I had the opportunity to see Cars 2 not once but twice this week and unlike most movies, I loved it even more the second time around! The movie is so much fun and I love the new characters which include Holley Shiftwell (Emily Mortimer – what a sweetheart she is in person) and Finn McMissile (Michael Caine). This new story is a very clever take on a spy movie and it introduces us to entire new worlds for the gang from Radiator Springs to explore.
There’s a small love story, explosions, cool spy gadgets, and more. And it’s loud, fun, and the music adds to the experience from start to finish. Is it fun for adults? Absolutely! Like all Pixar movies, John Lasseter made it parent-friendly. He wants you to love it from the first to 300th time you have to listen to it as your child enjoys it. Does it have a message? A small one. John Lasseter mentioned in an interview that his mission is to entertain and not educate so there’s “heart” but not too much of a lesson, and that’s OK because it’s a fun ride from start to finish.
The film is visually stunning and while it was loud at times, the 4- and 5-year olds sitting next to me at the first screening were on the edge of their seats and loving almost every minute. There was a slower spot where the 4-year old fussed a bit, but it was late, he was tired, and when the action picked back up so did his interest. When asked if the loudness scared them they both replied, “no” and their mom thought the movie was appropriate for them. I had a few things that I believe could be talking points with your child – like the weapons, explosions, and drinking (although the characters are clearly drinking oil from glass oil funnels). Additionally, while most cars were fixable, one was killed so there is a mention of death as well – it’s a tiny portion of the movie but one you may want to be aware of. To me you can’t protect your children from the world, but you can certainly talk about it with them. You may want to let them know these themes are included in the film and offer to discuss them before and after if necessary.
Did you have to see CARS to enjoy CARS 2? Absolutely not. It’s a perfectly self-contained piece of fun that develops the characters fully and there’s no need to see the original (but it’s fun in its own right). The new characters feel like a natural expansion of the brand and I think they’ll become some much-loved additions to this great franchise.
I attended the Cars 2 Red Carpet Worldwide Hollywood premier and will be posting about my experience soon. Until then, check out the preview and get ready to race to the theatre to see Cars 2 in 3D!
Cars 2 Official Trailer
Cars 2 is in theaters June 24, 2011
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Curious what other Moms are saying about Cars 2? Here are some other reviews:
- Cars 2 Premiere Cars 2 Movie Review — Faithfully Frugal & Free
- Cars 2 opens worldwide June 24th #DisneyDreamWorksEvent – This Mama Loves Her Bargains
- Cars 2 Review: The Sequel is Here (And a Giveaway, too!) – 5 Minutes For Mom
:disneypixarevent:
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Thanks for your review – I think it’s great that you suggest the talking points of things that might be questionable in the movie – although I think some of those things are a bit young to discuss with a 4 year old with 😉 It seems that this movie is better geared to a bit of an older school age group.
@Tammy,
I don’t think it’s ever too young to answer questions and talk to kids about life and death. I asked the parent next to me after the movie specifically to gauge the 4- and 5-year old reactions. I’m sure much of it was over their head, but it’s a cartoon, it’s fun, and I personally didn’t object to anything in the movie. I was very cautious with my own kids growing up, and this is certainly a movie I would have taken them too. But that’s the great thing about reviews, everyone has a different take on the same thing and same with parenting. We all have to do what we think is best.
Connie
I’m really glad it delivered the first and second times because I’m sure I’ll probably see it hundreds. I was a little disappointed to not see all of the old characters return but Mater is a favorite of mine so I’m glad he’ll be in it for sure!
@Kelly,
Mater shines in this one and I LOVED the new characters. I think they’re going to be huge with the kids, too 🙂
I hope you love it!
Connie