Runs well on all cylinders

Rating: 8/10 (16 June 2006)

A road racing good time for adults and kids alike. Well-defined and appealing characters, a number of sight gags and one-liner jokes, an easy plot to follow, several well integrated back-stories, and more are coordinated for a fast and fun ride. When the characters reach the finish line, the story has emphasized the importance of friendship, trust, loyalty, responsibility, and kindness.
Wild, brash, reckless, and self-focused race car Lightning McQueen is en route to a three-way racing duel to determine a racing champion. Along the way, however, fate steps in to divert him to a bypassed and forgotten town along the old route 66. McQueen's new friends in this town bring him revelations about what kinds of things are really important and valuable; and his resulting metamorphosis serves as the impetus for a very upbeat finale.
Since the Pixar folks have created a universe populated only by cars (humans do not exist at all in this universe--unlike other Pixar films), most of the jokes will follow an automobile-reference theme. These and other cultural in-jokes are numerous in the movie and will go way over a kid's head. Still, families should be able to enjoy this movie together, as there's enough silly slapstick and goofy humor at a kid's level to keep them involved; mostly provided by the cleverly written supporting "comic relief" characters. Look closely at the flies buzzing around for one of the movie's best sight gags.
Good natured entertainment with heart that conveys a nice message. Highly recommended for adults and children alike. Be sure to hang around as the credits roll, as an epilogue provides a few additional gags, and ties up loose ends from various sub-plots.