Critics — and even audiences — often wonder what the point of a sequel is. Take “The Matrix Reloaded,” “Speed 2: Cruise Control,” and the recent “The Hangover Part II.” The plot of the last, as funny as the film is, completely mirrors the original. But the question rarely seems to hover around children’s films. Is it that fewer expectations surround the quality of movies aimed at the young? Not when it’s a Disney-Pixar film. (And keep in mind the film opened to midnight showings, too late for most tots.) So “Cars 2” deserves all the skepticism that was focused this summer on the “Hangover” sequel. The animated movie, a follow-up to the 2006 original, is little more than an excuse for the animators to have some fun. Unfortunately, viewers don’t get any until about two-thirds through.
“Cars 2” finds Lightning McQueen (voiced by Owen Wilson) back in Radiator Springs, ready to take a break from racing to spend time with girlfriend Sally (Bonnie Hunt) and best buddy Mater (Larry the Cable Guy). But the tow truck sees cocky Italian racer Francesco Bernoulli (John Turturro) on television, boasting he can beat McQueen. The American accepts the challenge the defensive Mater has created, and the pair are off to Tokyo, Paris, and London for the World Grand Prix.
| ON SCREEN |
| ‘Cars 2’ |
| » Rating: 2 out of 5 stars |
| » Stars: Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy, Michael Caine, Emily Mortimer |
| » Directors: John Lasseter, Brad Lewis |
| » Rated: G |
| » Running time: 113 minutes |
It’s not the only mistake Mater makes. The hick is somehow taken for a spy by British agents Finn McMissile (Michael Caine) and Holley Shiftwell (Emily Mortimer). They need his help in busting a conspiracy that will affect every car in every country — pity them.
This might sound like an exciting plot. But things don’t rev up until the third act. Before that, you simply see a lot of cars — French cars with berets, Japanese cars that make sushi, British cars that speak with elegance. There’s much to look at, but little to follow. Which seems unfair to the children at whom the film is ostensibly aimed, since they’re too young to get most of the jokes. (How many of them even know what wasabi is?) Even the score is dull: Fan favorite Randy Newman was replaced by Michael Giacchino, who work was just as bland in “Super 8.”
Disney-Pixar is the gold standard of animated films. But with “Cars 2,” the studio shows that even it’s not immune to showing a little rust.
