Dirs. John Lasseter/Joe Ranft, US, 2005, 121 mins
Cast (voices): Owen Wilson, Paul Newman, Bonnie Hunt, Cheech Marin, Tony Shalhoub, John Ratzenberger, Michael Keaton
Review by Matthew Rodgers
PIXAR sit proudly on top of the animation throne that was once the centrepiece of a certain “Magic kingdom”. From Toy Story through to the incomparable The Incredibles, the computer genius’ behind Woody, Buzz, Nemo, and Mike Wachowski have been on a run of critical and commercial success by simply merging groundbreaking computer animation with a heart not replicated since Disney days of old. Early road signs, such as the humourless trailers, had suggested that Cars would be the bump in the road that would end this record breaking sequence but, despite a few tight bends and a bit of ice on the road, head honcho John Lassiter’s pet project passes its MOT, but only just.
The film follows the PIXAR template of an outsider having to re-evaluate themselves to realise where they truly belong in life. In this case it is Owen Wilson’s Lightning McQueen, a young rookie racing car who is competing for the top prize with seasoned campaigner “The King” and bitter rival “Chick”. So far, Days of Thunder the animated years? Don’t worry because things change for our young crimson chromed protagonist. While in transit to the final race, he gets lost in the forgotten Route 66 town of Radiator Springs. It’s inhabitants include Paul Newman’s unapproachable sage “Doc”, standard PIXAR sidekick “Mater”, and unnecessary love interest “Sally”.
Cars first lap is a troubled one, with the first 20 minutes a cluttered over-indulgence of animation that leaves the viewer on the verge of requesting a tyre change. PIXAR are no longer the only studio able to create superb computer animated visuals but what kept the bar above such soulless efforts as DreamWorks Shark Tale were the excellent character creations and the emotional resonance of the scripts. The opening segment is no more than a show-reel for the capabilities of the animators; impressive as they are, we expect better.
Lightning McQueen doesn’t help in the constant stalling of the film during the set-up. PIXAR leading roles are instantly likeable characters. Think Woody’s vulnerability and his shyness around Bo Peep, Sully’s soft centred personality, and even Marlin’s good natured neurosis but in Cars McQueen is arrogant, cocky and generally annoying. This is understandable considering the A-Z journey that the script wants the race car to take as the films moral message but no other likeable characters are introduced until we get to Radiator Springs which just adds to the “are we there yet?” endurance test of the opening.
It is when the film does arrive at the Route 66 homage town that the film changes gear. Not just out of neutral but straight into sixth gear with all of the Fast and Furious add-ons. For a start, the visuals are easier to consume, from flashy edits of the fast paced race we are presented with stunning desert vistas that stretch beyond the confounds of the cinema screen and serve as a canvas for the roll call of characters about to be unveiled.
Any criticism of Owen Wilson’s Lighting McQueen is quickly eradicated once he gets the chance to interact with the other creations. Wilson’s trademark drawl helps to flesh (car?!?) out his characters limited expressions and turn him into the car you had hoped to cheer towards the chequered flag. Mention must also go to Paul Newman as Doc. PIXAR are very careful in casting under the radar names so not to detract from the characters (Samuel L.Jacksons misfire Frozone in The Incredibles) but when Doc speaks it really does add some gravitas knowing who’s behind the vocals.
Stand out scenes that would make the highlight reel are the stunning resurrection of the dustbowl towns neon skyline, a touching exchange between Lighting and Sally about his true intentions for everybody that shows that even when PIXAR aren’t firing on all cylinders they are still able to pull at the heartstrings, and the only genuinely funny moment when the cars do a spot of cow tipping with tractors. Cars will no doubt be viewed with a permanent smile on the face; it’s just that a few belly laughs would have been welcome.
PIXAR’s biggest failure with Cars relates to the first time that they have ventured outside of the real world. Toy Story worked because you could believe that your toys were really alive in the box, the same applies to Monsters Inc and the cupboard fear factor, ditto The Incredibles, A Bug’s Life, and Finding Nemo. Cars is about talking Cars?!? The animation suffers from the aforementioned limited facial expressions, and hard as the voice actors try, it’s difficult to accept them as little more than lumps of metal.
Whilst not the failure that many had anticipated, Cars suffers because it’s a PIXAR movie and must be judged against that impressive back catalogue. Take it for a spin but be aware that it may not run as smooth as you had expected when you first got in.
Buena Vista Home Entertainment have
announced the UK Region 2 DVD release of Cars for
27th November 2006.
The extras for this release appear identical to the Region
1 due earlier in the month, with one significant addition – an
audio commentary…
- "Inspiration for Cars" - an exciting
journey with John Lasseter that explores how the story
of CARS was born
- "Mater and The Ghostlight" – An
exclusive new animated short created for this DVD starring
Mater, the rusty but trusty tow truck. Produced by the
creative and technical teams who developed Cars, the
story is set in the town of Radiator Springs and tells
the legend of the Ghostlight - a mysterious blue light
that haunts the town and its residents
- "One Man Band" short which played
with the film in cinemas.
- Sneak peek at 'Ratatouille'
- Deleted Scenes
- Audio commentary
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