From the acclaimed creators of TOY STORY, THE INCREDIBLES, and FINDING NEMO comes a high-octane adventure comedy that shows life is about the journey, not the finish line. Hotshot rookie race car Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) is living life in the fast lane until he hits a detour on his way to the most important race of his life. Stranded in Radiator Springs, a forgotten town on the old Route 66, he meets Sally, Mater, Doc Hudson (Paul Newman), and a variety of quirky characters who help him discover that there’s more to life than trophies and fame. Revved up with a sensational soundtrack, featuring Rascal Flatts, Sheryl Crow, John Mayer, James Taylor, and others, plus exciting bonus features, including the exclusive short movie “Mater And The Ghostlight,” CARS is full of freewheeling fun for everyone.There’s an extra coat of hot wax on Pixar’s vibrant, NASCAR-influenced comedy about a world populated entirely by cars. Lightning McQueen (voiced by Owen Wilson) is the slick rookie taking the Piston Cup series by storm when the last race of the season (the film’s high-octane opening) ends in a three-way tie. On the way to the tie-breaker race in California, Lightning loses his way off Route 66 in the Southwest desert and is taught to stop and smell the roses by the forgotten citizens of Radiator Springs. It’s odd to have such a slim story from the whizzes of Pixar, and the film pales a bit from their other films (though can that be a fair comparison?). Nonetheless, Cars is another gleaming ride with Pixar founder John Lasseter, who’s directing for the first time since Toy Story 2. There’s the usual spectrum of excellent characters teamed with appropriate voice talent, loads of smooth humor for kids and parents alike, knockout visuals, and a colorful array of sidekicks, including a scene-stealing baby blue forklift named Guido. Lightning’s plight is changed with the help of former big-city lawyer Sally Carrera (Pixar veteran Bonnie Hunt), the town’s patriarch Doc Hudson (Paul Newman), and kooky tow truck Mater (Larry the Cable Guy). The Incredibles was the first Pixar film to break the 100-minute barrier, but had enough story not to suffer; Cars, at 116 minutes (including some must-see end credit footage), is not as fortunate, plus it never pierces the heart. Trivia fans should have bonanza with the frame-by-frame DVD function; the movie is stuffed with in-jokes, some appearing only for an instant. Ages 5 and up. –Doug Thomas
January 24, 2006
#1
I hope that is a typo, it would be a shame if it’s released pan&scan instead of widescreen. Hope all pixar films (and disney too) will be in their original aspect ratio. 1.33:1 would be an outrage!
January 24, 2006
#2
Is it the lack of education? Is it the drugs of today? Or is it that this newer generation is so into computer generated effects that real talent doesn’t matter anymore? I took my nephew to see this film and i couldn’t wait for it to be over. What happened to the sharpness of the older cartoon features. As old as “Snow White” is, that had better quality than any feature cartoon made in the past decade. I think because of the lack of american education the kids today will accept anything that is put in front of them. I’m so glad i’m not a kid anymore. Total waste of time, don’t bother to see this film, or rent it, or buy it.
January 24, 2006
#3
** 1/2 Cars looks stupid and crazy unlike any Pixair movies.Once agian the water cycle is idotic and more crazy than Chicken Little.Talking cars, a stupid race…..I don’t think so….I don’t think so…..Although I put **2 1/2 stars because the animation is WONDERFUL.I like the widscreen previews but it’s sooooooooooooooo0 stupid that’s why I put the half.That’s all I can say.STUPID. STUPID. STUPID. STUPID. and don’t forget….STUPID.
January 24, 2006
#4
The car race industry is very good at cultivating new customers at an early age. I wonder if the producers of “Cars” received some money from the business.
Also, I wonder if tales of adorable cars are really the wisest entertainment choices we can make for our kids. How much of a movie like this is entertainment, and how much is PR for the automobile economy?
I thought “Finding Nemo” was a much better movie for kids, and it had a strong message about respect for marine life and care of the oceans (which are under duress due to warming waters).
I gave “Cars” 2 stars instead of 1 because I haven’t seen the whole film, and maybe there are some aspects of the film that I’d appreciate if I looked more closely at it.
For a regular source of good media for children, I’d recommend “Mothering” magazine. They review all sorts of good movies, CDs and books to entertain and educate young people.
January 24, 2006
#5
I’m afraid to say that I simply hated this movie. It was boring, slow, and the story sucks. Pixar has really been failing recently, including Finding Nemo, Incredibles, and then this. If anybody wants to see a good animated movie, go see Over The Hedge. I give that 5 stars, as it is the best animated movie I’ve ever seen.