My 'Cars' Review

irishjayhawk · 06-05-2006, 10:16 PM

Pixar, recently acquired by Disney - for the better or the worse it remains to be seen - releases Cars this week. Cars follows the line of Pixar animated flicks including Toy Story, Monster's Inc, Finding Nemo and The Incredibles. So before watching this movie, it was safe to say I was quite optimistic.

In any case, my theatre got in a print of Cars for a screening on Saturday. I stayed on Friday night to watch the film. And without further ado, continue reading my review.

Pixar's 'Cars' was greeted with animosity as the next film in the great line of Pixar animated films. Despite the seemingly boring premise, 'Cars' didn't seem too afraid to advertise. Of course, this movie didn't seem to get quite the hype or anticipation that Nemo and The Incredibles did. Perhaps it was lack of big name voices. Whatever the case, 'Cars' simply didn't have the anticipation of Pixars previous films.

Voice wise, the cast is damn good. Name wise, the cast seems lacking. Owen Wilson, Paul Newman, Bonnie Hunt and Larry the Cable Guy form the center fold of the cast. Additional voices include George Carlin, Cheech Marin, and Michael Keaton. The core cast is mostly formed by established actors, with the notable exception of Larry the Cable Guy who is on his way up. Both Nemo and The Incredibles had bigger named stars for the time period. This could be one of the main reasons behind some of the skepticism. Though the movie quickly puts those skepticisms and skeptics to bed. It was well casted and well performed. Admittedly, I was able to pick out Cheech's voice but I wasn't able to name Carlin, despite being a big fan.

Boy, was I a big fan of the animation. The animation was simply amazing at some points. I will offer one disclaimer in that it was just cars as opposed to fish or humans, like Nemo and Incredibles, respectively, but I digress. I can't say much more about the visuals without going into a mind numbingly boring paragraph, so I will leave it at: Damn. Good. Visuals. Simply Spectacular.

Now, I may get some flack here, but the plot seemed to be written more for an adult than a child. I should rephrase. The plot was written for kids but the dialogue was more suited for adults. While the kids will enjoy the animation aspect, along with the family themes, it is the adults who will respect the dialogue more. Gone are the kid oriented lines and instead replaced by the numerous themes. Hell, there are probably as many themes in this film as there are bumper stickers on the antagonists' green car in the film. Wilson and Hunt offer some good one on one scenes that the adults will relate to more so than the kids. Presumably, the kids will like Larry the Cable Guy's Mater the best, and without good reason. Laughs seemed few and far between. However, it seems this may be because of the comparison to Pixar's last two films. The credits are probably the funniest segment of the movie, and will guarantee a laugh or two.

The soundtrack was pretty good and had some songs I'm going to have to look up. Since there's not much original score, there isn't much to talk about here.

Overall, the movie works on many levels. It appeals to kids in the way kids like movies. It also is written at a level where adults will enjoy it, rather than being forced into the "I'm being dragged here." mantra. Thus, it's a very carefully balanced film that is accentuated by the cast and animation. Admittedly, however, this film is not up to par with the last two. I proclaim it the worst of the last three, but definitely not a bomb. In fact, I still maintain the position that Pixar has yet to do a bad film. Hurray for Dixar/Pixney!

Bottom-line: Go see it, especially with kids.
DVD Bottom-line: The kids will probably want to own this one, but I don't think it fits with Toy Story, Nemo and the Incredibles as a must own.
Rating: 3 out of 4 stars.

For what it's worth, just like my X3 review. I'd just like to point out that I usually post them on my website pixelpolarity.com - here just for a shameless plug.

Moooo · 06-05-2006, 10:43 PM

Paul Newman is often overlooked, but what a badass... When I heard he was gonna be a voice I was excited, an actual driver (which he used to race professionally) along with a great actor was doing some voices.

Moooo

Edited to add. It would be sweet if they would have gotten someone like Mario Andretti to do a cameo voice. Maybe they did and I haven't heard about it, I dunno.

Demonpenz · 06-05-2006, 10:47 PM

larry the cable guy was awesome in it that is for sure. GET R DONE!

Mosbonian · 06-05-2006, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moooo

Paul Newman is often overlooked, but what a badass... When I heard he was gonna be a voice I was excited, an actual driver (which he used to race professionally) along with a great actor was doing some voices.

Moooo

Edited to add. It would be sweet if they would have gotten someone like Mario Andretti to do a cameo voice. Maybe they did and I haven't heard about it, I dunno.

I believe Richard Petty voiced the car called "The King"...

mmaddog
*******

Moooo · 06-05-2006, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmaddog

I believe Richard Petty voiced the car called "The King"...

mmaddog
*******

Cool. Even though I'm way more of an Andretti fan, I'll say this is neat. I think it would have been cool if at one point, some car with an Italian accent shows up for something.

But then again, how can you not like a guy who won the Daytona 500, the Indy 500 and was an F1 Champion (a year, not just one race)?

Moooo

**BigMeatballDave** · 06-06-2006, 01:31 AM

I'm taking my son to see this Sunday...

Pitt Gorilla · 06-06-2006, 01:39 AM

Owen Wilson, Paul Newman, Bonnie Hunt and Larry the Cable Guy form the center fold of the cast. Additional voices include George Carlin, Cheech Marin, and Michael Keaton...

Lack of "big name" voices? Aside from LtCG, what's not to like?

**Rausch** · 06-06-2006, 03:26 AM

****!

Disney bought it back out?

I'm done...

Psyko Tek · 06-06-2006, 05:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moooo

Cool. Even though I'm way more of an Andretti fan, I'll say this is neat. I think it would have been cool if at one point, some car with an Italian accent shows up for something.

But then again, how can you not like a guy who won the Daytona 500, the Indy 500 and was an F1 Champion (a year, not just one race)?

Moooo

andrtetti does have a cameo.

irishjayhawk · 06-06-2006, 07:21 AM

Yeah, I was going to add that Andretti does have a cameo.

Quote:

Owen Wilson, Paul Newman, Bonnie Hunt and Larry the Cable Guy form the center fold of the cast. Additional voices include George Carlin, Cheech Marin, and Michael Keaton...

Lack of "big name" voices? Aside from LtCG, what's not to like?

I was merely saying that while they are established stars, they aren't as high a caliber as say the center of the cast for Nemo or the Incredibles (for the respective time periods). If you add in the additional voices that don't speak as much, the cast becomes a bit bigger.

unlurking · 06-06-2006, 07:46 AM

Georg Carlin?

Visions of Thomas the Tank Engine running through my head.

Mile High Mania · 06-06-2006, 08:14 AM

I think several pro racers made cameos.

StcChief · 06-06-2006, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by unlurking

Georg Carlin?

Visions of Thomas the Tank Engine running through my head.

Visions of a wreck and the 7 words you can't say on the air coming out.

**Predarat** · 06-06-2006, 09:09 AM

I cant wait to take my little boy! I'm sure he will love it.

stevieray · 06-06-2006, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by irishjayhawk

Now, I may get some flack here, but the plot seemed to be written more for an adult than a child. I should rephrase. The plot was written for kids but the dialogue was more suited for adults.

This has been happening for quite some time.

mickey d commericals used to be geared towards kids, not any more.

06-05-2006, 10:16 PM
irishjayhawk Feelin' Alright Join Date: Aug 2004 Casino cash: $10004900	My 'Cars' Review Pixar, recently acquired by Disney - for the better or the worse it remains to be seen - releases Cars this week. Cars follows the line of Pixar animated flicks including Toy Story, Monster's Inc, Finding Nemo and The Incredibles. So before watching this movie, it was safe to say I was quite optimistic. In any case, my theatre got in a print of Cars for a screening on Saturday. I stayed on Friday night to watch the film. And without further ado, continue reading my review. Pixar's 'Cars' was greeted with animosity as the next film in the great line of Pixar animated films. Despite the seemingly boring premise, 'Cars' didn't seem too afraid to advertise. Of course, this movie didn't seem to get quite the hype or anticipation that Nemo and The Incredibles did. Perhaps it was lack of big name voices. Whatever the case, 'Cars' simply didn't have the anticipation of Pixars previous films. Voice wise, the cast is damn good. Name wise, the cast seems lacking. Owen Wilson, Paul Newman, Bonnie Hunt and Larry the Cable Guy form the center fold of the cast. Additional voices include George Carlin, Cheech Marin, and Michael Keaton. The core cast is mostly formed by established actors, with the notable exception of Larry the Cable Guy who is on his way up. Both Nemo and The Incredibles had bigger named stars for the time period. This could be one of the main reasons behind some of the skepticism. Though the movie quickly puts those skepticisms and skeptics to bed. It was well casted and well performed. Admittedly, I was able to pick out Cheech's voice but I wasn't able to name Carlin, despite being a big fan. Boy, was I a big fan of the animation. The animation was simply amazing at some points. I will offer one disclaimer in that it was just cars as opposed to fish or humans, like Nemo and Incredibles, respectively, but I digress. I can't say much more about the visuals without going into a mind numbingly boring paragraph, so I will leave it at: Damn. Good. Visuals. Simply Spectacular. Now, I may get some flack here, but the plot seemed to be written more for an adult than a child. I should rephrase. The plot was written for kids but the dialogue was more suited for adults. While the kids will enjoy the animation aspect, along with the family themes, it is the adults who will respect the dialogue more. Gone are the kid oriented lines and instead replaced by the numerous themes. Hell, there are probably as many themes in this film as there are bumper stickers on the antagonists' green car in the film. Wilson and Hunt offer some good one on one scenes that the adults will relate to more so than the kids. Presumably, the kids will like Larry the Cable Guy's Mater the best, and without good reason. Laughs seemed few and far between. However, it seems this may be because of the comparison to Pixar's last two films. The credits are probably the funniest segment of the movie, and will guarantee a laugh or two. The soundtrack was pretty good and had some songs I'm going to have to look up. Since there's not much original score, there isn't much to talk about here. Overall, the movie works on many levels. It appeals to kids in the way kids like movies. It also is written at a level where adults will enjoy it, rather than being forced into the "I'm being dragged here." mantra. Thus, it's a very carefully balanced film that is accentuated by the cast and animation. Admittedly, however, this film is not up to par with the last two. I proclaim it the worst of the last three, but definitely not a bomb. In fact, I still maintain the position that Pixar has yet to do a bad film. Hurray for Dixar/Pixney! Bottom-line: Go see it, especially with kids. DVD Bottom-line: The kids will probably want to own this one, but I don't think it fits with Toy Story, Nemo and the Incredibles as a must own. Rating: 3 out of 4 stars. For what it's worth, just like my X3 review. I'd just like to point out that I usually post them on my website pixelpolarity.com - here just for a shameless plug.
Posts: 16,887

06-05-2006, 10:43 PM	#2
Moooo Seeking Enlightenment... Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Springfield Casino cash: $10004900	Paul Newman is often overlooked, but what a badass... When I heard he was gonna be a voice I was excited, an actual driver (which he used to race professionally) along with a great actor was doing some voices. Moooo Edited to add. It would be sweet if they would have gotten someone like Mario Andretti to do a cameo voice. Maybe they did and I haven't heard about it, I dunno.
Posts: 3,405

06-05-2006, 10:47 PM	#3
Demonpenz I got Rice cookin in the micro Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Apartment "G UNIT!" Casino cash: $3202136	larry the cable guy was awesome in it that is for sure. GET R DONE! __________________
Posts: 54,238

06-06-2006, 01:31 AM	#6
BigMeatballDave GBM 8-12-15 Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Dayton, Oh. Casino cash: $10052154	I'm taking my son to see this Sunday...
Posts: 59,997

06-06-2006, 01:39 AM	#7
Pitt Gorilla Banned! Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: NOT Columbia, MO 65201 Casino cash: $3030194	Owen Wilson, Paul Newman, Bonnie Hunt and Larry the Cable Guy form the center fold of the cast. Additional voices include George Carlin, Cheech Marin, and Michael Keaton... Lack of "big name" voices? Aside from LtCG, what's not to like? __________________ Your son is a bench warmer because of your weak genetics not because of the coach Norlin Mommsen is disgusting.
Posts: 45,980

06-06-2006, 07:46 AM	#11
unlurking MVP Join Date: Aug 2003 Casino cash: $7737309	Georg Carlin? Visions of Thomas the Tank Engine running through my head.
Posts: 10,620

06-06-2006, 08:14 AM	#12
Mile High Mania #triggering Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Tejas Casino cash: $3757229	I think several pro racers made cameos. __________________
Posts: 30,238

06-06-2006, 09:09 AM	#14
Predarat Run Chiefs fans, run!! Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Nashville, TN Casino cash: $9973863	I cant wait to take my little boy! I'm sure he will love it.
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