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As everyone knows, there’s nothing more frustrating than CARS trouble . . .
Cars is an stunningly animated world where there are no people, only cars. The movie begins at a car race where Lightning McQueen (a rookie hot-shot car voiced by Owen Wilson) is show-boating causing him to lose the air in his tires and his big lead. He ties with two other cars for first place. Because the race is too-close-to-call, the winner will be determined at the next big race. He sets off for the next race, but gets delayed in a small out-of-the-way town called Radiator Springs. Through his selfish antics he ends up causing serious damage to the town and is sentenced by the judge to repair everything before he can leave. He tries to find anyway he can to get out of his obligation, but is forced to follow through. His reluctance to comply alienates the towns-cars who try to help. He eventually sees the errors of his ways and tries to set things straight. Unfortunately, his journey to enlightenment is actually mind-numbing for the audience. He does find love and makes a few friends, but the audience is less than enthused by the hollow and bland story.
Cars achieves unprecedented levels of both film animation and, unfortunately, audience boredom. Though the concept is exciting, the story moves slower than Owen Wilson talks - which is so slow you could (and probably will!) nap between syllables. The other voice talents are equally annoying. Larry the Cable Guy basically plays himself, using some of his most familiar stand-up material. And, real life racing enthusiast Paul Newman as the voice of the grumpy has-been is remarkably unremarkable. The first few minutes are thrilling and amazing, but the relative eternity that follows is like . . . well . . . an eternity. Countless car-crazy kids will no doubt “have to” see it, but even they might find it too long. As for adults, it’s overwhelming lack of good comedy and bland story will make Cars a trying experience.
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