Cars 2
I know that I am in the minority with this opinion, but Pixar’s “Cars,” though the lesser of the studio’s efforts overall, is a wonderful example of the level of storytelling and emotion John Lasseter and co. are capable of. There’s a laid-back confidence to the way this story of a race car who learns to just enjoy the pleasures of the open road, uncertain of where life is headed, that resonated with me back in 2006, and still resonates with me now. True, the central concept of a universe populated entirely by sentient vehicles is absurd, but the characters are no less enjoyable…well, depending on how much Larry the Cable Guy you’re able to handle.
Now comes “Cars 2,” with Lasseter co-directing with Brad Lewis, and the absurdity of this universe is ratcheted up to truly bizarre levels. Still, if you’re able to accept the story on its own terms, there’s a lot to like in this film, which lacks the visual and emotional marvels of “Wall-E,” “Up,” and “Toy Story 3,” but is a genuinely enjoyable adventure. If you’re missing the magic of Pixar, however, look no further than Gary Rydstrom’s delightful “Toy Story ‘Toon,” “Hawaiian Vacation,” which more than makes up for “Cars 2’s” embracing of formula.
Owen Wilson and Larry the Cable Guy return as Lightning McQueen and Tow Mater, respectfully, and their unlikely friendship has continued to strengthen in the years since Lightning first came to Radiator Springs. Lightning has become the biggest race driver in the world, winning his fourth straight Piston Cup (which is now named after the Hudson Hornet, the old-school car voiced by the late, great Paul Newman). Now he’s back home after the season, but he won’t be here for long; when his best friend is called out for declining to race in the World Grand Prix set up by alternative energy advocate Miles Axelrod (Eddie Izzard), Mater gets Lightning’s engine revving, and their off to see the world, but not without getting in the middle of a spy operation first glimpsed at, in true James Bond fashion, during the opening sequence with British Intelligence agent Finn McMissle (Michael Caine) investigating some deep sea oil derricks. As I said, “Cars 2” is not short of absurdity, and it just gets crazier.
Although the “Cars” universe is a deeply personal one for Lasseter, “Cars 2,” and the screenplay by Ben Queen, is the most impersonal yet in Pixar’s 12 films; even the largely-dismissed “A Bug’s Life” has a heartfelt core below the comic surface. Yes, there are themes of friendship and staying true to oneself that are all well and good, and keep us emotionally invested in getting Lightning and Mater back together again, but it’s hard not to see “Cars 2” as the most superfluous of Pixar’s movies creatively; the fact that the “Cars” franchise is a billion dollar one in terms of merchandising is the most compelling argument for a sequel.
All said, Lasseter and Lewis still know how to make kid movies fun for grown-ups, from the turbo-charged Michael Giacchino score that echoes his music for “The Incredibles” and “Speed Racer” to the stellar supporting cast (which includes Emily Mortimer as a rookie agent who spices up Mater’s life, John Turturro as Lightning’s racing rival, and quick vocal appearances by Bruce Campbell and Jason Issacs) to the bright and confident race and action scenes. Roger Ebert has written the best explanation for the existence of “Cars 2” when he likens it to John Lasseter, “sitting Indian-style on the floor of his Pixar playroom and hurtling his cars through time and space with sublime reckless delight.” Thankfully, that delight helps energize what would otherwise be a rare, substandard film from one of the world’s greatest studios.
