Cars 2 (A-)

With the reputation Pixar has built up, it is understandable that adults will go to Cars 2 expecting another Up. Due to this, it is imperative to say, just like every other reviewer has, that no one should delude themselves into thinking Cars 2 is of that quality.

However, it is being very unfair to judge a movie based on how it compares to the studio or director's previous pictures. Cars 2 is not like Up, but that is because Cars 2 does not aspire to be Up. This is not meant to be a groundbreaking achievement which is certain to make everyone cry. This is meant to be a fun action comedy for children which anyone can enjoy. At that, Cars 2 succeeds. And, frankly, that is in many ways a good thing. Do you think children really liked silent montages of lonely robots trash compacting, or elderly men mourning the death of their spouse, or toys being abandoned by children who have forgotten the fun they had together because that is what happens when you grow up or you turn your back on your American Girl doll for one second little kid hahahahahahaha. As much as we deny it, Pixar has become less and less a studio that makes movies kids' will like, or even should see. Cars 2 gives a movie that everyone will enjoy, especially children. If that means some toilet humor and no deep messages, so be it.

The Cars universe is a world without humans, but with anthropomorphized vehicles (planes, helicopters, boats, and of course cars) that eat, sleep, make friends, kiss, and generally act like people. Racing superstar Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) enters the World Grand Prix, a race sponsored by Sir Miles Axelrod (Eddie Izzard) in order to promote alternative fuel sources. McQueen's competition against the cocky Francesco Bernoulli (John Turturro) is upset by the antics of Tow Mater (Larry the Cable Guy), McQueen's naive and easily confused best friend. When an American spy-car gives an important picture to Mater, MI6 agents Holly Shiftwell (Emily Mortimer) and Finn McMissile (Michael Caine) recruit the goofy tow truck to combat a crime syndicate's scheme to sabotage the race.

The main character of the original Cars was McQueen, but this time he takes a back-seat to Mater. The genre is also switched, from a small-town nostalgia trip to a adrenaline filled mash-up of Speed Racer and James Bond. The first change results in some undeveloped characters and a lot slapstick humor, the latter results in way more violence than should be in a G-rated movie (the MPAA received many complaints from angry parents saying their very young children were distraught while seeing the film).

The morals are not astoundingly deep, but they are nice, encouraging, and great for a family outing. The characters are kind and truly feel bad when they hurt each other. The environmentalist message is too heavy-handed, but is fortunately the only political issue discussed.

One of the best parts of the movie is that despite having cars for characters, the movie offers a genuine spy movie, not a parody. Director John Lasseter (Toy Story 1 and 2, A Bug's Life) uses automobiles to enhance the excitement instead of mocking it. The non-stop action is going to be thrilling for people of all ages (except for some toddlers), and Finn McMissile is so cool he deserves a spin-off movie. The 3-D illusion definitely improves the experience.

Cars 2 is best for children, but it is fun for everyone.