Customer Reviews

Cars 2 [Blu-ray]

5 star:		(42)
4 star:		(22)
3 star:		(20)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

Both me and my 10 y.o. daughter we liked this movie and we spend mostly pleasant cinema moment - but exactly as in the case of "Kung Fu Panda 2" earlier during the year we both agreed that this sequel was for many reasons inferior to the original. This is also the first Pixar movie ever that I did not totally adore - I liked it, but no more. Below you will find the reasons why - in my personal opinion - "Cars 2" is weaker than the original.

1. The story, part 1 - producers wanted a car/spy movie referring to James Bond franchise and they got it, but the price for it is a plot both complicated and - for the first time in Pixar's movies - simply stupid! Also, I am certain that smaller children who never watched any James Bond movies (or any spy movies for that matter) will not get the story and get confused. Which is more, all the shooting, crashing, exploding and bombing are in my modest opinion out of place in a kid's movie. And to complete the picture, there is even a quite scary scene of TORTURE and MURDER of a spy car by the bad guys!

2. The story, part 2 - I personally found that some elements of plot are quasi racist! The bad guys (or rather the bad cars) are all the obsolescent marks from countries of former East block (Zigoulis, Zastavas, Yugos, Trabants, etc.), who are ugly, cheap, frequently disfunctionning, leaking oil, etc. They are in fact the lowest proletariat in "Cars" world. Frankly it could be a good idea to make the movie about renovation of those old and rather pathetic cars (like converting them to more ecologic fuels) which could give them some kind of a future and a place in society - but instead they are presented as murderous villains! Now that is a great idea to show your little kids - if somebody is poor and down on his luck, speaks with foreign accent, looks foreign, wear used clothes and obviously suffers, he/she is obviously dangerous and must be destroyed by classy people!

3. Mater - he was an absolute delight in the first movie, as a simple (OK, really simple) village guy, amateur of simple pleasures, but who could at the right moment deliver a piece of deep wisdom coming not from his brain but from his genuinely good, honest heart; in this movie first he appears as a completely babbling idiot with bad manners - before turning into a super hero in the last five minutes as if he has been touched by a magic wand... That is a real let down for such a lovely and successful character...

4. All the wonderful and colourful four wheeled "people" from Radiator Springs appear just in cameos - the whole movie turns around Lightning McQueen, Mater, the two good spies, one Italian racing car and a horde of evil doers. Doc Hudson obviously couldn't be around anymore - but Sally, Red, Sarge, Fillmore, Luigi, Sheriff, Flo and others are almost inexistent.

5. More generally, the heart warming gentle message of the first movie is totally missing in action and the whole ending and plot solution seem totally artificial.

That being said, most kids should like this film, with all the racing and shooting appealing may be slightly more to the little boys than girls. Still, I think that children between 4 and 7 years will not understand much, they will probably get scared in some moments and I am afraid they will really not like the scene of torture and execution of car by the bad guys.

I felt a little bit sad leaving the cinema. Until now, Pixar managed to make a perfect run - from the first "Toy Story" to the "Toy Story 3" their movies brought something new, beautiful and precious in kids movies, to such point that even the grownups could enjoy them fully and learn some life lessons from them. "Cars 2" however is something different, made hastily, of lesser quality and even a little bit ugly in some moments - and it seems to me that it was made first and before all to help sell "Cars" merchandise... and it shows on the screen... I really hope that with "Brave" which is due for opening next year Pixar will come back to its former great shape.

The 4-star rating above composes 3 stars for the story and 5 for the animation - I err on the side of generosity as, of course, Cars 2 is not as bad as the critics said. They didn't particularly like the original Cars, so they were unlikely to welcome a sequel with open arms, especially one with Mater as the main character! But this isn't a straightforward sequel that leaves the spirit of the original intact. I found it surprisingly violent. Other reviewers commented on the torture scene - and that's not the only nasty moment. It definitely should have got the PG rating mysteriously allocated to its predecessor which was really a U. The set pieces are spectacular, but as this film sets off doggedly down the action movie route there is little counterbalancing character development or emotional buy-in that distinguish Pixar at its best. Given that the original file has cult status among under-10 boys, I felt that the plot is quite complex for younger children to grasp, even if they're not bothered by the violence. At least this will make it watchable for a repeat viewing.

Following the success of "Mater's Tall Tales", Mater has obviously emerged as the most popular (or marketable, or John Lasseter's favourite) Cars character, so Pixar decided to make him the central character in Cars 2. Having closed the loop on Radiator Springs in the original film they needed a McGuffin to make "Mater's Tall Tales the Movie" work. Unfortunately the vehicle (no pun) chosen is a spy film, a rather dated genre which sends the film off down a violent action path with very limited opportunity for character development (think: when did you last care about anyone in a James Bond film?) It also sidelines the racing theme - surely the unique selling point of a film about anthropomorphic cars - along with most of the strong characters from the first film. Even Lightning McQueen plays second fiddle to Mater.

The original Cars was criticised, unfairly, for its long slow middle section. But, this did give time for character development so sorely lacking here. Cars 2 over compensates by accelerating into rocket speed in the middle after a fast start and not slowing up until the end.

On the positive side the animation is truly amazing (and will be equally amazing in 2D). If only it had a better story to tell! As a digitially animated London whisked past at rocket speed towards the end I felt that a lot of talent - and money (it cost $200 million to make!) had been splurged in making a film that's not the sum of what went into it. I left the cinema dazzled, slightly disappointed but hoping that there will be a successor. Like Shrek the Third, Cars 2 really isn't a bad film, but it has let down its predecessor and needs a final chapter to redeem the franchise. But please, Pixar, don't make Mater's Tall Tales 2!

** Update after rewatching on DVD - In my heart of hearts I can't justify this film being any higher than 3 stars so have downgraded my review rating. There are many fine vignettes and details in this film (yes, that is Gusteau's Restaurant from Ratatouille renamed as Gastow's, plus watch out for "British Wheeland" references and the car with headlight eyes in the Paris market scene). Also the plot is much more understandable a second time. But for all cleverness the film lacks the warmth of the original Cars: a definite 5-star film, or indeed virtually everything else in Pixar's back catalogue. The paucity of bonuses on the DVD tells its own story: "Air Mater" (a new Mater's Tall Tales - advertising the forthcoming "Planes") and the Toy Story toon which accompanied the cinema release. No making-of documentary, studio stories or director's commentary. Plus the biggest give way of the lot: the word "Classic" on back of the DVD box. Last time I saw this was on Chicken Little - need I say more! Even the technical expertise of the animation screams vanity project. I think Pixar realise that they've produced a 24-carat misfire and this film will sink faster than Finn McMissile when he abandons the oil rig in the opening sequence.

It's credit to Pixar that Cars 2 is considered a bad film. Had any other studio made this (and the first Cars, for that matter), they would have been recevied a lot better, I think. But, by Pixar standards, this is one of their weakest, for sure.

But that doesn't mean it's a bad film overall. Don't be put off by the negativity you may read: this is a GOOD film. Not great, and certainly not one of their best, but still enjoyable and satisfying.

Trouble is, Cars 2 is the polar opposite of the first one, which isn't exactly a good thing. There was plenty to like about the first Cars: relaxed pace, heartwarming story, meaningful characters...still, Lasseter seems to have taken the poor reception to the first film to heart, and swung right in the other direction with Cars 2. What we end up with is fast, slick and action-packed, but lacks a soul.

It starts well, and the globetrotting theme seemed like a great idea - the Tokyo segment is excellent. But it quickly gets tedious, and just as you settle in one place, off we go to the next destination. Do we get exciting, dazzling locations? Yes. But it feels like they chose the places they wanted to take Lightning and friends first, then decided how they were going to fit the story around it after. So it feels very stretched.

The plot itself is very complicated. I wouldn't worry about little kids being confused, as there's plenty of dazzle and vroom-vrooms to keep them entertained, but don't be surpried if you have to stop and answer a few questions for them - and answer some of your own too.

So as the whole thing tangles itself in knots to keep the spy-plot, racing-plot and jetsetting tied together, by the time you reach the climax don't be surprised if you have no idea who's doing what and why.

But that all being said, Cars 2 is still a fun film. In a way, its kind of a relief that Pixar made a film like this. Sinces the last Cars film we've had Ratatouille, Wall-E, Up and Toy Story 3. They were all adult-heavy and quite serious, so it's nice to see Pixar going to back to making something light and fizzy that won't shred your emotions when you watch it.

Cars 2 is worth a look, for sure. It's by no means a bad film, but don't go expecting anything amazing. No wheels are re-invented here, only spun and skidded.

Son loved receiving his favourite cars dvd instead of an easter egg this year. It was a total surprise as we were camping and he had not seen us buying it.

i found the film very entertaining worth watching a second time,tell others to watch ,with children.i do not know how they make such good films awaiting cars three?

Nothing on the first at all. 3d seemed pointless. My son who loved the first walked away half way through. Not worth £20.

I like the direction Pixar decided to go with Cars 2. Turning it into a globe-trotting spy flick is a fun and interesting way to continue the story without having to retread anything that happened in the first movie.

With that said, I am not a fan of Mater, and the fact that he's essentially the main character of the movie is not exactly my cup of tea. I can completely understand how kiddos love him and find him hilarious, but he annoys me to no end. So, as much as I enjoyed some parts of Cars 2, I can't say I'll be eager to see it again soon. It's bright, vivid and looks amazing, and there's a nice little story of being true to oneself at the heart of it, but the Mater overload is just too much for me.

Cars 2 can't compare to the best Pixar has to offer, but there's a good chance that there's a young one in your life that will have a blast watching it.

Pixar have yet again reminded the world of how spectacular a film can look. With cars 2 if there is one thing everyone should agree on it is definately the superb settings and vibrant colours of the scenery and cars alike. However when it comes to Cars not everyone can agree on the story element.

In terms of characters and story it was always a risk creating a franchise out of cars. The first one is largely considered to be the weakest of Pixar's output, even though it still outshines most other animated movies. The problem with the whole concept are the characters themselves. Its harder to endear yourself to a car with eyes than it is a fluffy talking animal. This is coming from the point of view of an adult as Im sure a child's prospective will be totally different. There is also the added problem of Mater, who in the original was the buddy/sidekick, now being elevated to fully fledged leading star. He verges on irritating, but to Pixar's credit they reign him in just enough to stop you from wanting to hurl the TV across the room half way through.

The story itself is fun, breezy and action packed and the idea of putting these charcters into the world of spies was an inspired choice. Not only does it allow for some fantastic car chase sequences, but the silly gadgets and weapons do not look out of place here. In fact it fits in so neatly it all but obliterates the memory of the first film and creates a potential new story thread that could be followed in further installments.

The addition of some new characters such as Fin McMissile really adds to the humour. Michael Caine lends his vocal talents and plays it straight which elevates the humour throughout.

Overall its a film well worth seeking out. You could do a lot worse and although the majority of the adult community are split on whether they like Cars or not, any child will fall in love with them all over again.

It's talking Cars...and a sequel to boot. Must be good. The kids'll love it and I can put my feet up for a bit. Well those were my thoughts when I bought this. Silly me.

The movie was good, the graphics were brilliant (it's a blu ray for-the-love-of-talking-cars) the story was...well this is where things took a turn for the worse. The story was complicated (for a kid), it was more Bond..ish for a start. To make matters worse, it was focused more on 'Mater' then the superstar 'Lightening McQueen'! What was that all about? I mean Lightening is the one being paraded all over the place...heck he's even on my lunch box...er my kids' lunch box that is. So he's the one my nephiews (and nieces) wanted to see..with his shiny red colour, sparkling teeth and dodgy eyes. The kids became fidgety and seemed to get bored at times. Which was bad for me, cos I LOVED this film, cliched storyline and all. I WANTED to keep my feet up and watch...not fetch the little critters drinks and sweets every so often.

So yeah, buy it...somebody in your family will love it. I've tried not to spoil it too much for those who haven't seen it yet. The opening sequence was one of the best...it rates as high as the one on Toy Story 2 (another film the *ahem* kids loved.

It was delivered quickly and undamaged...which is always nice.

Although, it states a free dvd copy with the blu ray, I've discovered that you have to go to the disney website, register and then be told you don't get a free DVD! What you get are free 'points' which can be redeemed against dvds. Which isn't too bad, I spose, until you realise that you don't get enough of these 'points' to actually get a free DVD copy!!

Whaaaaatt!

Stupid disney. They want you to collect more points to get free DVDs by buying more DVDs in the first place. Not-only-that but then your email box gets inundated with emails from Disney with 'offers' and temptations for free movies...providing you have enough points. I mustn't grumble. I did get something for free from Disney...

...Hypertension. Thanks Disney.

I got this for my 3yr old nephew he is cars mad so it goes without saying that he loved this present. Thank you for quick delivery,it was perfect.