Don't believe the critics.. DaddyB and Chris give Cars 2 Two Thumbs up!

[Chris Lang]

On Rottentomatoes.com, Cars 2 is currently sitting at 34%. Really? It's THAT bad? That score is reserved for the worst of the worst, right? It's getting hammered by the critics, but in my opinion, they are judging it on a scale where it simply doesn't belong. Cars 2 isn't 'Up' or 'Toy Story 3' in terms of emotional impact, but it's a fun movie for kids, especially young boys. Does it soar to the same heights as 'Wall-E'? No, of course it doesn't - it's not that kind of movie. It's a movie about a world populated by cars, with a bit of spy movie, racing and lots of explosions. Just because it doesn't kick you in the gut like 'Up' or has the charm of 'Ratatouille', doesn't make it a bad movie. Critics have associated (pigeonholed) Pixar with a certain brand of familiarity and when that formula is somehow changed up, it's automatically the death knell for a studio that has had 11 critical and commercial successes.




Nothing about the production screams "they went cheap on this one'. The attention to detail is mind boggling, and the textures, reflections and sheer wizardly involved in creating these photorealistic worlds is something you can only truly appreciate on the big screen.

When I saw the early reviews coming in, I was disheartened by what I read. I was further mystified at DaddyB's review which seemed in opposition to these reviews. Had DaddyB lost his mind? Had he been somehow suckered by the swag, free tickets and previous Mermaid/Star Tours/Pirates event that he felt Disney could do no wrong? Absolutely not.

Last night I saw Cars 2 at the local multiplex. I opted for a non-3D experience because I often find it distracting and wanted to enjoy the film on it's own merits without later missing the 3D effects when I watched the film at home. My daughter, 11, a big fan of the original, accompanied me.

The 'Hawaiian Vacation" short before the film is just wonderful - it's a nice closing to Toy Story 3 seeing the toys in their new world, which opens up all kinds of implications for another Toy Story film - they could easily keep the franchise going forever.

Cars 2 takes the animation of the first film to an entirely new level. Nobody would say "they went cheap" on the animation for this film. I saw this film in digital projection. The textures, attention to detail and the inventiveness of the animation is mind boggling and it will take repeat viewings to catch it all. This film is practically a primer for your blu-ray home theater system - the images are crisp and the movement is smooth. Complex action sequences are easy to follow and it's fun to catch the reflection of background elements on all of those hoods and bumpers. I was impressed with the greater complexity of the mouth movements, especially on Mater where it looks eerily lifelike and organic.

The plot has been covered in many reviews, but the plot (and story, believe it or not) are secondary here. You're here to have a good time with characters you're already familiar with. The original Cars was a nice introduction to these characters - that story didn't need to be told again and the sequel takes no time to get things moving, but still takes opportunities, almost on a subliminal level, to pull on your emotions.

There's a scene when Mater has an "accident" and leaks oil at an embarrassing moment. What would be a throw-away moment in any other film has resonance because there's a moment when you realize Mater isn't simpleminded because he's a tow truck - or because he grew up in a tiny town - Mater actually would be considered somebody with a disability and it's heart-wrenching to see the shame and disappointment in his eyes. Anyone who has been around children with special needs will be affected.

It's those moments that make Cars 2 a Pixar film and definitely not worthy of the negativity it's been getting. Go see it. It'll put a smile on your face and your kids will love it.

[ShrunkenNed]

A friend of mine who disliked Cars 2 did add this observation: "You know, if Dreamworks had released it and titled it 'Car Spy,' the critics probably would have loved it."

Yeah, not going to let the voices of those with public outlets weigh me down.

[PeoplemoverMatt]

Watched Cars 2 today with the family...


Yeah, for a Pixar movie, considering their track record, it's thin. But thin's not necessarily a bad thing. The kids were having a great time with it. I figured out who the mystery voice was, but only because he was the last one left, and I know Pixar's writing style. (Just like I know a certain *evil* scavenger hunt writer's style ) It all fit for it to be...the car. It is definitely Mater's movie much more so than it is Lightning McQueen's. The various settings all looked absolutely fantastic. I especially had fun with the Tokyo scenes considering that I've been in almost everyplace the movie took us to, including the Rainbow Bridge, and I did enjoy Pixar actually making it a rainbow bridge. The bit with Mater on the Japanese john nearly had me on the floor. Trust me folks, there isn't anything exaggerated in that scene. Japanese toilets' reputation is well earned.

The one part of the movie that I didn't really care for was the plot regarding the different types of fuel. While I realize that it's purpose was more to simply drive the story along and be what the villian needed it to be, IMO it made the same mistake that the WALL*E plant made in that it attracted some political controversy toward Pixar's direction. Why Pixar would want to attract that, I really don't know. With WALL*E, I figured they were going the 'no publicity is bad publicity' route. Maybe they were doing the same thing here? Regardless, that's a very minor concern, and doesn't take anything away from the movie.

From a creative standpoint, I saw nothing that would indicate Pixar's no longer firing on all creative cylinders. While there were one or two indications of the film being a rescue, this film fits just fine into the Pixar lexicon. However, it will see some serious competition from Dreamworks' Puss n' Boots flick among others.

The IMAX 3D was awesome as always. People frequently say that 3D/IMAX 3D isn't worth the extra cash, and once again they're wrong about this movie. It's easy for the eye to take the 3D for granted once it's used to it, which is where I believe a lot of this sentiment comes from. I took my 3D glass off for a very brief couple of seconds a few times during the movie just to remind myself what the 3D is adding, and it really does add a sense of depth to the images on the screen. The larger screen also makes spotting that awesome Pixar detail much easier, allowing all the numerous inside jokes to be spotted with ease. The IMAX here in Valencia is relatively small compared to other IMAX's that I've been to, and that makes the IMAX sound so much more incredible. My theatre here is small enough to allow the sound to resonate off the theatre walls to the point where the seats literally vibrate. With TRON that was awesome, and it makes Cars 2 that much better. It is absolutely worth the money, especially when I had some $8.50 off coupons from some Disney Blu-Rays that I'd bought earlier this year at a steep discount (Cars BD - $12!).

Overall, we had a great time. I had no problem at all with this being one of the maybe three movies I'll see in theatres this year.

[Ezra]

There's an interesting read in the New York Times:

A Collision of Creativity and Cash at Disney/Pixar

It implies that Pixar is giving in to the merchandise-sales-driven strategy of Disney suits like CFO Jay Rasulo.

I think these critics are over-thinking this. The fact that the Cars line of toys is Disney Consumer Products' biggest seller greased the wheels financially, I'm sure; but I assume the motivation for making Cars 2 is simply that Mater is a fun character that Pixar wanted to do something more with.

I have no problem with Pixar making a film that isn't a "tear jerker". I'm all for a simple, entertaining "popcorn movie" every so often, as long as they also continue to take risks every so often as well. Their next release, Brave, certainly qualifies as a "risk". Walt Disney himself wasn't above making a few "popcorn movies" to secure financing for the next big project.

[Executioner]

After hearing the mixed reviews of the Cars 2 movie (which I have yet to see) I decided to think back to what I remember of all the Pixar movies I have seen and what I remember. They never always had that "tear jerker" like Toy Story 3 was. A Bug's Life did not give that effect to me nor did I feel any emotional response to that other than I liked it and had fun. Incredibles doesn't have that "Im gonna cry" feel. Nor did Monsters Inc. I think people have now forgotten what Pixar is about and expect something they didn't promise. But I do believe Pixar has given what it is and has set out to do, and that is great stories that are fun and can reach wide audiences of old and young. Personally, I think Pixar should venture into darker stories and tell them. It helps broaden their capabilities and lets them grow.

[hausofDisney]

I really enjoyed Cars 2. For me, I felt it was appropriately action-packed, with really good seat-clawing moments of intensity, but I also love the moralistic/relationship aspect it was telling (I think McQueen's line about being yourself is a really positive thing to have in a children's film!).
Pixar is always full of astounding graphics....but, I couldn't help feeling as though the animation in the city-shots of Italy were off (the buildings seemed very blocky and almost amateur in their design). Maybe my eyes were fooling me, but it was sort of distracting.

Otherwise, I was happy with Cars 2. It can't really, honestly be compared to the first, because they're really different in the stories and the moods that they try to put across; however, Cars 2 is not a bad film by any means

Also, God rest Paul Newman

[TsWade2]

Man, critics are stupid!