"I'm In Hillbilly Hell! My IQ's Dropping By The Second!" --- Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson)

Rating: 9/10 (15 January 2007)

"Cars" (2006)
Directed By: John Lasseter
Starring: Owen Wilson, Paul Newman, Bonnie Hunt, Larry the Cable Guy, Cheech Marin, & Tony Shalhoub
MPAA Rating: "G"
Disney and Pixar team up once again to continue the legacy of animated excellence. I don't know anyone who hasn't seen "Toy Story", "Toy Story 2", "A Bug's Life", "The Incredibles", and "Finding Nemo" more than once. They are amazing animated movies that are entertaining for all ages. They have proved to be modern classics. The question now is: does "Cars" live up to the Disney and Pixar legacy? Does it retain the same excellence executed so brilliantly in the four movies that came before it? Well, mostly yesbut a pinch of no. "Cars" is a charming family movie with an excellent array of intriguing characters and a wonderful voice-over cast. But, there was something missing and I'm still not sure what it is. It just wasn't quite as good as the other projects from Disney and Pixarwhich, please let me stress, does not mean that "Cars" is not a good movie--quite the opposite actually. "Cars" kept me entertained throughout and presented a seamless balance between entertaining adults and entertaining kids. If you were a fan of the other Disney/Pixar, then "Cars" will, no doubt, find a warm place in your heart, as well. Though, don't expect this to surpass the likes of "Finding Nemo".
Lightning McQueen (voiced by Wilson) is a big-time racecar who has the chance to win the Piston Cup, gain better sponsoring, and become the greatest champion racing has ever seen. But, on his way to the cup, he accidentally falls off of the truck carrying him and crashes into the small town of Radiator Springs, home to eclectic bunch of cars, including Mayor Doc Hudson (voiced by Newman) and the beautiful attorney, Sally (voiced by Hunt). McQueen accidentally destroys the only road in the town and, as punishment, is sentenced to community service. He must repair the road before he can leave. As all of his plans for escape fail miserably, McQueen slowly becomes closer to the somewhat wacky citizens of Radiator Springsespecially to Sally. But, with the Piston Cup quickly growing, will Lightning choose his old lifestyle or will he stay at the quirky, but lovable Radiator Springshis one chance to find a caring place in the world. Life is a journey. Enjoy the trip.
I missed "Cars" in theaters, but I managed to watch it at the school (where I work) with my group of children (all are in Kindergarten). I, as well as the two teachers with whom I work and every student, had a blast. "Cars" shows that I should probably rethink my average reviews of such animated films as "The Wild". If Disney and Pixar (combined) can consistently make amazing animated movies year after year, then why shouldn't any other studio? But, that is beside the point. "Cars" has got some of the best laughs in the world and is amazingly creative. The cars in this movie all have very human characteristics transformed to feet the fact that they are automobiles. If you have ever been to a concert or to any big event, you have probably done "The Wave". The cars also do the waveexcept instead of raising their arms in the air, they flash their headlights. The movie is filled with moments like these and "Cars" seems to enjoy packing itself with small bits of humor that you will miss on your first showing. I know that, even though I have seen the movie approximately three times, I still haven't found everything.
I know that the "Cars" fanboys will probably give me heat for thisand I am sure that many of them will probably discontinue reading this review at my very next sentence. "Cars" seems far too similar to "Doc Hollywood"--and that, my friends, is the problem. Disney and Pixar, when together, typically revel in their original story lines. Yet, "Cars" was far too reminiscent of the Michael J. Fox comedy from 1991. Trade a wealthy, young doctor for a cocky, young racecar and you have "Cars". I really must admit that this was the most disappointing aspect of the movie, though I am sure that most six-year-olds have never even heard of "Doc Hollywood" or even of Michael J. Fox. However, "Cars" almost completely makes up for that with its creativity everywhere else and with its characters. The bright spot of "Cars" is the cars themselves. Everyone, from Lightning McQueen to Mater (voiced by Larry the Cable Guy), seem to have their own personalities. "Cars" proves that, if you want a good animated movie, Disney/Pixar is STILL the company to trust.
Final Thought: Though not the best film from Disney and Pixar, it is easily one the best animated movies of the year.
Overall Rating: 9/10 (A)