"Cars" is the latest film from Pixar Animation Studios, and it's a luscious colourful affair. For those who don't know Pixar are the genius's behind "Finding Nemo," "The Incredibles," "Toy Story" and "Monsters Inc" have proved they can create animations that appeal to audiences of all ages.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~ THE STORY ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Cars" is the first CGI creation from Pixar that is in a completely make-believe world (unlike the "world within our world" background of "Finding Nemo" for example). There are no references to people throughout the whole film. The cars drive themselves, run gas stations and motels, hold down jobs and even have ambitions to make the most of life. The story is centred on the main character Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson). Lightning McQueen is an ambitious racing car who has yet to learn the value of friends and importance of a team. After an exciting race for the prestigious Piston Cup Championship- there is a tiebreaker race in California to determine the final winner. On his way to California for the big race, McQueen ends up in Radiator Springs, a quiet town off the famous Route 66. Here Lightning gets into trouble with the law and finds himself forced into community
service. It is in Radiator Springs that he meets a diverse collection of local automobiles; including Doc (Paul Newman), a grumpy 1951 Hudson Hornet; Sally (Bonnie Hunt), an attractive Porsche love interest; Mater (Larry the Cable Guy), a funny yet dim tow truck, Guido (Guido Quaroni) and Luigi (Tony Shalhoub), a Ferrari obsessed tyre store owner. And then unfolds the story of how McQueen gets back to the race, and learns a lot about life and friendship along the way.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~ THE HUMOUR ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mater the tow truck (Larry the Cable Guy) takes to McQueen immediately and their unlikely friendship is amusing. In the world of "Cars" tractors are the cows of Radiator Springs, and the duo bond over late-night tractor tipping. Mater is definitely one of the most funny characters in the film. Other funny characters include the Italians Luigi and Guido, who steal the show the few moments they are onscreen. 'Kacchhhooowww' is McQueen's catchphrase in the film, and it is surprisingly catchy!
There are some mild drug/ alcohol/ risque jokes that will go way over a child's head but tickle the adults watching. For example after Fillmore (the hippie) says he thinks that every third blink is longer on a flashing yellow traffic light, Sarge says, 'The sixties weren't good to you, were they?'. Another joke that amused me was when Lightning tells Mater that Doc won three Piston Cups, Mater quips, "He did WHAT in his cup??". Hehe!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ THE CLEVER TOUCHES ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Cars is a very successful representation of car racing captured on animation film. As usual Pixar pay so much attention to detail that you are drawn straight into the world of Cars. The way the races are depicted is excellent, and gets your adrenaline pumping which is amazing for an animation. The way the crowd are shown cheering the cars on is very amusing. When watching the race the 'camera angles' makes it all seem the more authentic, with views from the driver's seat and the race cars speeding past the cameras. If you look closely at the flies buzzing around you'll see that they're actually tiny VW Beetles! I loved the car inspired rock formations in the background, where I found myself trying to guess what cars shapes were carved in there.
Each car has its own distinctive look and their eyes are on their windshield which works surprisingly well. A surprising amount of the cars personality comes across just from the eyes. McQueen is alert and bright-eyed, coloured in bright red. Doc's grille looks like a grey moustache, Mater has goofy teeth which emphasises his nice but dim character, and Sally is always pristine and shiny.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~ CONCLUSION ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Excellent graphics and a first class voice cast makes "Cars" one not to be missed this year. In fact I'd say this is the best and most polished looking animation Pixar have released so far. The film has received some bad reviews but I think it is because critics haven't paid much attention to the details that Pixar has put into this film.
One of the most stunning scenes in this film is when Sally and McQueen take a ride together through the South Western Canyons. The landscapes are just beautifully done and I've never seen anything like it. You can tell the art team had fun doing those scenes in the film, it is breathtaking. As there always is in animations there are important lessons to be learned too. "Cars" makes clear that there are more important things in life than wealth and success, and friends are important. Through McQueen's journey we are also reminded about "the old simpler days". Well that's how I interpreted it anyway! :oP
"Cars" is bound to appeal to audiences of all ages. However I do think some kids may get restless during a relatively long film (it is 116 minutes long)- and characters like Doc are not quite kiddie-friendly. The lack of a cuddly character for younger children may make "Cars" one of the lesser favourite Pixar films for them. However this is a minor blip. With the uniqueness of the characters and the light comical moments this film will do well.
The soundtrack compliments the film perfectly. Rascal Flatts cover of Life Is a Highway is catchy and I can imagine kids would like it. There are also songs by Sheryl Crow, James Taylor, and Chuck Berry's cover of Route 66.
I would recommend this film to all, even if it is just to see how wonderful the graphics are. It is a sweet simple story with a worthy message to be learned. I thoroughly enjoyed the film and Mater and Luigi stole the show for me. I would even watch it again when it's out on DVD.
Sad as it may be, i went to see this at the cinema. LOL the only other person in the thearter was a 50 year old man who turned up by himself half way through... dodgey... Anyway great review! :-) xxx
ciaomeister1 27.11.2006 14:56
My two really wanted to see this at the pictures, might borrow it on DVD now!
Advantages: One of all-time great comedies; Hughes' best with Martin & Candy making a great team Disadvantages: Bonus features could have been improved; no commentary, no Martin
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