Movie Review

‘Cars’ a real charmer

By David DiCerto
Catholic News Service

Having already set the standard for computer-animated entertainment with movies such as “Toy Story,” “Monsters, Inc.” and “Finding Nemo,” Pixar continues to raise the bar with “Cars” (Disney), a delightful, family-friendly film with a full tank of humor and emotion that is likely to leave its summer competition in the dust.

Directed by John Lasseter and Joe Ranft, the tale takes place in a world of anthropomorphic autos, centering on cocky racecar Lightning McQueen (voiced by Owen Wilson), a rookie hot rod with his headlights set on the prestigious Piston Cup and the fame it will bring. While en route cross-country to compete against two veteran speedsters (voiced by Michael Keaton and real-life racing legend Richard Petty), Lightning is unexpectedly detained in the neglected desert town of Radiator Springs, which, in its heyday, had been the jewel of the Route 66 crown.

Though revved up to burn rubber out of town, Lightning, through his growing friendship with its motley four-wheeled residents, has a change of heart about life in the fast lane, learning that “there’s a whole lot more to racing than winning.”

A top-shelf cast provides the characters with endearing personalities; they include: Bonnie Hunt as a pretty Porsche; Cheech Marin as a 1959 Impala with flair; Tony Shalhoub as a high-strung Italian Fiat; and George Carlin as a hippie 1960 VW bus who brews his own organic fuel and has a good-natured running feud with neighbor Sarge, a patriotic World War II jeep. Hollywood icon Paul Newman lends his gravelly muffler to Doc Hudson, an old-timer who guards a big secret under his vintage hood and who frowns his fender at Lightning’s egotism. But a rusty, dimwitted tow truck with an engine of gold named Mater (voiced by comedian Larry the Cable Guy) steals the show, including a funny scene where, for kicks, he initiates Lightning into the car-equivalent of cow-tipping involving a field of easily spooked tractors.

Following past Pixar successes, the writing is sharp, while the vibrant visuals — impressively rendered metallic surfaces, shiny tailfins, high-octane race sequences and lovely painted desertscapes — take a backseat to solid storytelling.

Though lacking the epic sweep of “Finding Nemo” and the character depth of “The Incredibles,” given our hectic world of fast food, express lanes and high-speed Internet access, the film’s gentle message charmingly reminds us that on the highway of life it is important to slow down and appreciate the scenery.

DiCerto is on the staff of the Office for Film & Broadcasting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.