As a massive fan of anything made by Pixar, I find it hard to listen to the criticism that is associated with their 2011 film, Cars 2. It is the worst rated Pixar film to date, and is often slated by film fans. I think much of the criticism given to this film is unjust and unfair. I hope to highlight some points as to why this film isn’t as bad as everyone makes out.

Storyline

The storyline of Cars 2 follows Lightning as he tries to win the World Grand Prix while his mate Mater (ha ha) found himself stuck in the middle of a crime syndicate spanning the globe. The film focuses more on Mater’s spy escapades rather than Lightning much to some dismay from the fans. I don’t mind Mater and I felt his performance as a spy was a good choice as he, as a yokel, struggled to get to grips with the procedures and gadgets associated with the spies. I think this lightened up some of the more serious moments in the film. The story had some of the most violent scenes we have seen from a Pixar film with bombs and guns being used throughout, but I really think it fitted the genre it was emulating. Pixar created such great action scenes with the cars that would be good enough to grace any spy film. Many people say that the plot was bland, but I personally enjoyed the storyline and was kept guessing all the way through.

Why make a Sequel?

Many have gone as far to say the sequel was not needed because they didn’t enjoy the first Cars film. But lets think what a good sequel needs? More characters? Cars 2 had the whole gang from Radiator Springs plus all the racers in the World Grand Prix as well as all the many spies. Better locations? The first film was based in Radiator Springs, while Cars 2 was set in Tokyo, Paris, Italy, and London all with different landmarks and local colour. Better storyline? The focus of the first Cars was Lightning getting to know and love the crew in Radiator Springs with the climax of the story when he loses the Piston Cup to help The King cross the line. Cars 2 has a story set in many countries of the world, a worldwide spy syndicated, and a plot to kill the Queen. Which movie would you rather watch?

Animation

As a massive fan of animation, I can marvel properly at the quality and craftsmanship of the animation in this film. The scenes in Tokyo are mind-bogglingly good with lights and reflections everywhere. The streets are filled with signage for different brands as well as hundreds of cars that line the streets during the races. To have so many extras in the film that are all so nicely rendered is a great thing to see. As I have mentioned the fight scenes in the movie are so well choreographed that they would be worthy to appear in a James Bond film. Considering the characters are cars it is amazing how the animators were able to get them fight in such a realistic way you would assume that is how they would do it in real life if they could.

Sell Out?

Many have accused Pixar and John Lassester of selling out Cars 2 to just make money from it. I don’t think this is the case. John said in an interview after Cars came out, that they would need a good story before they would make a sequel. I also know John created the original Cars as a homage to some happy times he had as a child, so I really think he was personally invested in the film, and would not have churned out any old rubbish just to line his pockets. Disney on the other hand have, in my opinion ruined the Cars franchise in the way they have created the Planes films and created merchandise. Many people don’t like Cars 2 because they feel that Planes stemmed from it and the tat brought out to coincide with the film.

The problem with any new Pixar film is that it will always be compared to its predecessors, which, in the industry, are the golden standard of animated films. Cars 2 fell to this because although it is called the worst Pixar film, it still beats many of its competetiers. I hope I have pointed out some interesting details about Cars 2 and have opened your eyes to why I still think it is a film Pixar can be proud of.