Although most audiences and critics will disagree with me, I found Pixar's "Cars 2" to be more entertaining than the first film. The international travels and settings of the sequel to "Cars" just gave it a more adventurous and energetic tone. Since I'm a huge James Bond fan, I'm sure it also helped that the movie was basically "Casino Royale" with vehicles replacing human beings.
Now that Walt Disney has released "Cars 2" on Blu-ray and DVD, maybe top reviewers and moviegoers can give the movie a second chance and a couple repeated viewings to really let the movie soak in. If they do, who knows what they might discover. They could end up rethinking the film and giving it a little more credit than they did upon its theatrical run.
"Cars 2" revolves around Tow Mater and Lightning McQueen traveling overseas for the World Grand Prix. Mater accidentally gets involved in a top-secret spy mission that takes him to new heights of danger and excitement. The loyal tow truck is faced with the dilemma of helping his best friend McQueen or completing his important assignment.
The focus on Lightning McQueen in the first film is shifted to Mater for "Cars 2." It seems like it worked out better because most children and even their parents can relate to Mater better. Mater has good intentions and always wants to help out but sometimes has trouble displaying his affections. He's the underdog that always finds a way to overcome his situation and rise above his challenges.
Thankfully, I haven't watched Larry the Cable Guy enough to know his voice when I hear it. I think this has everything to do with the fact that I don't get horribly annoyed every time Mater starts talking like some people I've heard from. The rest of the voice cast is wonderful. Owen Wilson returns as Lightning McQueen. Michael Caine is perfect as British spy Finn McMissile. Emily Mortimer voices the vehicle equivalent of a Bond girl as Holly Shiftwell.
The two-disc combo pack of "Cars 2" doesn't come with many special features. Both the Blu-ray and regular format DVD come with the same extras. Two Pixar shorts are included. They are the "Toy Story" Toon "Hawaiian Vacation" and "Cars" Toon "Air Mater." Both of these shorts will definitely thrill fans and help fill small voids in their lives for more of the characters from the two franchises. There's also director's commentary for the film. In comparison to other two-disc combo packs Disney has released recently, this is pretty light in the special features department. It seems obvious that this was rushed out for the Christmas season.
As far as the movie is concerned, I think "Cars 2" will hold kids' attention far longer than the original did. It also has enough "adult-humor" and pop culture references to keep the attention of parents who might not be big fans of animated films. It would be a great choice for family movie night.
For more articles by Eric Shirey, check out:
'Air Mater' Director Rob Gibbs Discusses Inspiration, Animation, Voicing for Short Film
'Cars 2: The Video Games' Gets Thumbs Up from Players
'Cars 2' Toys that Will Thrill Kids
Eric Shirey is the founder and former editor of Rondo Award nominated movie news websites MovieGeekFeed.com and TheSpectralRealm.com. His work has been featured on Yahoo!, DC Comics, StarWars.com, and other entertainment websites. Eric has interviewed and worked with actors like Harrison Ford, Brooke Shields, Gerard Butler, Brendan Fraser, Selena Gomez, and many more.
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