An ongoing series looking back at the feature films of Pixar Animation Studios
Despite many considering the first Cars film back in 2006 a speedbump for Pixar, and the strong response the films prior and following the misstep, director John Lasseter raced ahead with an unwanted sequel which focuses on global locations and new characters as opposed to story - something Disney would repeat with 2014's Muppets Most Wanted. Here, Mater (Larry the Cable Guy) takes over as main protagonist whilst Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) is going about on worldwide races, tangled up in an espionage thriller with two British spies (Michael Caine and Emily Mortimer).
Mater is not a good protagonist. His humour is just as dry as his previous appearance, and is more idiotic than ever. They do give this aspect a story within itself with his epiphany, but it quickly diminishes to make way for an action-packed finale, thus leaving the development of his character mute. McQueen is an improvement over his previous appearance, but is still as annoyingly cocky as previously, as seen when in the presence of racing rival Francesco - who is just as annoying. The original Radiator Springs gang is mainly left out, with love interest Sally (Bonnie Hunt) staying behind and Doc Hudson being laid to rest following Paul Newman's death. Those that do come along for the ride are given little to do, whether it's introduce a location or give exposition.
As for the new crew, you have spies Finn McMissile and Holley Shiftwell. Caine is as brilliant as ever, and it's clear he's giving his all for the film, and Mortimer gives much conviction - even if she's reduced to a love interest. The characters themselves are enjoyable, but they do fall for the usual "mistaken identity" aspect which many animated films fail to use well - Cars 2 is no exception. As for the villains, they're incredibly one-note. Axelrod (Eddie Izzard) is yet another British bad guy, so a predictable mystery in that respect, whereas his henchmen are just henchmen, nothing more. McQueen's fellow racers are just as one-note, with only Francesco having any screentime due to their rivalry. Others just have a line and then get disposed of.
The story is a mix of the first one - lots of racing - and of many different films from other studios as well as Pixar themselves - mistaken identity (You can find a whole lost of them here). It does have a smart idea with its references to the energy crisis and global warming, but it is very much pushed into the film. It incorporates the worldwide audience by taking the characters across the world to various countries - mainly Europe - but too feels tacked on.
As ever, the animation is sublime, from the bright lights of Japan to the lush lands of France. The car designs are a lot more creative this time round, ranging in variety rather than having the same car over and over again in the crowd. It does quickly die down, especially with the 'evil' lemons, as you start to notice the same designs over and over again.
Cars 2 is a minor improvement on the first film as it's a lot less dull in terms of story. But the story it has is overdone and has worked on minor cases (recent example: The LEGO Movie). Characters are still hit and miss, especially from the returning protagonist side, but the animation is just as good as before. As a film on its own, it's good. As a Pixar film, it's another dud for them. 5/10.
Next Time: If you had the chance to change your fate, would you?
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