Cars

Leading up to the release of “Cars”, I was excited that John Lasseter was directing but I was worried that he would not be able to live up to his past work. This was the first time before seeing a Pixar film that I began to have concerns that Pixar’s winning streak of successful movies may end but the streak continued. I could relate to “Cars” a lot. With every Pixar movie since “Cars”, I have experienced an emotional cycle of skepticism being replaced by satisfaction. Even though “Cars” was less successful critically than its predecessors, I love it a lot. The Disney formula of using a good story, great characters and new technologies is used to great effect. Just like “Toy Story”, “Cars” is a personal film for Lasseter and it comes across on an emotional level. I also feel that the cinematography and use of songs are very important.

The story is a metaphor of Lasseter’s life since “Toy Story”. He was living life in the fast line as the highly successful director of the first three Pixar films. When McQueen blows the tires in the opening race, it can be likened unto the problems that “Toy Story 2” was having in production and how Lasseter had to take over as the director of that film to save it. Following that, he began to focus on his family that needed attention after that busy decade of the 90’s. He slid into the executive producer chair for the next few years at Pixar and, in 2000, he went on cross-country road trip with his family. “Cars” shares the positive emotions and lessons he felt & learned during that experience. This metaphor is even more apparent in that McQueen’s number is 95, the year “Toy Story” was released. “Real Gone” by Sheryl Crow flawlessly establishes a great mood to open the film. We have all seen talking cars before but in this film, we experience a reality where everything is mechanical with cars as the dominant machines on the planet. There is no biological life with the exception of the flora. I enjoy the new version of “Life Is a Highway” for this film and the montage of images that accompany it. I like the sequence showing the world’s reaction to McQueen’s disappearance. I laugh at “Jay Limo” and the portrayal of the governor as a Hummer. The race with Doc is an important story moment because McQueen becomes extremely affected by the loss. This seems to be the first time that he ends up in last place in a race and it is a huge blow to his self-esteem. His pride must be shattered in order for him to make any character growth. McQueen isn’t the only character that needs to change in this movie. Doc becomes a dynamic character as well. He sees McQueen differently after McQueen fixes part of the road and does it very well. He is also impressed that McQueen is not a quitter. As a result, he tries to befriend and help McQueen. Apparently, Doc still loves racing and can’t seem to subconsciously let it go completely. Doc has tried to put his past behind him but thanks to McQueen’s presence, he is reminded of everything that he loves about racing. Unfortunately, McQueen’s bitterness and pride becomes an obstruction that Doc doesn’t feel like dealing with. The ironic thing is that when McQueen learns of Doc’s past, it is Doc’s own bitterness and pride that prevent any growth in their relationship. Both characters grow by letting go of pride and exercising humility. The tractor-tipping scene is important because McQueen lightens up (no pun intended) and bonds with Mater. The drive with Sally shows that McQueen’s priorities have changed. He also learns the value of slowing down after that experience. The sequence featuring the Oscar-nominated song “Our Town” is very important for the movie and for me personally. The audience gets a breather and you see the town & the citizens in a whole new light once you learn their back-story. You also experience the same heart from the 90’s Pixar films such as during Jessie’s song in “Toy Story 2”. Radiator Springs reminds me of my hometown, Fort Macleod, Alberta, and the fact that it is in danger of being bypassed. I love the scene where McQueen fully experiences Radiator Springs because it illustrates the change that has happened to him. It demonstrates his new found selflessness and his new view on the town. Also, McQueen has taken to heart what Doc has made him realize. For all his time in the town, he has still been thinking only about himself (even when he was spending time with Mater and Sally). The “Sh-boom” scene is gorgeous. There is the chance however that McQueen may be helping all the townspeople just to prove something to Doc but when he sacrifices the Piston Cup, there is no doubt as to the fact that McQueen's heart has changed. The film concludes with all the issues in the film nicely resolved.

The characters and cast of “Cars” deserved to be recognized, as do other elements of the film. Owen Wilson’s energy is what brings McQueen to life. I love his performance and I can’t think of anyone else to portray a hotshot guy in the fast lane. You forget he is the voice of McQueen once the movie gets going and that is important. The late Paul Newman was also a great choice. Larry the Cable Guy creates the most entertaining character as Mater. He even gets to say his catch phrase: “Git-R-Done”. Other noteworthy cast members include Tony Shalhoub, Cheech Marin and Michael Keaton. I like the various cameos from the world of professional racing such as Richard Petty, Mario Andretti and Michael Schumacher. I also like the use of non-actors such as Route 66 historian Michael Wallis and Pixar employees Guido Quaroni & the late Joe Ranft. Guido is quite an appealing character thanks to his real life counterpart who has a role at the start of “Monsters Inc.” as well. John Ratzenberger’s voice is perfect for Mack, more so than other Pixar characters he has played. The animation of vehicles in “Cars” is very well done but the cinematography of the film makes the cars even more believable. I love the camera work during the opening race because it replicates the television coverage of an actual profession auto race. The cinematography of the “Life Is a Highway” sequence continues that level of quality camera work that we will experience for the rest of the movie. The settings designed for the film were very impressive and complex for their time. I like the tribute to the co-director of this movie Joe Ranft because I believe that his ironic passing in a car accident ends an era at Pixar. I think he was a big part in making Pixar the studio that it is today. In terms of where this movie takes place in the Pixar Universe, I would defend that it is a movie within this movie universe like “The Incredibles”. We see the Pizza Planet delivery truck before the final race and characters from “For the Birds” are seen during “Life Is a Highway”. There are “Lightyear” tires and Dinoco from “Toy Story” is highly featured. Glenn McQueen is the namesake of Lightning McQueen and entertaining spoofs of past Pixar films appear at the end. I love how actors Tom Hanks, Tim Allen and others provide the voices of spoofed Pixar characters. In trying to identify a definite “wow moment” in this movie, I am having trouble. The film is full of spectacular images but the climax is no more fascinating and complex than the opening race. An arguement could also be made for the view from Wheel Well.

After I first saw “Cars”, I drove back to my university apartment and every vehicle reminded me of the animation in the movie. I love this film because it hearkens back to the kind of Pixar films of the 90’s. “Cars” was nominated for two Oscars but did not win unfortunately. It lost Best Animated Feature to "Happy Feet" but when you compared the impact that "Happy Feet" had on kids with the impact of the "Cars" franchise, "Cars" was robbed. The merchandising possibilities from "Cars" is just one game changer. "Cars" received positive reviews and was a hit movie but in the wake of “The Incredibles”, there was some critics who were less impressed with “Cars” sadly. Walt Disney had a similar thing happen to him with “Bambi” in that critics did not warm up to the extreme realism of that movie. Funny enough, "Cars" was supposed to be released before "The Incredibles" until release dates were changed. I was sure back then that "Cars" would become more appealing to the masses over time and I still hold fast to that wish. "Cars 2" however will be a stumbling block in the realization of that hope. I liked the sequel but I think the focus of that film allowed for its critical downfall. On the flipside, as the children of today grow up, they will always cherish this franchise.

4.5 Stars out of 5