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
I read the ‘final verdict’ and skimmed through the review (since I haven’t seen it yet), but just wanna ask if there is any aspects of the film that can be improved on or that you didn’t like?
I understand a lot of people criticise non-Pixar animated films for lacking heart and soul at the expense of an outrageously fun plot, so I’m just wondering if this is the case here, or does this have any poignant moments or a message as meaningful as the first one?
I’m not expecting an arthouse movie, but I’m not hoping for a popcorn ‘Michael Bay’ film either, especially from Pixar.
Thanks for the review,
TDIT
Yeah, that’s the great thing. I won’t spoil anything here, but there is a lot of heart. I don’t think it’ll make you cry or move you as much as the peril, but it’s very sweet. The message of loving your friends (and yourself) for who they are is very strong. For more, you can read the last four paragraphs before the Hawaiian Vacation review.
As far as not liking something in the film, well I came with the thought— it’s a movie about talking cars— so anything goes. There was one fart I could do without but it kind of seems necessary as it drives the film in the direction where it ultimately needs to go (believe it or not.) I’m not saying the film was flawless, but I took it how it is.
Did you watch it in 3D? Should I see it that way or shouldn’t I?
Good question, I saw it in 3D. Not sure why I didn’t mention it, probably because it was subtle. I would see it in 3D again, there were some pretty cool effects added especially in the open ocean and in racing scenes. It’s not a distraction but it doesn’t add much either so if you don’t like 3D or it gives you a headache, you aren’t missing much.
Great to hear that it’s a good movie: not every Pixar movie has to be its masterpiece! And while I don’t usually go by rottentomatoes, it seems like it will stay in the 70-80% range, judging from the first top critic reviews (no top critic has given it rotten yet).
Also, when you say that the Brave teaser wont premier online, does that mean it wont be online at all, or that it will play in theaters for a few weeks first.
Last anon- Great attitude! “not every Pixar movie has to be its masterpiece!” About the Brave teaser, I’ve been told that there are no plans to publish it online although I have no way of knowing if that’s actually going to happen. Either way, not seeing in theatres is missing out— big time.
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH CARS 2 HAS A 67 ON ROTTEN TOMATOES MY WORLD IS CRUMBLING AROUND ME AHHHHHHHHH
ITS AT 59%. DDDDDDDDDD: :((((((((((((
52% now. Lower than Gnomeo and Juliet
Now it’s at 50% on RT. 🙁
I don’t normally trust RottenTomatoes, though, considering the fact that most of the so-called “critics” on the site (Armond White and Cole Smithey, to name a few) are just a bunch of narrow-minded, cynical butt-wipes. I still want to see Cars 2 because I love the first Cars and because it’s Pixar… and as we all know, Pixar is amazing in every aspect. Screw RT, I’m sure Cars 2 will continue Pixar’s winning streak, even if it may not be their best movie.
But it’s like at 75% with Top Critics. I think the haters just came out of the woodwork and more sane reviews will be out soon.
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Down to 44% overall and 55% with the Top Critics. Not looking good.
Now its 40%. Ironically, the flaws critic claim of cars 2 are opposite of the flaws cars had. Critics wanted action, we got action, and now critics are savaging this film for action.
36% now. This is incredibly upsetting, but Rotten Tomatoes has always been a crappy, biased website; hardly anyone on the sit is even a real critic. Most of them are just bloggers seeking attention. I’m still willing to see the movie, and I’m almost certain that Pixar will deliver once again.
You guys actually thought a Cars movie, based around Mater playing an idiotic spy like Pink Panther or Johnny English, would be good? I still like Pixar, but to assume that every movie a studio or production company will turn out like gold is a horrible assumption.
In my opinion, the movie is a 70-75%. It’s just that it started to get boring at some parts, but it picks up the pace near the end. Another complaint I had was that it was way too over the top. I know, it’s a cartoon, but it was just a little too crazy at times.