Lasseter's pet project doesn't rev on all cylinders

Rating: 4/10 (25 May 2006)

First off, I am a huge Pixar fan. Loved every feature they've done.
Unfortunately that ends with CARS.
Is is a good movie? Yeah, well, nope. Is it an OK movie? Sure, I'll give you that one.
After such a string of hits it's bound to catch up with you. And CARS catches up with it. With a multiple team of writers (always a bad sign) and the supposed pet project of John Lasseter, CARS just never gets passed first gear. Outside of DANCES WITH WOLVES, the Costner pet project that was just amazing, can you name 1 pet project from any Hollywood director, actor, etc. that was good? That's the problem with pet projects. Those involved have blinders on, and the end result is usually not pretty.
I'm not going to give you a movie summary - I'll let other people do that.
I will say that the movie will appeal, hugely, to boys 6-14. How can you beat race cars to that crowd. You can't. However, for the adults in the audience that has been able to enjoy every Pixar flick, up to know, right along with their kids will be squirming in their seats. It gets L O N G and S L O W in parts.
Will it make $150Mil? Probably. Too much marketing and blitzing to stop that train. Is it DVD - able? Not really. Again, outside of young boys I don't see anyone wanting to view this over and over.
And that's my line.