Never gets out of second gear.

Rating: 5/10 (1 July 2011)

In the modern age, people typically associate the pre-conceived quality of a film with its director or cast, but very rarely do entire studios develop a similar reputation. Pixar is the best example of this, having churned out mostly excellent films that have forever changed the phrase 'fun for the whole family' (once loosely translatable as 'a yawn-fest for anyone over five') and created movies that are designed for kids at their most basic level, but can genuinely be enjoyed by people of all ages. And while I wouldn't consider Cars 2 right up there with Pixar's greatest accomplishments, it isn't a total flop either.
Having just won the Piston Cup, Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) is looking forward to some down time in Radiator Springs. That is until the cocky Francesco Bernoulli (John Turturro) appears on television, proclaiming that he is the fastest racecar on the planet. An appeal to the contrary by McQueen's best friend Mater (Larry the Cable Guy) sparks the first ever World Grand Prix. Intertwined within this story is secret agen-err car, Finn McMissile (Michael Caine) who enlists the help of Mater to thwart the plans of the evil lemon cars, sick of being the laughing stock of the world.
Character-wise, the most noticeable difference in Cars 2 from the original is that Mater has made the jump to lead protagonist, while McQueen appears on occasion just to tie up the loose ends and advance the plot. The entire secret agent story is fantastical and a far cry from the more intimate setting of the first film, although that is unlikely to phase the film's target market. I could have gone without it, and yet cutting it out completely turns Cars 2 into a forty-minute TV special, as opposed to a feature-length presentation. So this is definitely a case of 'I don't know how to improve it, I just know I don't like it.'
I can understand applying the 'bigger is better' formula to such a sequel, but the increased screen time enjoyed by Mater is actually a detriment, as a character that outlandish is best taken in small doses. Having said that, the film does its best to draw sympathy from the audience in key scenes. We genuinely feel for Mater when his feelings get hurt, but such heartfelt moments (that have become one of Pixar's greatest weapons) are unfortunately dealt with all too quickly, and swiftly pushed aside to make room for the next big set piece.
Visual gags dominate the humour landscape of the film, which again should come as no surprise considering whom the film is aimed at. Because the events of this movie occur all over the world, it allows animators to apply all sorts of racial stereotypes for a cheap laugh. McQueen's Italian rival talks in a thick, cheesy accent, is painted the same colours as his national flag, and lists soccer as his favourite pastime. Comedy is not the film's strong suit, and generally fails to deliver any fresh material that may have otherwise made the film more engaging for us older kids.
Two minor areas in which Cars 2 falls flat are, ironically, two areas in which Pixar tends to excel. The film lacks a quality villain, one that appears genuinely threatening and capable of instilling fear like, say, Toy Story 3's Lotso. Also, subtle in-jokes regarding the state of pollution in the world, as well as the impending need to switch to alternative fuel feel uncharacteristically forced. Naturally, these moments are intended to fly right over a younger viewer's head, but they felt like nothing more than a guilt-trip to me.
Upon this film's release, many were inclined to argue that Pixar has finally sold out and produced a film solely for merchandising purposes. While this may be true to some extent, it's important to remember that it is only lacklustre by Pixar's high standards, and could have been far more painful under a lesser studio's supervision. Sure, this sequel does no more than simply go through the motions for ninety minutes, but remains a bearable (albeit somewhat unfulfilling) experience.
*There's nothing I love more than a bit of feedback, good or bad. So drop me a line on jnatsis@iprimus.com.au and let me know what you thought of my review.*