Cars 2 is not vintage Pixar but it's fun!

Rating: Null/10 (11 August 2011)

Since the release of the first fully computer animated feature film Toy Story (1995), Pixar Animation Studios have enjoyed a string of successes with their films. Critics adore them, adults and children are stunned by them. But 2006′s Cars was the first movie to split opinions. It was certainly the weakest Pixar entry. Five years later, the public has been invited back into the driving seat for the sequel which again has divided the masses.
Cars 2 is not vintage Pixar, it lacks the intimacy of Up (2009), the intrigue of Wall.E (2008) and the nostalgic joy of the Toy Story franchise (1995 – 2010). It is not a perfect film by any sense of the word and joins its predecessor in the weaker section of the studio's filmography. However, Cars 2 is still thrilling and visually extravagant, surpassing the majority of its animated rivals.
After being challenged by Italian Formula 1 car Francesco Bernoulli (voiced by John Turturro), Piston Cup winner Lightning McQueen (voiced by Owen Wilson) teams up with 'Tow' Mater (voiced by Larry the Cable Guy) and heads off to the World Grand Prix: the ultimate race that takes place in Japan, Italy and London. However, behind the scenes is a spy ring headed by British secret agent Finn McMissile (voiced by Sir Michael Caine) and his new partner Holley Shiftwell (voiced by Emily Mortimer). Some confusion later leads to Mater being mistaken for a spy and he has to join forces with McMissile to stop a deadly threat to the car world.
The main problem with Pixar's sequel is that it seems to slightly forget what the studio preaches oh–so–often. Chief Creative Officer John Lasseter is famous for believing that computer animation is only a tool to make these movies; characters and narrative drive the picture. But the characterisation in this movie is sadly below par. The majority of Radiator Springs' natives are completely forgotten and bizarrely, Mater has the majority of the screen time, making him the lead and McQueen the supporting act.
It is certainly not all bad. The last few DreamWorks entries have gone toe-to-toe with the Luxo Lamps, but Cars 2 makes sure they lead the pack once again. The visuals are phenomenal, particularly in the race sequences: the Tokyo footage is beautiful with its glowing neons soaking the night's sky and the impressive reflections on the racers' bodywork.
Then, there's the action: the film's opening is literally explosive, the espionage storyline brings insanely cool gadgets bursting to life in all the mania while the chase sequences look and feel fast-paced. One particular chase through the tightly-wound Italian streets is certainly amongst the film's high points.
The voicing is universally very good. Wilson is great as McQueen and does exactly what he does in the first picture, he's just not as cocky. Caine is great as McMissile and is easily the best character in the film: his gadgets are cool, his action scenes are cool and he, himself, is undeniably cool. Mortimer is also a strong casting choice as Shiftwell as is Turturro as the cheesy and over-confident Francesco.
If you are looking for a family film to see now the children have finished school, Cars 2 is a great choice and offers plenty for all to enjoy. If you are expecting another Toy Story 3 or an inner-child exercise, you might be a little disappointed.
Verdict: ●●● Although 'Cars 2′ doesn't offer the sheer wonder of other Pixar features, it's still a very solid, entertaining and visually impeccable feature that's well worth your time.
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