Synopsis
The year 2011 saw Pixar Animations release a film titled Cars 2 through Walt Disney Pictures. It is an animated movie that is often referred to as a sequel. Like its predecessor Cars, this sequel does still include small-town character development, but it is overshadowed by the new plot of global espionage that it incorporates, alongside humor and an action-packed story line.
Like the previous movie, Owen Wilson lends his voice to Lightning McQueen, a red racing car with a heart of gold. Lightning is basking in the glory of his multiple Piston Cup victories. He indulges in the pace of life that his friends offer him in Radiator Springs. However, he is soon disturbed when he gets an invitation to partake in a competition organized by Sir Miles Axlerod, a reformed oil tycoon turned clean fuel climate activist. The competition is a World Grand Prix that consists of three races.
While traveling alongside his dearest friend Mater, the lovable yet mildly rusty tow truck, who is voiced by Larry the Cable Guy, is about to embark on the grand race, which will take place in Japan, Italy and England. Unlike the Radiator Springs, where he is usually found, Mater is quickly bewildered by the new alien customs and the fast-paced environment.
Suddenly, he is being incorrectly identified as an Undercover by the Intelligence Cars British Finn McMissile and Holley Shiftwell (voiced by Michael Caine and Emily Mortimer respectively) who animated the character. Finn is a dashing and skilled spy, while Holley is a talented technology analyst. Finn claims them spend Mater as a highly skilled undercover operative and they drag Mater into the secret work on a criminal basis, aimed to unravel the true the true identity of the criminal skull who is attempting to ruin the World Grand Prix.
Things take an important transformation when they learn that someone is after the racecars with a weapon that makes the engines explode. The sabotage appears to be linked to the Miles Axlerod who is advocating the use of a new form of fuel onto the market. Unbeknownst to him, he is a central figure of a heroic international episode in which he assists Lightning McQueen in conquering the races and evading danger.
As the narrative unfolds, Mater matures from a humorous secondary character to a pivotal character whose valor and faithfulness are put to the test. He has to contend with spy stories, interpret codes, and, in the end, get to the bottom of the villain’s scheme. By this time, Lightning has also come to recognize and value Mater’s distinct traits, and their friendship has been further enhanced by the challenges they meet together.
Eventually, Mater reveals the saboteur and has a role in winning the race. For Lightning, it was a tortuous lesson in realism – winning is not the ultimate goal. On their return journey, the two of them learn what friendship is.
Cast and Crew
Director: John Lasseter
With the primary Cars installment being John Lasseter’s brainchild, it was only sensible that he would return to oversee the direction of the sequel. He would be alongside Brad Lewis, who took the role of co-director. Regardless of his myriad of accomplishments, Lasseter was and still is a genuine enthusiast of automobiles and anything racing oriented which deeply impacted the making of the series.
Producer: Denise Ream
Her passion and devotion to the Pixar portfolio was evident in her role as producer to the Cars installment as it has been in the previous projects. Her guidance assisted the film’s passage through a more intricate and ambitious production which had been set in the outline.
Voice Cast
Owen Wilson as Lightning McQueen
Wilson has the delicate skill of embodying both confidence and humility. For McQueen, a character in a sequel which shifts focus onto teamwork and trust as opposed to achievements, Wilson balances both complimenting and complimenting character traits, thus highlighting Wilson’s character, McQueen.
Larry the Cable Guy as Mater
In this film, Mater is the one character which stands out the most. Voicing the character, Larry adds depth to the character with his use of heart and humor, combining both aspects as Mater becomes a hero, departing from only a comedic character.
Michael Caine as Finn McMissile
The character Finn is cool and collected. Overall, the character is portrayed in a sophisticated manner aligned with a classic spy film, which is the touch from the renowned British actor.
Emily Mortimer as Holley Shiftwell
Holley is identified as a competent character with the character in the film possessing her as a member of the squad and developing a friendship with Mater who is a tech head in the team.
Eddie Izzard as Sir Miles Axlerod
The performance is that of Izzard who plays Axlerod. In this case, Axlerod character is a main conflict. Charming demeanor but mysterious which captures the bond with conflict.
Also returning to the cast is Bonnie who acts as Sally, Shalhoub who plays the character of Luigi, Ramone which is voiced by Marin and lastly Ratzenberger who plays Mack.
Critical Reception and IMDb Ratings
IMDb Score: 6.2/10
Cars 2 was received with contrasting sentiments by the critics. While aimed at children, the film was appreciated by the younger audience and fans of the franchise. Their praise was most likely due to the new direction of the Cars franchise, trying a spy-thriller for the first time. This was a huge change from the first Cars installment, which was more character driven and had a greater emphasis on storytelling. This change was most likely a huge shock to audiences.
Critical reception of the film was over the top positive and most focus on the incredible animation, spectacular design, and the car themed versions of real world locations like Tokyo with its neon and colorful lights, the Italian Coast with its sunny picturesque views, and London with its motorcycle guards and Big Bentley, which is a car renditio of the Big Ben. The animation was praised for its detail and creativity with their wide world style settings.
Most appreciated by audiences were the more action focused part of the film, especially the spy vs. spy and gadget scenes, which comprised most of the action. The audience appreciated these the most for their creativity and pacing. Bat, being the more serious character, along with Larry the Cable Guy, is known for providing his voice for the character who is more humorous and silly. Along with these scenes, the audience appreciated the work above all, especially the voice acting.
Critics received Cars 2 with mixed reactions and argued the film lacked the authentic emotions present in the first Cars film. Some passionate fans of the franchise even went as far as acknowledging the glass half empty. The shift from Lightning McQueen to Mater as the focal character was considered debatable and some failed to accept the direction Pixar took. The complexity of the spy subplot was believed to exceed the intellectual capabilities of younger children and instead, appeal to an older audience.
Nonetheless, Cars 2 grossed over 560 million dollars and was considered as the most successful box office film of 2011, and proved even further to entice audiences with something new, the franchise was undoubtably resilient to a shift in focus.
Legacy
Unlike the other movies in the franchise, Cars 2 was not as widely popular. Critics have argued and still do the lack of character development, and do miss the emotional heart a Pixar film. Cars 2 has found a new niche as the most adventurous, and as a means to increase the emotional depth of the franchise. Mater’s wider role restructured the emotional depth in the franchise and posed new paradigms of heroism.
Cars 3, released in 2017, was a direct result of Cars 2 and reintroduced the slower, more deep tone the original film held. Children still adore Cars 2 the most and are entertained by the stories, and bright, dynamic visuals filled with laughter.
Conclusion
Like its predecessor, Cars 2 manages to consolidate two diverging genres seamlessly, only this time, the cartoon depicts lots of acute humor and childish antics augmented with touch of mystery. Even though it spreads its wings, and ventures deeper into the worlds of imagination juxtaposed to its predecessor, it offers captivating visuals. It does best to engage audiences of assorted ages, while reinforcing the need, and value of teamwork and self-confidence. Cars 2 offers a visual treat to audiences while highlighting the importance of self confidence, and imagination. The cartoon offers unusual charm and touch of humor. Along with its predecessor, it offers captivating visuals.
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