Cars 2

Review by Sean Lynch

It's a sad day in the world of film when Pixar has to defend it's cinematic choices. For over 15 years, the CGI masters have achieved what very few have - consistent perfection.

Whether it's ground breaking special effects, truly original ideas or tough pitches (seriously, what other film company could get away with a movie about "a grumpy old man who has lots of balloons" that makes you shed a tear without a single shred of dialogue?) or just the often forgotten art of "a well written story", they've really done no wrong.

Even their previous ventures into the troubled world of sequels, Pixar have managed to exceed audience and history's expectations. Whereas Police Academy 3 : Back In Training was a blight on comedy - Toy Story 3 somehow turned out to be one of the best films of any kind of it's year.

Needless to say, my love and respect for the "Pixar" brand name (not to be confused with the "Disney Animations" tag which has given us passable CGI fluff like Chicken Little and Bolt) is enormous.

They've never bowed to the pressure of commercialism over quality, despite being armed with an arsenal of potential money-making franchises under their belt.

Until now that is.

The first Cars film has long been regarded as "the weak Pixar" film. It aimed squarely at the toddlers, discarding the insightful stories and humour which spoke to all ages of Pixar's previous adventures.

This isn't necessarily a problem. It's sort of like seeing Michael Jordan play baseball - it's not going to increase his credibility, but he's earned the right to do something fun. But just because he can play golf, it doesn't mean he should.

Such is the case with Cars 2.

The second time around, the Cars franchise is really pushing it's luck with the "Give them a break, Pixar deserve an easy weekend off" school of thought. Just because they can make money, it doesn't mean they should.

Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) and the incomparable tow truck Mater (voice of Larry the Cable Guy) head overseas to compete in the first-ever World Grand Prix. Then for no apparent reason other than to flesh out the minutes, Mater gets caught up in an intriguing adventure of his own : international espionage.

The problems of Cars 2 are clear - with a woefully hobbled together script (almost as if a few left over "Cars-Toons" have been sticky taped together), next to no humour and a distinct lack of heart serving as it's biggest sins.

There is also the shift in focus onto one of Cars' "humorous side characters" in the Red-Neck-Truck Mater. Like most side characters - the reason they become popular is because we get to see them shine in small doses. There is a very good reason why no one remembers Christmas Vacation 2 : Cousin Eddie's Island Adventure.

With Lightning McQueen relegated to a "You didn't even need to turn up" cameo, we are left with a rather grating 90 minutes of Mater and his ability to give you a headache.

The Toy Story sequels succeeded by concentrating on the heart of their story - the relationship between Woody & Buzz. Let's face it, Toy Story 4 : That Pig Money Box Character's Big Adventure would make cash, but it's hardly on our "Must See List".

Again, if this was any company other than Pixar, I could let these problems slide and just pass it off as "A fun movie for little kids". Because, for toddlers, Cars 2 is colourful and exciting. It's Thomas The Tank Engine minus Ringo Starr.

But on the sheer principal of what the Pixar logo has stood for for over a decade, Cars 2 should have never made it past the pitch meeting.

All I'm saying is - when the most common defense of your film is "Yeah, but it make lots of money in toy sales" you know you're in trouble. At least they're honest I guess.

We're not angry Pixar, we're just disappointed.

2 out of 5

Cars 2
Australian release: 23rd June, 2011
Official Site: Cars 2
Cast: Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy, John Turturro and Michael Caine
Director: John Lasseter, Brad Lewis