Without memorable characters, Pixar's films just don't work, and while Cars is devoid of an all-time classic character like a Buzz Lightyear or a Mr. Incredible, it does offer an array of hilarious automobiles that are fairly solid Pixar creations. For a good portion of the film, Lightning McQueen is an egomaniacal jerk, and while that personality defines the legend for far too long, this set-up does allow for the character evolution in the end to be coupled with a nice emotional payoff. When Lightning does finally change his ways, he becomes one of Pixar's best characters. I just wish that change would have transpired a little earlier in the film. It is not too often that I can write this next phrase, but Owen Wilson turns in a fantastic performance as McQueen. His ability to effortless deliver comedic and dramatic lines is a wonder to behold. Also, Sally is another great character that is aided immensely by the vocal work of Bonnie Hunt. Sally is the default leader of Radiator Springs, and that characterization allows for some excellent moments to occur, especially when the neon is finally returned to the town. Sally and McQueen's interactions are some of the best moments from the film as well (more on that below). You can feel the heartache from both parties as McQueen is unwillingly ushered away to the race in California, which is really a testament to the tremendous ability of Pixar.
The supporting crop of characters is equally as impressive also. Doc Hudson is voiced by Paul Newman, which automatically makes him one of Pixar's greatest characters. Hudson is the heartbeat behind the entire film, and his leadership for the town and McQueen himself is exemplary throughout. I'll discuss Hudson in more detail below. Mater became so popular in the aftermath of Cars that they essentially gave him his own film in Cars 2, but despite that atrocity, Mater is a stellar character in Cars. He provides the ultimately timely comedic relief throughout as Larry the Cable Guy effectively steals the show. The remainder of the Radiator Springs gang is superb too as they are often afforded the opportunity to steal the spotlight from the leading characters. The animation for these characters is spectacular as well, each embedded with their own unique personalities before they even begin speaking.
You may have a variety of complaints about Cars that are totally legitimate, but one thing I think we can all agree on is that the animation overall is awe-inspiring. From the characters to the landscapes, everything about Cars is a visual treat. The reason Disneyland's Cars Land is so picturesque and beautiful today is because of its inspiration from this film. The shots of Radiator Springs feature some of Pixar's most glorious animation to date. Furthermore, Randy Newman yet again delivers another phenomenal score that is also boasts some great songs as well, such as the infectious "Life Is a Highway" and the Oscar-nominated "Our Town." John Lasseter's steady directing hand allows for Cars to break out of the mires of mediocrity it comes close to be trapped in and proceed onward to a genuinely great film. The only quibble I have with Cars is that I feel as if this (along with its sequel) is Pixar's most mainstream film to date, meaning that they made it solely for entertainment sake and not for the sake of art. The messages and themes proclaimed in Cars are nice, but they do not hold a candle to the bolder proclamations in other Pixar classics. There is nothing wrong with making a downright fun film, but that is why Cars is simply a great film in my book and not a masterpiece.
However, that should diminish this film's greatness. I loved this film when I first saw it in 2006, and I still love it to this day. I keep on returning to this film for its memorable characters, rich animation, and big heart. While not a Ferrari (sorry, Luigi), Cars is definitely not scrap metal.
Rating: 9/10
Historical Significance: The concept for Radiator Springs was originally conceived during a Route 66 road trip with John Lasseter, Joe Ranft, and author/historian Michael Wallis. The trio studied different stops along Route 66 in states such as Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico (from that, you can see where the setting inspiration in Cars comes from). Wallis so impressed Lasseter that he brought on the historian to voice the Sheriff in Cars. Furthermore, this film unfortunately marks the final film for two legends. Joe Ranft, co-director of the film and the voice of Red and other additional characters, tragically passed away in a car accident in 2005. Ranft was integral to the success of Pixar in its early years, providing voices for characters in every single one of the studio's first seven films while assisting in creating the stories for such classics as Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, and Toy Story. Cars is dedicated in his honor. Additionally, this would also be Paul Newman's final film. The Academy Award-winning icon voiced Doc Hudson, and he often claimed before his death that Cars was one of his favorite films to work on (and one of his personal best performances since The Verdict in 1982) due to his immense passion for racing. Cars would go on to become the highest grossing film on his career. He passed away due to lung cancer in 2008.
Behind the Scenes: Pixar was continually searching for faster, more efficient computers in their early years, and the computers used on Cars were reportedly four times faster than the ones used during production of The Incredibles and almost one thousand times faster than the ones used for Toy Story. Still, each frame of Cars took nearly seventeen hours to render. Whoever says computer animation is not art is fooling themselves. Also, the release of Cars was scheduled for 2005, one year after The Incredibles in order to have a Pixar release in every year. However, Pixar chief Steve Jobs held off the release date for over year because he believed that it would act as good leverage in his negotiations with Disney. The plan worked out just the way Jobs envisioned it as Cars would become the final film released by Pixar before Disney officially purchased the studio. The film saw tremendous success financially. The film grossed over $460 million worldwide (a modest figure), but the real money was made in home entertainment sales and merchandise. It was reported that Cars sold over five million copies in just two days of DVD release, and merchandise brought in an estimated one billion dollars. That is why we got Cars 2 and why a third installment is on the way, folks.
Favorite Character: If Paul Newman stars in your film, odds are that his character is going to be my favorite, and in Cars, Newman's Doc Hudson is certainly my favorite in this excellent ensemble of motor vehicles. You know by now how much I love a great character arc filled with evolution throughout the film, and while Lightning McQueen definitely experiences the most drastic change from beginning to end, but in my opinion, his change would have never occurred without Doc Hudson. It wasn't until McQueen stumbled upon Hudson's secret garage filled with his empty Piston Cups that he realized that life is not all about winning races. Hudson's life and legacy inspires McQueen to change, and therefore inspires the film to find its heart and soul. Also, Hudson experiences a significant change as well. When we are first introduced to the Fabulous Hudson Hornet, he cannot stand the sight of race-cars, but by the end of the film, he has valiantly become McQueen's crew chief in the biggest race of his life. Just like Hudson inspired change in McQueen, McQueen conversely inspired change in Hudson. Upon seeing the disappointment in the Radiator Springs citizens when it is revealed that Hudson let the press know where McQueen can be found, he understands just how important McQueen has become to this forgotten community. Hudson drives the emotion of this entire film, and when the Piston Cup crowd gives him a rousing ovation in the end, we follow suit.
Favorite Scene: The scene in which Sally and Lightning McQueen simply take a drive and then discuss the history of Radiator Springs to the tune of "Our Town" is undoubtedly the highlight of Cars. Pixar's ability to entertain and challenge adults just as much as children comes to the forefront in this powerfully fantastic sequence. While Cars never reaches the emotional peaks achieved in other Pixar films like Up or Toy Story 3, its message of returning to your roots and appreciating life to the fullest is a nice sentiment that always leaves me with chills at the conclusion of that song in this scene. Being able to travel back in time to see Radiator Springs in its heyday is a simple, yet highly effective moment in the film that gives it that signature Pixar charm and timelessness. Sally and McQueen are also afforded the opportunity to take center stage here, and the results are spectacular as Bonnie Hunt and Owen Wilson turn in the highlights of their performance. Plus, the animation is fantastic, especially when we are given the chance to finally explore the grandeur of Carburetor County. This scene basically inspired Cars Land in Disneyland, and for that reason alone, this should be considered the best scene in Cars.Updated Ranking: This is how unfair it is to rank Pixar films. I truly love Cars. It is a genuinely fantastic film, but I have to rank it at the bottom because of the awesomeness that is found in Pixar's first six feature films.
- The Incredibles
- Toy Story
- Finding Nemo
- Monsters Inc.
- Toy Story 2
- A Bug's Life
- Cars
Tomorrow, we'll travel to the future and Meet the Robinsons!
-Cody Fleenor
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