Hola all. Massawyrm here.
There is a recently added rule to the Film Critic’s Code of Conduct that states “Any and all CG Animated film reviews will henceforth be required to have a comparison to Pixar Animated films, whether the film is distributed by Disney or not.” Because Pixar has become the gold standard, the level of achievement that everyone else now has to attempt to meet. They raised the bar - and now they have to live up to it. Which brings us to Cars, Pixar’s new animated film that couldn’t be more of a Pixar film if they tried. The question is, is that necessarily a good thing?
Cars hits every point in the Pixar formula – and then some. From its kooky cast of characters voiced by top Hollywood talent right on down to its Randy Newman song, Cars throws every single trick in Pixar’s book at you. But this time, the film is actually the first, highly self-referential Pixar piece, complete with winks, nods and outright direct references to other Pixar features and shorts. Now while this is never overdone, some may find both the adherence to their trademark formula and their acknowledging it with winks and nods to be a bit much. However, this film really conveys a genuine sense that the Pixar folks are cutting loose and having a little fun, and the references are only distracting in one – clearly deliberate – scene. Otherwise, this is just going to be something of a nitpick for the more cynical out there.
What Pixar does best is take tired ideas or the plots of old films and reworks them, setting them in a new universe or simply breathing new life into an idea that seems long past its day. What is a Bug’s Life but The Three Amigos with insects? Or The Incredibles but a Fantastic Four movie with a speedster in place of a fire manipulator? Or Toy Story but another “the toys are alive when the kids are away” story mixed with a mismatched buddy comedy? And yet, it works every time. Because Pixar knows how to tell a story and get the soul of each piece just right.
Here, with Cars, Pixar has set out to remake the 1991 Michael J. Fox classic – Doc Hollywood - this time with, as the title so eloquently puts it, cars. The result, as usual, is immensely entertaining. Despite knowing the story beat for beat (because, who hasn’t seen Doc Hollywood like a billion and six times) I was hooked from minute one. And by the time they’d worked their way to the highly predictable and somewhat clichéd ending, I gotta admit, I was misty eyed like a little bitch. Sure, it wasn’t Iron Giant tears, but I had to wipe my eyes. It got me. And I’m man enough to admit that.
The story is solid, the characters likable and engaging and the comedy fresh and funny. While not nearly as laugh out loud hilarious as the second half of last months Over the Hedge, Cars is much more consistent, delivering a steady stream of laughs from start to finish. Like every other Pixar film, this has a tremendous amount of heart and is quite possibly the sweetest, most saccharine film you’re bound to see this year. If you love the way Pixar tells a story, then there’s no way you’re not going to like this movie. Period. However, if you’re one of those that dislikes the raw sentimentality of Pixar, then this isn’t going to be the film that converts you. As I stated earlier, this couldn’t be more Pixar if it tried – and you may find yourself disliking this more than most.
The CG here is certainly in top form, Pixar once again creating a rich, lush world filled with plenty of eye candy. The art team manages to perfectly, and uniquely bring each car to life with its own expressions and movements, never looking too forced or utterly impossible. You buy this world, every bit of it, and it never comes across as silly as a world populated entirely by cars sounds like it should.
The voice work is exactly what you’d expect – this time forcing me to eat a big ole, steaming bowl of crow. Once upon a time I stated quite definitively that after his poor showing in The Big Bounce, Owen Wilson (who sounded more like Andy Rooney reading a bad pulp novel), should never, ever be allowed to do voice work or voice-overs again. I was wrong. Here he’s perfect as the young hot rod Lightning McQueen – flawlessly capturing the arrogance and ‘stupid youth’ necessary for the character. Larry the Cable Guy (who couldn’t at least pony up a last name for a kids film) defies expectations as well and becomes the most endearing comedic character in the film. They even let him play around a bit and slip in one of his trademark catch phrases, while thankfully keeping him from uttering the words Git-R-Done (for the record, the phrase used works perfectly in context and is only recognizable if you’re familiar with his act. I live in Texas, where I shit you not, they sell Git-R-Done clocks at gas stations, so, you know, I am.)
But most surprising isn’t who does well, but rather who they got who’s never done voice work before – but should have. Paul Newman. Sure, he’s famous for his blue eyes – but his voice is amazing. It carries weight with every syllable. And as Doc, he commands this film with all the charisma off-screen that Newman possesses onscreen. Any longtime Newman fan owes it to themselves to seek this out, because, even as the town elder, he steals the show.
Overall, I tremendously enjoyed Cars. While certainly not on par with The Incredibles (not only my favorite Pixar film, but my favorite Super Hero film ever made), this is easily rated in the same category as the rest of their work. Some will compare it to Finding Nemo, others A Bugs Life – but it’s gonna be hard for Pixar fans to like this less than any of the others. About as perfect a family film as you’re going to find this summer. Highly Recommended for anyone looking for wholesome family fare.
Until next time friends, smoke ‘em if ya got ‘em. I know I will.
Massawyrm
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