Why does it feel like a soulless cash-grab?

Rating: 5/10 (13 June 2017)

"Cars" was never one of my favorite PIXAR movies, even back in the days when I was an ardent fanboy. But before I say anything else about it, the animation is resplendent, above reproach and characteristic of the studio's reputed craft.
It's everything else that isn't. This movie lacks the heart of the studio's other titles (say, "Toy Story" or . . . hell, any of them) and it grinds down to a halt once the story moves away from the race track. From there, it's lots of Larry the Cable Guy, awkward gags, and awful cover songs. It's completely fair to say that Michael Keaton - in his few minutes' worth of presence - steals this thing.
But it's shocking to learn that this "Doc Hollywood" rip-off was a passion project for John Lasseter.
It's not good.
5/10