One of my favorite things about the original Cars movie was that it was a fun and light-hearted film that appeals to both adults and kids. Anyone at any age could enjoy the movie, the story, and the brilliant animation. I was excited to learn about the sequel, Cars 2, and initial movie previews suggested it wouldn’t suffer the sequel doldrums that other films have been plagued with. Yesterday morning, my suspicions that Disney would provide yet another great, family-friendly movie proved true.
About Cars 2
The Review
If you go to Cars 2 thinking it’ll be a different take on the same story, you’d be wrong. One of the things that makes this sequel so successful is that the filmmakers didn’t stick to the same characters with a different twist on the same plot. Instead, it’s almost as if they created an entirely different story just for this film and found a way to weave in some of the familiar faces from the first movie. My best description of Cars 2 is to picture a vehicular version of James Bond (without the martinis.)
The “star” of Cars 2 is Lightning’s best friend, Mater. Through the film, we get the chance to see the world through Mater’s eyes, as well as learn more about the tow truck that Mater is. If you think he’s just some fool of a car, you’re mistaken. Underneath the rust and the child-like spirit, there is a fiercely loyal friend and an excellent secret agent. You read that right, secret agent.
There are a couple of new additions to the cast, who help Mater find his inner spy – seasoned spy Finn McMissile, brilliantly voiced by Michael Caine, and Holley Shiftwell, a rookie field agent with an amazing on-board computer. Finn and Holley work with Mater to stop the destructive plans of a mysterious villian, all the while Mater is insisting that he is just a tow truck. I really liked Finn McMissle with all of his cool gadgets and contraptions, who always kept cool in any situation. Formula One car Francesco Bernoulli is also introduced as Lightning McQueen’s rival at the World Grand Prix. Voiced by John Turturro, Francesco is filled with humorous taunts to get under Lightning’s skin hood.
When it comes to action-packed movies, Cars 2 has it all. Explosions, race cars, mystery, and humor. It was easy to get caught up in the story and it was endearing to watch Mater grow as a tow truck through the film. Mater isn’t the only one to learn something about himself in this film, though. You can also see how Lightning learns to embrace and appreciate the spirit that Mater brings to his international adventures.
Cars 2 is rated G and opens in theaters on June 24, 2011. It is a fun and exciting, family-friendly film that will certainly keep your kids engaged and entertained throughout.
P.S. There is even a special Toy Story short at the start of the film to get things rolling!
P.P.S. Don’t forget to enter our Cars 2 giveaway for a chance to win some fun Cars 2 gear for the kids!
Cars 2 Online
Disclaimer: This post consists of my (and/or fellow tester) opinions only. Your experiences may be different. No compensation was given for this review/giveaway. I did receive free tickets to watch Cars 2 from the representing PR agency to use and test for the purposes of this review. This did not affect the outcome of this review.
denise says
June 19, 2011 at 11:45 amsounds fun; my 6yob can’t wait
Miriam says
June 19, 2011 at 2:46 pmYou’ll love it! There was an insane crowd yesterday – they had to turn away 150 people!
Koupon Krazed says
June 19, 2011 at 4:57 pmSound like a fun movie! I am visiting from Pitch It To Me.
denise says
June 19, 2011 at 10:33 pmsounds crazy! was it at Muvico? …usually the free sneak peaks are at Arundel Mills Muvico… I’m sure there’s a place like that closer to you
Miriam says
June 19, 2011 at 11:35 pmNope – not at Muvico. I’ve heard of Arundel Mills but have no clue where it is. Isn’t that were all the outlet stores are?