CARS 2 (USA 2011) ***
Directed by John Lasseter

The sequel to the 2006 CARS movie this film should be a hit as it was reported that half of all the kids in the U.S. own at least one CARS toy.

The problem of CARS 2 the film is its minimal storyline.  Star race car Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson sounding really winey in the voice characterization) and his pal Mater (Larry the Cable Guy) head overseas to compete in the World Grand Prix race. But the road to the championship becomes rocky as Mater gets caught up in an intriguing adventure of his own: international espionage.  But the embarrassing Mater fouls up Lightning’s first race and the friendship is put to the test.

The problem of animating cars is obvious from most of the film’s scenes.  Cars do not have arms to hug or embrace.  Lasseter gives the cars chains and a hook for arms and hands.  They do not have faces , thought faces are drawn on them.

CARS 2 plays like a James Bond movie with lots of car chases and British accents.  (Michael Caine’s is particularly recognizable).  Despite lots of fast moving action, Lasseter’s film gets boring really fast in the first half, which is quite surprising noting that his TOY STORY was so captivating in its storytelling.  Fortunately, the animation technology o CARS 2 is amazing. The second half of the film takes the CARS heroes to the likes of Paris o London with stunning replicas of the well known tourist sights.  As Mater’s rocket fuelled engine tows Lightning’s car sky high, the audience is taken on a whirlwind tour of London form the areas around Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and beyond.  At this time, one can safely forget the film’s flaws and just gawk at Lasseter’s amazing animation.

CARS 2 is the most action packed least heart tearing of the Disney films.  See it or whatever reason but the animation technology is simply mind boggling stunning!