'Cars' well worth the ride - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Holly · 06-14-2006, 09:00 AM

If there's any such thing as a sure bet in the movie business these days, it has to be the combination of the names Disney and Pixar.

Now that the companies are fully back in business together, they can ride all the way to the bank ... and that's quite literal in the case of “Cars,” the new comedy from animation-expert director John Lasseter that merges the team's trademark sense of humor with delightful new characters certain to join the pantheon of other beloved characters such as Woody and Buzz Lightyear from “Toy Story,” the fish from “Finding Nemo,” the super-powered family from “The Incredibles,” etc.

With windshields that have eyes and grilles that turn into mouths -- some even having buckteeth in this case -- the vehicles are led by Lightning, an unspectacular car with big dreams and the voice of Owen Wilson. He's out to run rings around the other automobiles aiming to win a big race, but en route to the event, Lightning gets waylaid in the broken-down town of Radiator Springs. His quest to be a champ on the track seems hopeless, until some other cars rally around and help him reach his destination; then, it's all up to him.

It's impossible not to sympathize with the theme of “Cars,” and that's where the typical Disney-Pixar magic kicks in. You root for the underdog, and you have a great, fun time doing it. As always, younger viewers will love the visuals, and their elders are sure to get a kick out of a voice cast that runs the gamut from Larry the Cable Guy to Paul Newman.

Newman is a great, smart choice, given his known love of racing. To that end, fellow auto enthusiast Jay Leno and real-life superstars of the track including Richard Petty and Darrell Waltrip are heard in a group that also encompasses Bonnie Hunt, George Carlin, Michael Keaton, Tony Shalhoub, John Ratzenberger (“Cheers”) and even sportscaster Bob Costas.

The animation style itself is quite interesting in “Cars.” Whether it's meant to be an homage or not, many of the vehicles resemble Vincent, the reasonably battered little robot that often came to the aid of the heroes in the late-'70s Disney sci-fi movie “The Black Hole.” And they have just as much personality, which is even better.

The anticipation for “Cars” has been so big, it's a pleasure to report the movie is absolutely worth the ride. And then some.

(Rated G)

tv star collector · 06-14-2006, 06:38 PM

I haven't seen it yet but plan to someday. I've enjoyed all the Pixar movies.

06-14-2006, 09:00 AM	#1
Holly I LOVE SUNSETS :) Forum Veteran Join Date: Jul 25, 2005 Location: Albany NY Posts: 5,748	'Cars' well worth the ride If there's any such thing as a sure bet in the movie business these days, it has to be the combination of the names Disney and Pixar. Now that the companies are fully back in business together, they can ride all the way to the bank ... and that's quite literal in the case of “Cars,” the new comedy from animation-expert director John Lasseter that merges the team's trademark sense of humor with delightful new characters certain to join the pantheon of other beloved characters such as Woody and Buzz Lightyear from “Toy Story,” the fish from “Finding Nemo,” the super-powered family from “The Incredibles,” etc. With windshields that have eyes and grilles that turn into mouths -- some even having buckteeth in this case -- the vehicles are led by Lightning, an unspectacular car with big dreams and the voice of Owen Wilson. He's out to run rings around the other automobiles aiming to win a big race, but en route to the event, Lightning gets waylaid in the broken-down town of Radiator Springs. His quest to be a champ on the track seems hopeless, until some other cars rally around and help him reach his destination; then, it's all up to him. It's impossible not to sympathize with the theme of “Cars,” and that's where the typical Disney-Pixar magic kicks in. You root for the underdog, and you have a great, fun time doing it. As always, younger viewers will love the visuals, and their elders are sure to get a kick out of a voice cast that runs the gamut from Larry the Cable Guy to Paul Newman. Newman is a great, smart choice, given his known love of racing. To that end, fellow auto enthusiast Jay Leno and real-life superstars of the track including Richard Petty and Darrell Waltrip are heard in a group that also encompasses Bonnie Hunt, George Carlin, Michael Keaton, Tony Shalhoub, John Ratzenberger (“Cheers”) and even sportscaster Bob Costas. The animation style itself is quite interesting in “Cars.” Whether it's meant to be an homage or not, many of the vehicles resemble Vincent, the reasonably battered little robot that often came to the aid of the heroes in the late-'70s Disney sci-fi movie “The Black Hole.” And they have just as much personality, which is even better. The anticipation for “Cars” has been so big, it's a pleasure to report the movie is absolutely worth the ride. And then some. (Rated G)

06-14-2006, 06:38 PM	#2
tv star collector I Love Susie Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 18, 2005 Location: South Carolina Posts: 4,486	I haven't seen it yet but plan to someday. I've enjoyed all the Pixar movies.