We are racing to see Cars 2 this weekend, which will open in theaters nationwide on June 24th. After 2+ years in the making Disney/Pixar has created a masterpiece complete with secret missions, a World Grand Prix, and espionage!
Over the weekend, I had the privilege of screening the film…twice! Since my son has yet to see the film, we will see it on Saturday as a family and I know that the third time will be just as exciting as the first.
Photo Credit: Disney/Pixar
The sequel brings Lightning McQueen and Tow Mater together in an action-packed adventure around the world. The opening nighttime scene, which introduces British spy agent Finn McMissile, is intriguing and sets the tone of the film. Like a scene out of a James Bond film, Fin McMissile boards an oil rig being used to house villain Professor Z and his gangster following. Finn McMissile is spotted and what ensues is a high-speed chase where we catch a glimpse of the car’s tripped up capabilities.
Back in Radiator Springs, Lightning McQueen has just finished a winning race when he’s challenged by Sir Miles Axlerod (a former oil baron who has sold off his fortune and converted to electric power) and Francesco Bernoulli (the most famous race car in Europe and Lightning McQueen’s chief rival) to compete in the World Grand Prix. The competition to see who is the world’s fastest car takes a twist when Mater becomes entangled in a secret mission with Finn McMissile and rookie spy/agent Holley Shiftwell.
Axlerod, who committed to finding a renewable, clean-burning energy source, created the World Grand Prix to showcase his fuel of the future…Allinol. As the story unfolds, the engines of the cars using the fuel mysteriously begin to explode and Axlerod eventually deems it unusable as a fuel. So as not to spoil the plot, I will let you discover the ending twist.
Mater is truly the star of the film. The laid-back, loveable sidekick to Lightning McQueen hasn’t always been the brightest or the most refined, but he shines in the sequel. Mater’s initial attempts to help McQueen end up costing him the first race. As he prepares to leave Tokyo, he meets Holley Shiftwell, who mistakes him for an American Spy. Despite Mater’s attempts to correct them, he becomes a part of their mission. He’s funny, charming, and redeems himself in the end.
The film is geared towards children between the ages of 7 and 12, but I truly believe children as young as my son will enjoy it (although he may not get the “espionage”). The racing scenes are exciting and slightly edgy, the characters well-developed, and the animation is stunning. The heart of the film is in it’s story,which explores the themes of friendship, particularly when that friendship is challenged. The story is also about courage and believing in oneself.
Photo Credit: Disney/Pixar
Photo Credit: Disney/Pixar
Audiences will watch the film in 3D and I can’t imagine it any other way. I was so immersed in the scenes and their beauty. While I’ve never been to Tokyo, I got a glimpse of the high-end nightlife characteristic of the city. London and Paris were depicted spot-on (having traveled to both cities several times). The fabricated city of Porto Corso, Italy is as picturesque as I would imagine any city on the Italian Riviera would be.
Photo Credit: Disney/Pixar
Directed by John Lasseter and starring the voice talents of Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy, Emily Mortimer, and Michael Caine, Cars 2 is an exciting, action-paced film with a heart-warming story. See in in theaters nationwide tomorrow, June 24th. The film will be preceded by an adorable Pixar short entitled Hawaiian Vacation (stay tuned for deets).
Stay tuned for exclusive interviews with John Lasseter, Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy, Emily Mortimer, and Eddie Izzard.
No compensation was received for this post. I was invited by Disney to attend the press junket and world premiere of the film in Los Angeles. Expenses were paid for the trip.
- Discover Luxury at Sonesta Irvine: Your Ideal Staycation - August 8, 2024
- CHOC Walk Returns to the Disneyland Resort – Special Events and Ways to Support - June 28, 2023
- Beastly Ball Returns to the Los Angeles Zoo - May 8, 2023
great recap of the movie. I haven’t seen it – couldn’t make it to the screening but we can’t wait to see it!! Btw, where’s my pic?? lol