Same problem as with the first film

Rating: 4/10 (22 November 2011)

Cars no. 2? Not great. Pixar has been able to top itself time after time but this is a little step backward.
Not that it doesn't entertain and the animation, while not sensational is crisp. The main problems are the characters and the story. Having an accidental spy plot is always dangerous ground. Many have tried and failed (The Man Who Knew Too Little or The Man With One Red Shoe), dismal failures in the careers of Bill Murray and Tom Hanks respectively. Those plots are basically repeated here and only slightly improved.
The gags are also extremely weak. Lightning McQueen is made a supporting character while Mater takes the lead. Because of that, slight alterations are made to his character but they are alas not that interesting. A mortal sin is having Michael Caine in a totally straight part which doesn't even have a hint of self-referential acknowledgment.
As mentioned before, the story is simply not compelling and there are too many stereotypical characters. To make them into talking cars doesn't make them less of a cliché.
Don't take what is written deter you from watching it, though. There are still enough to enjoy but if you are a die-hard Pixar follower, you will be disappointed.