Although the plot coasts along a predictable path, the verbal jokes and sight gags rev things up along the way, making the film enjoyable almost from start to finish.
Cars (2006)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted: 186
Fresh: 140
Rotten:46
Average Rating: 6.9/10
Consensus: While the story may not reach the high standards of Toy Story and The Incredibles, viewers of all ages will marvel at the technical brilliance of the animation and come away satisfied.
Theatrical Release:Jun 9, 2006 Wide
Box Office: $244,052,771
Synopsis: Talking cars rediscover the quirky originality of middle America in this inventive animated film from the folks at Pixar (TOY STORY, FINDING NEMO). Owen Wilson does the voice of arrogant rookie... Talking cars rediscover the quirky originality of middle America in this inventive animated film from the folks at Pixar (TOY STORY, FINDING NEMO). Owen Wilson does the voice of arrogant rookie racecar Lightning McQueen, who winds up stranded in the small desert town of Radiator Springs on his way west to a big showdown. Sentenced to community service after literally tearing up the road in a high-speed chase, at first all Lightning can think of is getting back to the world of corporate sponsorship and merchandising tie-ins he loves so well. Eventually, however, the eccentric residents of Radiator Springs begin to grow on him, especially the attractive lady Porsche lawyer (Bonnie Hunt) and a rusty old tow-truck (Larry the Cable Guy). There's also a hippie Volkswagen (George Carlin), a low-riding T-bird (Cheech Martin) and Paul Newman as the gruff, curmudgeonly Doc Hudson, the town judge who harbors his own checkered-flag past. The story may not be new, but Pixar's precision-engineered animation brilliantly illuminates the town and its surrounding cactus-studded vistas down to the minutest detail, and director/writer John Lasseter keeps the film's satiric wit and generous heart in perfect alignment. Adults in the audience should appreciate the film's celebration of old-school American eccentricity, and the kids will dig all the thunderous grit and high-octane wheel burning. Randy Newman composed the score; James Taylor sings one of the songs. [More]
Starring: Owen Wilson, Paul Newman, Michael Keaton, George Carlin
Starring: Owen Wilson, Paul Newman, Michael Keaton, George Carlin, Larry the Cable Guy, Bob Costas, Cheech Marin, Bonnie Hunt, Paul Dooley, Guido Quaroni, Michael Wallis, Darrell Waltrip
Director: John Lasseter
Director: John Lasseter
Producer: Darla Anderson
Screenwriter: Kiel Murray, John Lasseter, Phil Lorin, Dan Fogelman
Composer: Randy Newman
Studio: Buena Vista Pictures
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Reviews for Cars
Owen Wilson's infectious good-natured energy permeates Pixar's light-hearted animated movie about "Lightning McQueen" a rookie competition race car that discovers there's more to life than winning races.
Here it is, another masterpiece from director John Lasseter and his fellow geniuses at Pixar Animation Studios, once again raising the bar out of reach of everyone but themselves.
Despite its technical accomplishments, Cars feels less Formula One than Ford Fiesta.
One of these days, the magicians at Pixar will make a bad movie%u2013or even a mediocre one%u2013but it hasn't happened yet.
The rote melancholy song by Randy Newman evokes more laughter than compassion.
It's never a good sign when the funniest, most entertaining part of a movie are the closing credits.
There's a lot of heart and soul--complemented by some of the most eye-popping visuals the computer-animation pioneer has ever devised.
Cars is not Pixar at its very best but it's immaculately drawn, full of surprises and beautifully voiced. It also moves at an astonishing speed.
In Cars Pixar has come up with a strong story, beautiful images, intriguing themes, and endearing characters.
This isn't a bad story, but it's a bit hokey, and not nearly as imaginative as Pixar's previous triumphs.
Often veers over the central line between watchable and disappointing.
n this day of skyrocketing gas prices, when going out for a drive has become a frivolous luxury, this car-culture film could be a cute reminder of days past%u2014a fun historical reference for the kids%u2014sort of like Disney's Dinosaur.
a steep step downwards for all and everything concerned, unless you're a Caucasian sports car
There's sure to be a dud somewhere in its future, but right now, the Disney/Pixar combination is the film industry's only sure-fire, guar-an-teed, git-'er-done hitmaker.
An average Pixar movie remains markedly better than the best from any other animation studio.
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