One of the most memorable characters from the original 2006 “Cars” was
Paul Newman’s Doc Hudson. As a seasoned Hollywood veteran, he brought that
old fashion, but never out of date, old school attitude to the Pixar film. Therefore, I
knew it would probably be the only thing I wouldn’t like about the sequel, since New-
man had passed away two years later in 2008. I’m sure director John Lasseter would
have asked him to reprise his role.
Thankfully, Hudson’s absence (there’s a tenderhearted homage to him in the mo-
vie), does not downplay the coolness of Cars 2, Pixar’s latest sequel that deftly avoids
being a retread of the original. It sports new interesting characters, a double plotline and
a ton of action courtesy of a lively spy element right out of James Bond.
Piston Cup champion Lightning McQueen who returns to his headquarters in
Radiator Springs humbly recedes to the background, permitting his best friend, the coun-
trified Tow Mater( once again voiced by Larry the Cable Guy) to take the lead this go
round. A major difference that really makes Cars2. Thanks to a “challenging” phone call
by Mater, both are headed for the first running of the World Grand Prix.
This race across three countries has been organized by millionaire Sir Miles
Axelrod ( Eddie Izzard) primarily for the purpose of showing off his new go juice, All
innol. McQueen, Mater and company get to compete against cars from different coun-
tries, including the cocky, self-assured Italian, Francesco Bernoulli (John Turturro) to
determine the world’s fastest car.
Things turn absolutely crazy when Mater is mistaken for an American spy by
British agent Finn McMissile( wonderfully voiced by Michael Caine). Finn’s partner,
Holly Shiftwell (Emily Mortimer) is not convinced. But Mater’s cluelessness on some
things and vast knowledge of others is so believable, you as well as she will cause a
drastic change of mind.
Their mission covering the racing triage of England, Japan and Italy feels per-
fectly natural and not forced as Mater gallantly survives enemy agents, blasts through
hilarious car chases, gets to handle all sorts of spy gadgets and mistakes one food for
another, making for an embarrassing situation. All while trying to help McQueen win this
Grand Prix. It’s a proverbial race against time. And you definitely feel part of it.
Unfortunately, the enemy cars, composed of the lemons of the world, have their
own mission with Owen Wilson’s McQueen eventually becoming the center of it. With
time running out on them too, it’s fun watching both sides trying to out do each other in
an effort to win- just like in a race.
McQueen’s arch opponent Francesco is who McQueen used to be like in the first
Cars. Arrogant, overbearing, yet likable. You might say he’s three times what Lightning
used to be when he counters his “I am Speed” with “I’m triple speed which infuriates
McQueen no end.
The old gang (except for Doc Hudson of course) is back as McQueen’s pit crew;
Sally, still his girlfriend, who has an annoying likeness for Francesco( must be those rims)
is as upbeat as ever. Guido and Luigi experience a family reunion when the grand prix
shifts to Italy. And the 60’s conscious Fillmore (voiced by Lloyd Sherr ), is constantly
“dazed and confused” but fortunately, not totally.
If anyone was in any way disappointed with the original 2006 Cars( I admit I
was a bit skeptical at first), John Lasseter and his hit making team at Pixar have solidly
made up for it by ratcheting up the adrenaline. If Cars 2 is the last of this series, it’s a
great photo finish.