Pixar offers all sorts of different characters throughout its existence. From toys that talk, monsters, and emotions. They have created almost all kinds of characters, and it won't be unusual for them to make something like talking cars. They seem to want to challenge their animators and designers to create something new.
So in 2006, Disney and Pixar created Cars. A movie with a simple title but makes up with its incredible music and sweet storyline.
In a world parallel to our own. Anthromorphic vehicles dominate the population. We are introduced to our main hero, Lightning McQueen, an overly ambitious and arrogant rookie. He competes at the finals of the Piston Cup along with other tough competitors, The King, and Chick Hicks. The three are neck and neck, ending in a 3-way tie. A tie-breaking race in Los Angeles is needed and scheduled for next week to settle for a winner.
Pressured by the other competitors, McQueen is determined to arrive early in the competition. However, after a sleeping accident with his trailer truck, Mack, he arrived at a rundown town, Radiator Springs, and accidentally destroyed their road. The citizens, led by Doc Hudson, and Sally, decided to punish McQueen by doing community service by fixing their roads. With the race coming, McQueen has to struggle between his responsibility to finish his task and to race in the grandest stage. But along the way, he learns to be humble and appreciative of the people and his surroundings.
Voiced by the talented Owen Wilson as Lightning McQueen, Paul Newman as Doc Hudson, Bonnie Hunt as Sally, and Larry the Cable Guy as Mater. This movie brings in several terrific actors, and they all delivered well. Even the famous racer, Michael Schumacher, who voiced his Ferrari, has a short cameo in this movie.
The one that stood out for me was the movie's soundtrack. Several amazing country singers like James Taylor, Rascal Flatts, Chuck Berry, and Brad Paisley performed some of the songs. If you were not into country music like me when I first watched this, you might love them more after watching it. They chose terrific pieces to cover the upbeat and mellow story that this movie brings.
The story is simple. It starts and ends with a racing sequence with a slow, sweet, and melancholy feel in between. Like a children's movie, it has some comedic scenes. It will not raise your eyebrows with excitement and thrill; instead, it is a slow drive that will eventually let you reach the finish line smoothly.
I can't say much about the animation. The character movements are similar to other earlier Pixar films. Still, I am sure the animators did a great job with their dedication and time to construct these beautiful-looking characters. What's incredible for me is this movie feels very new because it is nothing they have done before.
You cannot deny the chemistry between Mater and Lightning McQueen is impressive. No wonder the two characters were still featured in its sequel. They are the ones that bring life and joy to this movie.
The legacy of this film may not be as grand as Toy Story, but its influence garnered two movie sequels. Children's toys and several video games were just something, to name a few.
If you are looking for a feel-good Pixar film, this is the one for you. It has a simple storyline, a few twists, and easy-to-like characters. It is straightforward; an almost 2-hour runtime keeps you centered on your expectations.
A fast3.5 out of 5 stars.