Of all the Pixar movies that have been released there was never a horse as dark as their newest release, Cars. Skepticism abound as this one crept closer and closer to release. Word began to float that Cars may be the chink in Pixar's armour that keeps them from winning the war. This one might tbe the one that is weak enough to bring this entertainment power-house to its knees. Huzzah and hooray that this is not the case. Cars is a sturdy and welcome addition to the admirable and impressive list of films under their belt.
As tradition with Pixar films, the audience is treated to a short before the film actually starts. This years short is one called One Man Band. About a broken Russian influenced town where one man has strapped to his person at least 30 different horns and brass instrumentation. He performs his one man band in a town square populated by nobody. A small child with a gold coin she wishes to throw into the town fountain arrives and the one man band begins to entice her with his music. That is until a competetor of the same ilk arrives with string instruments to challenge his income. A battle rages on between the two of them until the child's coin is lost. At which point she is given a simple violin and performs a heart wrenching, yet simple, ballad. A bag of money is dropped at her feet and she walks away content. Proving that gimicks and flashy tricks will never ever substitue good music.
I liked the short. I always like the Pixar shorts. Ever since Luxo Jr. But I do have to say that I found Boundin', the short that played before The Incredibles a much better, more entertaining and endearing short. But that's not why we're here.
Cars is the story of Lightning McQueen and the rediscovery of Route 66. Which is why Route 66 used to be the title of this film. Lighting McQueen who is voiced by Owen Wilson is a rookie race car in the racing circuit. He is in a three way tie for the grand Piston Cup race and must make his way to California in order to compete. Lightning is a guy who is quickly letting the fame and woes thereof getting to his head. He believes in his heart that all his accomplishments were achieved by him and him alone. His pit team, tired of having their advice ignored and their assistance going unnoticed quit on him. Leaving him truly by himself on his team.
On his way to California he gets seperated from his truck and finds himself driving down the historic Route 66 where he runs amok of the law and destroys the main road of a quant town called Radiator Springs. His pennance is to fix the road, and he's free to go.
Of course in true Pixar fashion, Lighting learns how to take the load off of himself and rely on others to help him carry the water. The great symbol of the whole thing is that this race car, a vehicle designed for nothing but speed can learn to slow down and enjoy the simpler pleasures of life.
The cast of characters in Radiator Springs is of course a great variety providing much comic relief and tender warm hearted moments. Bonnie Hunt is Sally the Porsh (Did I spell that right?) who wins Lightning's heart. Paul Newman is Doc Hudson. The old race car that is also a judge and doctor in the town. He used to be a record setting race car but crashed and almost died. Instead of returning back to the circuit he retired to Radiator Springs.
Of course Cheech Marin plays the low rider car on hydrolics. Would you have it any other way? Or would he have it any other way. The only non stereotypical character Cheech has ever played was a hyena in Lion King. Before that he was the voice of a Chiuahuah, and now a low rider. You'd think one of these days Disney or Pixar will ask him to play, Power Business Man. Or Over-Achieving Attourney. Or His Honor The Judge.
Of course, the real star of the show, at least as far as most audiences are concerned, is Larry the Cable Guy. Normally I can't stand this guys stand up routine. This guy is a big fat one note joke. If you've heard one, you've heard them all. Even though for him the role of a rusty, dusty tow truck named Mater who is a bit of a good ole' boy, is a stereotype in casting as well he pulled off the comedy and heart beautifully. He is a great character to watch and typically has the funniest lines in the film. He is a fan favorit through the whole thing, and honestly is my favorit as well.
What's very interesting about the release of Cars, is that this is the first Pixar movie to be directed by Pixar co-founder and vice president John Lasseter since Toy Story 2. Under John's watch Toy Story, Bug's Life, and Toy Story's sequel were released to mega hit unbelievability giving Pixar the clout is thus has today. While not to knock the other three men who have directed Pixar films, the nice thing about Lasseter is that he brings a special kind of child like wonder and excitement to his films. He truly is doing movies that you can see kids would be in love with. Toys, Bugs, and Cars.
In Pixar there's a saying that is the animators sand the underneath of the cabinets. That's the level of attention they put in their shows. And in this film that couldn't prove more right if you wanted it to. This movie....Is fucking beautiful to look at. The rolling countrysides, the dusty trails and byways. The sheen of the vehicles and the reflection of the sun on their hoods and hubcaps. All of it, as goofy as it looks with eyes and mouths and teeth, looks as photo realistic as one could hope for.
But even all that, the heart behind every one of Pixar's films isn't in the technology they use to make a cactus or flower bend in the wind. Not to make the dust look dirty and the water look clean. The secret behind them, the one thing that Disney can't seem to figure out these days, is that story comes first. If you have a good story, filled with heart and humor, you have a movie I'm going to see over and over again.
FINAL ANALYSIS!
Above all else, the one thing that really, really brought a tear to my eye was the dedication at the end of this film to Joe Ranft. A man with a brilliant imagination and talent who was instrumental in all things Pixar. The voice of Heimmlich the catapillar in Bug's Life and story editor and co-director for much of what the studio produced. A genius, who was tragically taken away from this world August 2005 in a tragic car accident. For some reason it always is the men in this world, charged to bring happiness to others with their limitless imagination who die the youngest. Walt Disney, Jim Henson, and now Joe Ranft. God Bless you Mister Ranft for all the magic you've brought this amazed fan.
Cars is an amazing film. A notch in the belt of Pixar. If you love Pixar, hell, even if you like Pixar, you must see this film. There is nothing to dislike about it. It has heart and talent and humor and will lead to many a good times.
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