There was a point in John Lasseter's "Cars 2" when I thought to myself "where is this going?" At that moment I was fed up with everything this film tried to do. It introduced to many characters (in a very confusing manner) and switched the roles of the supporting character and main character from the first film. However, with all that said I found the rest of the film extremely enjoyable and entertaining. It was as if it clicked with the filmmakers half way through the film that they needed to get back to their old Pixar ways and once again it's sheer genius.
Lightning McQueen has just returned from winning his 3rd straight Piston Cup win to spend the summer with his best friend Mater. While enjoying a meal with Ms. Sally, Mater thrusts Lightning into one of the biggest races of his career, The World Grand Prix. The rules are simple for this race, everyone must use alternative fuel instead of conventional gasoline. The idea is conceived by Sir Miles Axelrod as a starting point to ending the use of regular gasoline (sounds familiar?).
What follows is a large action adventure when tow turned spy Mater must uncover the truth behind a certain TV camera and suspicious events that surround this seemingly prestigious race.
The film is unusual for Pixar because well as stated above is like an action flick. Filled with large scale chases, fiery explosions, and some unnecessary dialogue. I'd tell Pixar stick with the heart felt stuff instead of trying to keep up with the times to much (I.e. Dreamworks). But the film does get back to its roots with the idea behind friendship and always being there for someone. The film does a good job of pleasing the young ones (who want to see their Disney friends in a Fast and Furious movie) and adults.
James Bonds fans will definitely enjoy the plethora of references (even some of the music). The film does explore a large problem that exist in our world today. I will not get into it I'll leave that to us film nerds and buffs.
Cars 2 does a good job doing what it's meant to do, pleasing the kids. It is a great film but it's not very Pixar-esque, I still prefer the original over this but I digress. I guess Mr. Lasseter was not looking for a unprecedented 3rd animated film in the Best Picture category. On the other hand he still may find himself waiting in the Kodak theatre to hear the winner of the Best Animated Feature category. Maybe Happy Feet won't surprise Pixar again in February 2012.
3 out 4.__
Lightning McQueen has just returned from winning his 3rd straight Piston Cup win to spend the summer with his best friend Mater. While enjoying a meal with Ms. Sally, Mater thrusts Lightning into one of the biggest races of his career, The World Grand Prix. The rules are simple for this race, everyone must use alternative fuel instead of conventional gasoline. The idea is conceived by Sir Miles Axelrod as a starting point to ending the use of regular gasoline (sounds familiar?).
What follows is a large action adventure when tow turned spy Mater must uncover the truth behind a certain TV camera and suspicious events that surround this seemingly prestigious race.
The film is unusual for Pixar because well as stated above is like an action flick. Filled with large scale chases, fiery explosions, and some unnecessary dialogue. I'd tell Pixar stick with the heart felt stuff instead of trying to keep up with the times to much (I.e. Dreamworks). But the film does get back to its roots with the idea behind friendship and always being there for someone. The film does a good job of pleasing the young ones (who want to see their Disney friends in a Fast and Furious movie) and adults.
James Bonds fans will definitely enjoy the plethora of references (even some of the music). The film does explore a large problem that exist in our world today. I will not get into it I'll leave that to us film nerds and buffs.
Cars 2 does a good job doing what it's meant to do, pleasing the kids. It is a great film but it's not very Pixar-esque, I still prefer the original over this but I digress. I guess Mr. Lasseter was not looking for a unprecedented 3rd animated film in the Best Picture category. On the other hand he still may find himself waiting in the Kodak theatre to hear the winner of the Best Animated Feature category. Maybe Happy Feet won't surprise Pixar again in February 2012.
3 out 4.__
But overall, it wasn't a horrible film per-say. Just not up to the high standards we have placed on Pixar.