CARS

NASCAR meets Pixar in the latest animated feature CARS. Rookie racing sensation, Lightning McQueen, a blazing red stock car has been lightening up the racing circuit with success. After a three-way tie for first with competitors Chick Hicks and The King, Lightning must compete in a race-off with the two other cars in California. During Lightning’s trip from the east coast to the west coast, he veers off the freeway and into the small town of Radiator Springs. While in Radiator Springs, Lightning runs into some trouble with the law, and must perform community service on the town’s main road. Lightning will have to work fast if he plans on making the big race.

Although not as overtly clever, spectacular or funny as most of Pixar’s films, CARS does take us on a detour into a charming, lovable and welcoming world of automobiles. In this four wheels only world, humans do not exist, which presents an interesting and effective change of pace for TOY STORY, MONSTER INCORPORATED and FINDING NEMO director John Lasseter. Lasseter, along with co-director Joe Ranft, finds an appealing nature to this unique culture, and wrings some solid personalities out of the well-cast voice talent. Owen Wilson is on target as Lightening, reflecting an aura of cockiness, charisma and charm, while Paul Newman and Bonnie Hunt’s calming and rugged voices bring an air of wisdom and experience behind their automobiles. The biggest surprise and best voice work, comes from Dan Whitney, better known as Larry the Cable Guy. Whitney’s presence as tow-truck, Tow Mater is the key ingredient of CARS. His character is not only the funniest and most likable, but he becomes a vehicle through which Lightning learns his life lessons. CARS doesn’t rev up any animated breakthroughs like past Pixar works, but it does continue the company’s solid streak of formidable family entertainment.

Grade: B