For big kids and rev heads

Rating: 9/10 (30 June 2006)

As a rev-head this one was a must-see for me. Like Shrek, where you use your kids as an alibi to go and see a kids film you really want to see yourself. Like all the good CGI animated kids films, this one has something for everybody. The problem with CGI animated kids films, is that it's hard to find something original. Talking animals have been done to death, we've had talking bugs, talking toys, and occasionally people. Considering all of that, talking cars is a fairly original idea and the creativity put into these cars with personalities is exceptional. It's more than just crude gags about lubricants. The writers have really brought this world of talking cars alive with some wonderful quirky humour and ideas. For example, the scenes where two central characters pull nighttime pranks in paddocks, the human equivalent of "tipping cows", except instead of cows, they are big, dumb tractors, are hilarious. Sure, some of the humour may be lost on the non-car initiated but it would be hard to miss most of it. And, like all good "big kid" films, the underlying message is a poignant and feelgood one. Nostalgia, the simple life, self-discovery and friendship are all dealt with in this ripper little yarn with cute talking cars. Pardon the pun, but it's an excellent vehicle to deliver an excellent and entertaining message. Just when you thought silky-smooth and perfect CGI animated cartoons were getting past their use-by date, this one is welcome. Oh, and rev heads, watch out for some high-profile cameos, not just American ones.