Start Your Engines!

Rating: 9/10 (22 May 2015)

Cars (2006): Dir: John Lasseter / Voices: Owen Wilson, Paul Newman, Larry the Cable Guy, Bonnie Hunt, Tony Shalhoub: From the creators of Toy Story and Monsters Inc comes this surprisingly imaginative computer animated film about cars. It is never explained why these vehicles sustain life but director John Lasseter succeeds in creating a story of wondrous images and virtue. Owen Wilson voices race car Lightning McQueen who serves time in Radiator Springs after a night of misfortune. He is sentenced to repair damage he caused but ultimately realizes that this rundown town was once a production for cars. He meets Doc voiced by Paul Newman who hides a past. Portia voiced by Bonnie Hunt teaches Lightning to slow down before he misses the important things in life. How two cars romance is something that is never attempted in an explanation here. There is also a rusty tow truck voiced by Larry the Cable Guy who befriends Lightning and introduces him to a new version of cow tipping that is one of the funniest jokes. Tony Shalhoub voices Luigi, and Richard Cheech Marin voices a Chevy Impala named Ramone. The computer generated images bring the characters to life presenting glorious colour and accompanied by a screenplay that crosses the finish line. Strong theme regarding selflessness highlights this superb animated gem that wins more than a race. Score: 9 / 10