“Cars,” the runt of the Pixar litter, is getting a sequel whether you like it or not. Frankly we’re more interested in the new “Toy Story” short film that will precede the feature but we suppose there are a legion of little kids who are going to be all over a film about talking cars that drive around real fast so we suppose they’ll eat this one up.
Disney has dropped a first look image of the film and a plot synopsis and all you really need to know is that the film will essentially be one long car race. The story will find Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) and Mater (Larry The Cable Guy, ugh) heading to the World Grand Prix, with the latter getting tangled in some international espionage leading to a big car chase through Japan and Europe. Also, as you’ll see, the plot seems to lean heavily on Mater and the thought of hearing Larry The Cable Guy for ninety straight minutes scares the living bejaysus out of us.
“Cars 2” will tank up on June 24, 2011. Official synopsis after the jump. [HeyUGuys]
Star racecar Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) and the incomparable tow truck Mater (voice of Larry the Cable Guy) take their friendship to exciting new places in “Cars 2” when they head overseas to compete in the first-ever World Grand Prix to determine the world’s fastest car. But the road to the championship is filled with plenty of potholes, detours and hilarious surprises when Mater gets caught up in an intriguing adventure of his own: international espionage. Torn between assisting Lightning McQueen in the high-profile race and towing the line in a top-secret spy mission, Mater’s action-packed journey leads him on an explosive chase through the streets of Japan and Europe, trailed by his friends and watched by the whole world. Adding to the fast-paced fun is a colorful new all-car cast that includes secret agents, menacing villains and international racing competitors.
given the fact that Cars made 3 BILLION in merch in 2007 alone, a sequel was coming no matter what (haha see what I did there?)
oh and Cars is a remake of \’Doc Hollywood\’…
Pixar\’s worst pictures are pretty superior to everyone else\’s best pictures. So to say that \”Cars\” is my least favorite Pixar movie is not necessarily a slam. \”Cars\” was enjoyable, but the not the disc I grab very often compared to others in the Pixar collection.
\”Ratatouille\” and \”Wall-E\” are exceptional films. \”The Incredibles\” is absolute magic and probably the most watched in my household. And, of course, \”Monsters, Inc.\” and \”Toy Story 2\” are undeniable classics.
I assume these commenters are either joking or spamming the various websites that carried Cars 2 news. I hated Cars as much as the next cinephile, but doesn\’t mean I begrudge anyone that gave it a pass. But their last good film? Alternate theory – Cars was the last Pixar film that wasn\’t more or less targeted at adults and one of the last (with Ratatouille) that wasn\’t a soul-wreckingly emotional experience for many. I know my wife is looking forward to seeing a Pixar film and NOT crying for the first time in four years.
Personally speaking, I found the homely, communal pathos of Cars more resonant than the Hallmark artifice of Toy Story 3, the by-the-numbers emotional beats of Ratatouille, and the flying dogs of Up.
That said, I like all of these movies and anyone who ranks Cars above Wall-E might be crazy.
I was about to come on here to say that Larry The Cable Guy was actually the best thing in the otherwise underwhelming Cars, but then I saw these comments. Who are these people? Cars better than Ratatouille, Wall-E, Up, and Toy Story 3? One of the top five Pixars? Are you INSANE?
Yeah, CARS is one of the 5 best films Pixar has made, in my humble opinion. Give it a chance, Playlist!
Call me a heretic but I think Cars was the last good Pixar film. Ratatouille, Wall-E, Up and Toy Story 3 make me feel like they\’ve really lost their magical touch.