this is the last place you’d expect to see a car. We meet Finn McMissile, played masterfully by Michael Caine, a different kind of car in a different kind of Cars film.

After one of the coolest action sequences in a Pixar film, complete with mega-explosions and honest peril, director John Lasseter passes the baton to Mater (Larry the Cable Guy), the film’s true hero. For a moment we’re back in the (not so) sleepy town of Radiator Spring, but next thing you know, Mater unintentionally involves Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) in the World Grand Prix, a three part race from Tokyo to Porto Corsa and finally London, thanks to Italian racer Francesco Bernoulli’s cocky arrogance on TV. We’re off to Japan.

Lightning is in top shape to race; at this point he has won four Piston Cups, now dubbed the Hudson Hornet Cup as a tribute to the late Paul Newman and his iconic alter-auto. Without Hudson in Cars 2, a respectful choice, Mater and the folks from Carburetor County are back as McQueen’s pit crew. 

While McQueen enjoys the opening festivities of the World Grand Prix, sponsored by Miles Axelrod (Eddie Izzard) and his new alternative fuel, Allinol, a sinister plot begins to unfold courtesy of Thomas Kretschmann’s hilarious Professor Zundapp. Meanwhile, agent Holley Shiftwell (charmingly played by Emily Mortimer) confuses Mater for an American spy— and that’s when the real adventure begins. One of the winning aspects of the film is the abundant comedy, what would Mater do in an actual spy film scenario?

The audience goes on a whirlwind tour around the world as more and more World Grand Prix cars succumb to the perceived defects of Allinol. But when Holley, Finn and Lightning are seemingly done for, how can Mater help? That’s when the true beauty of the film is revealed behind a cloud of bright neon lights, brutal explosions and colorful personalities.

Cars 2 is probably the biggest reversal of themes from one film to its sequel, whether that’s a good thing or a bad thing is up to the viewer. In this blogger’s opinion, it’s one of the best things to happen to the franchise.

If you’re anticipating an art film, maybe something in the vein of Ratatouille, WALL•E or Up, I’d advise you to take each film on a case by case basis— especially this one. The thing about Cars 2 is that it doesn’t take itself too seriously; you just have to accept that they’re talking cars and it’s going to be ridiculous at times. Fortunately, the heart is always there.

Just as the audience should adjust to the film, Lightning grows to take Mater as he is: a fun loving, crazy individual with funny customs. The overreaching message of friendship, love and acceptance for who you are is refreshing and ultimately sweet.

Outside of the film’s main theme, Cars 2 also offers another positive conversation starter. What is the world ready to do about the global oil crisis and what are the "powers that be" prepared to do in order to ignite or stop progress?

Hawaiian Vacation: What happens when you get the main cast of Toy Story 3 together again for a 5-minute short film? Surprisingly, not a disaster! Instead we get a charming story that asks, ‘how can Woody, Buzz and the gang help a bummed out Barbie and Ken when they’re left behind on Bonnie’s Hawaiian vacation?’ Filled with puns and hilarious Ken moments, fans of the series won’t want to arrive late to the theatre.

Brave Teaser: After seeing the breathtaking Brave teaser, I can’t help but ask myself, ‘wouldn’t The Bear and the Bow be a more appropriate title?’ Without giving much more away, I’ll say that Brave is set to be beautiful and action packed, but for now, it’s still shrouded in mystery. Don’t miss this teaser in theatres, the word is that it won’t premiere online!

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Final Verdict: Cars 2 is a must-watch summer flick, even if it’s just to see how Pixar has improved on the Cars franchise. With laughs throughout and plenty of action, the film truly shines thanks to a refreshing message and honest peril. Come with an open mind and come early!

Cars 2 opens this Friday, June 24 in North America!

Your thoughts?

Last modified: June 20, 2011