a nice looking film let down by weak writing

Rating: Null/10 (18 March 2012)

Pixar takes audiences back into the world of cars in this sequel to the 2006 hit. Lightning McQueen, having achieved much fame and success for his multiple Piston Cup awards, returns home to Radiator Springs to take a break and bond with his best friend Mater. Having been goaded by the supercilious Francesco Bernoulli, McQueen decides to enter the World Grand Prix and takes pal Mater along with him, but things quickly go askew when a case of mistaken identity plunges Mater deep into an espionage plot. Fantastic animation (especially key locations throughout Europe), and a stellar cast of voices can't overcome the clichéd themes and convoluted plot which even adults may have trouble trying to comprehend. Shows some life in its third act with relentless action scenes, but the film's overall impact is muted. **