It was Inevitable.. The first poor Pixar movie...

Rating: Null/10 (3 August 2011)

Pixar has never succumbed to cash-in sequels; sure, we had both Toy Storys' 1 + 2, but there was another chapter to their story that had to be told. However, I always doubted a sequel to Cars could improve on its predecessor as it had reached a natural conclusion- I rated Cars higher than other reviewers as I liked its fish-out-of-water, homely Pixar-like feel. It didn't need a sequel..
And it certainly didn't deserve this.
Cars 2 bears no resemblance to its 1st chapter and you get the feeling that John Lasseter, director, was just let loose, no one stepping in his way to put his pet project on the right tracks.
Other reviewers explain its Bond-like premise, a global travel movie following Maters exploits as an 'accidental' spy. And everyones favourite Lightning McQueen? He's sidelined, almost a cameo appearance from Owen Wilson. Which begs the question- why did he bother? Larry the Cable Guys' Mater was the comic relief in the first film but is now promoted to lead, stretching every audience member to the limit with his corny and mind-numbing jokes.
The story is hard to follow, especially for its supposed target audience, and its excessive use of violence makes me question its 'U' rating. It starts off well enough with a prologue featuring the ever-watchable Michael Caine. But as soon as we arrive in the familiar surroundings of Radiator Springs, everything takes a turn for the worse..
Oh why, Pixar.....