Pixar's new film is a "wheel" treat!

Rating: Null/10 (23 October 2006)

I remember seeing this film at the cinema with my friend not long ago, with chocolate and drinks all around us. Two hours later, I left the cinema, smiling and impressed. Yes, Pixar certainly haven't lost their touch as they get older. In fact, I think they're getting better! Owen Wilson is the voice of Lightning McQueen, an arrogant racing car who competes in the Piston Cup: a racing tournament. He ties with two other cars in the finals, so all three must travel to California for a tiebreaker. But on the way, he accidentally ruins a small town named Radiator Springs and is sentenced to community service there, repairing the stuff he destroyed. But as reluctant and stubborn as he is, he learns important lessons about his selfishness from the moral citizens of the town and as the film unravels, he slowly builds up a new, honourable and trustworthy personality.
There have been plenty of CGI films recently, but none can compete with Pixar's films. For example, the graphics in "Cars" is simply beautiful. You could actually compare them to a real-life scene or object and the difference would be small. Pixar have done the right colours, excellent real-life feel, all that sort of stuff, and the backgrounds are also nice, ranging from a huge racing stadium to the huge canyons beyond Radiator Springs.
The film also has a good cast on board: Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy, John Ratzenberger (whose continuing appearances in Pixar films has been turned into an in-joke) and even Paul Newman. Everyone has a different personality, McQueen is the cocky arrogant racer, Mater is a stereotypical hillbilly, Sally is the sweet, pretty female car, and Doc is an old, serious car. There are lots of puns which will get laughs out of you and the plot hooks you and has you stay in your seat. Also, the voices of the cast match their car's looks and personality perfectly, which I found a nice touch.
I also give "Cars" points for originality: talking cars. A simple idea, but executed fantastically. The cars' windscreens are eyes. Their grilles are mouths. And their wheels are basically feet and legs. It's easy to take a liking to this, plus the everyday objects that the cars use are quite cool (fuel is water to them, rust is dirt to them, etc).
Parents will also be pretty impressed by this film and how it delivers something for everyone, from relaxing scenes of drives in Radiator Springs for the calm ones, and the tense action-packed racing for the boys.
In conclusion, Pixar have yet again given us a perfect example of what a kid's film needs to be: a solid, funny and entertaining film with top-notch animation and originality. A must-see film for kids and animation fans.