TheDisney Pixar connection in animation film brings on the big sports car race ofthe summer in CARS 2. In 2006, PixarAnimation Studios chose the feature film debut of CARS to celebrate its 20th Anniversary and itacquisition by the Walt Disney Pictures. CARS2 will be presented in Disney 3D, IMAX 3D and the traditionaltwo-dimensional formats to audiences across the U.S.A. beginning June 24, 2011.It is no coincidence that CARS 2 sharesthe spotlight on another Pixar milestone, its 25th Anniversary ofanimation creations.
InCARS, a hotshot greenhorn sports carracer, Lightening McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) heads out west to participatein the big Piston Cup Championship in California. He is anxious to race in thebig-time professional competition. He is confident he will be the next rookiechampion. Oddly, Lightening McQueen gets side-tracked on the famous HighwayRoute 66 in the town of Radiator Springs. The detour is an enlighteningstop-over and a life-altering adventure once McQueen heeds the advice from someof the towns’ eccentric characters, such as, Doc Hudson (voice of Paul Newman),Sally Carrera (voice of Bonnie Hunt) and Mater (voice of Larry the Cable Guy),that a reality check is necessary to address his competitive spirit of racing.
TheDisney Pixar sequel CARS 2 opens with a reunion in the sleepy town of RadiatorSprings when Lightening McQueen makes a surprise appearance. He comes to townto ask his friend, Mater, to assist him in a competition that determines theworld’s fastest sports car. The event is The World Grand Prix held in threedifferent countries: Japan, Italy and England. McQueen knows he has a shot forthe title but needs help from his friends. McQueen, Mater and their sleepy townpit crew take on the challenge to put McQueen to the test and embark on a newadventure around the world. The competition for The World Grand Prix isknowingly stiff which gives the team due concern. The events that surround eachrace are complicated. It takes the stress level for the American team to an all-timehigh, especially on the relationship between McQueen and Mater. In a case ofstolen identity, Mater is innocently taken for a spy. Maters curiosity in theworld of espionage undermines his focus to help his friend win the race of alife-time. McQueen and Mater are forced to depend on new friends or foe, suchas, Finn McMissile (voiced by Michael Caine), Francesco Bernoulli (voiced byJohn Turturro) and Holley Shiftwell (voiced by Emily Mortimer) to refocus andset priorities in perspective for the win. The Disney Pixar morality talecommunicates the importance of friendship, faithfulness, commitment, andtruth-telling told from a variety of animated cars with a personified humanheart by each of their characters. Actress Bonnie Hunt (voice of Sally Carrera)says, “Their (John Lasseter and the artists at Pixar) imaginations go to thefantasies of the heart, and of life, and of our values. The heart and soul iswhat turns a steel car into a character and a person.” CARS 2, the Disney Pixarsequel worth the effort to make, will be remembered for its individuality, aswell as, the hit film to celebrate Pixar Animation Studios 25th Anniversary inanimation. Oh Happy Day!
KarenPecota
24/7MOMS film journalist
Movierelease in theaters: June 24, 2011