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0-9 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z / Trailers / DVD Store

February 18, 2009

Cars (2006)

Should I see it?
Yes.

Short Review: In a time when most family films are little more than subversive, strobe lights with soundtracks I have only one thing to say. Thank God for Pixar.

Living up to the pedigree of Pixar Animation is not an easy task. Pixar may be the only consistent and wholly trusted name in Hollywood these days. Each production from Monsters, Inc. to WALL-E is a high quality, and most importantly safe choice, for parents. Each of their outings has been a richly layered, intelligent gem. Nine major releases under their belt and only one (A Bug's Life) was less than stellar. Cars is another feather in their cap.

Like the other Pixar films, this is a character driven, morality tale about self-awareness and improvement. Rookie race car Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) is at the top of his game and hopes to win the coveted Piston Cup. On his way to California to the big race he is stranded in the nowhere town of Radiator Springs. Lightning McQueen gets into a spot of trouble in Radiator Springs and is sentenced by the town judge/doctor Doc Hudson (Paul Newman) to repave the main road in town (it makes sense in the film.) During his forced stay in the ghost town, McQueen must content with the town citizens including the buck-toothed tow truck Mater (Dan “Larry The Cable Guy” Whitney) and the sleek town attorney Sally (Bonnie Hunt.) The plot unfolds without many surprises but still satisfies thanks to well-rounded characters and some clever writing.

Comparing the content of this film is to what is found in other kids movies shows a stark difference. This film is a welcome break from the breakfast commercial pacing and rectum oriented jokes that are usually pushed at our kids. The opening of Cars involves a drawn out car race and there is plenty of lights, sound and flash. This hyper-paced, dazzling display has its purpose when contrasted with the remainder of the film. Other than the opening and closing race, the flash and kinetic pace slows to allow for an actual story to take place.

The standout of the film is Dan Whitney, a.k.a. Larry The Cable Guy as Mater. He is the obvious and best pick to play a small town redneck. He handles this role with a comfortable delivery and is the highlight in his scenes. Owen Wilson, Paul Newman, Bonnie Hunt and Michael Keaton also provide good performances. Then again, it is difficult imagining any actor messing this up. This isn't exactly Shakespeare. Despite characters shallow characters, they wind up being an inviting lot. Even the auxiliary members of the cast, while being stereotypes maintain a sense of fun. Having George Carlin portraying a burnt out hippie 60’s Volkswagen Van that wants to sell “natural blend” gas is going to have good results. Place him next door to a rough n’ ready military Jeep named Sarge and the jokes write themselves.

This film isn’t an unbelievable success like The Incredibles nor as touching as Finding Nemo. However, this is a fine piece in its own right if you're not expecting the world. It lingers in the second act and the jokes aren’t as spry as they are in Monsters, Inc. but it still entertains. The film relies heavily on puns and quick visual jokes for its humor. An example of this is the villainous race car Chick Hicks (Michael Keaton) has HTB sponsor stickers on his body. If one looks closely, HTB stands for Hostile Takeover Bank. It’s not hilarious but it’s a darn clever film and your kids will love it.

My five-year old son summed up the film well when he said the following:

“This movie’s too long, but we still gotta sit and keep watching it, it’s the best movie of all time.”

Related Reviews:
Other Pixar Films
The Incredibles (2004)
Finding Nemo (2003)

Other Critic's Reviews:
Celluloid Heroes
Dark Matters

Labels: animated, Bonnie Hunt, film, Larry the Cable Guy, movie review, Owen Wilson, Paul Newman, Pixar