Since Pixar's last film, The Incredibles, this incredible computer animation company was purchased by Disney after trying to pull out of their distribution contract (now THAT's one way to settle an argument!). But even so, that apparently hasn't stopped them from creating another smash hit with their latest...the aptly named Cars.
As with all Pixar films, the real value lies in the story. Cars is the story of the redemption of a lost soul, an ambitious and self-centered racing car, named Lightning McQueen (and voiced by Owen Wilson who did a terrific job). To be honest, I didn't like him much at all to start out, and I suppose I wasn't meant to, for he is a cocky hot rod who thinks that he has gotten everywhere on his own and that he doesn't need anyone's help or friendship. However, when he winds up in Radiator Springs with no headlights (he's a race car, after all) and no gas as the result of a mishap with his transport truck, Mack (John Ratzenberger), Lightning McQueen is set up to learn some of life's lessons the hard way.
Usually there is a character that carries me along a film whom I like right away and root for to overcome the obstacles, whatever they may be. As I mentioned, it is a bit different with Cars because I really didn't like Lightning McQueen to start out, but over time as he took his lumps, learned his lessons, and refined his character, I found that he (or "it" in this case) became the protagonist for whom I was searching.
There were other characters involved to help Lightning McQueen to find his way, including his instant friend, a tow-truck aptly named Tow Mater (voiced by none other than Larry the Cable Guy). There was also a wise, old mentor of sorts in Doc Hudson (Paul Newman) as well as a love interest in a hot, little Porsche named Sally Carrera (Bonnie Hunt), to name a couple more. It was amazing how much expression the animators were able to get out of automobiles.
What I was really most impressed with was the world to which I was transported. There are no humans whatsoever in this film. Everything is a car...even the bugs are tiny little Volkswagon Beetles. HAHAHA! I liked how McQueen's transport was called "Mack." There was a cute little scene where McQueen mistakenly assumes that a certain truck is his friend, Mack. The reply: "Mack? I'm a Peterbilt!"
All in all, this is a great film for all ages, although there is a handful of innuendo and euphemistic swearing which surprised me for a G-rated film.
Start your engines and race out to see this one before it's gone.
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