Of all the Pixar movies, Cars is my least favorite. That's not to say that it's bad, because it's not. It's a good movie, well made and fun, and the race sequences are out and out spectacular. But in the Pixar pantheon, which includes some absolute masterpieces, it's the least awesome.
That is, until Cars 2. We saw it over the weekend and were somewhat disappointed. Rachel outright hated it. I didn't hate it and liked parts of it, but it didn't move me. It never made me tear up or feel much. As I've thought about it, I suspect they weren't trying to.
Almost every Pixar movie has a warm, emotional center. The fully developed characters learn and grow through the film. Almost every Pixar movie has at least one moment that makes me cry. (Yes, I said it.) That's one of the secrets to the awesomeness that is Pixar. But Cars 2 isn't that kind of story. Cars 2 is a whacky adventure around the world with colorful characters engaged in a James Bond meets the Amazing Race storyline.
Upon reflection, I think that's exactly all Pixar was trying to do. Cars 2 is kind of their way of stepping back from the awful pressure of having to produce an emotional masterwork every year, and saying, "Hey, we just wanted to make a fun romp of a movie that will make you smile for a couple of hours." In that, I think they succeeded. (I should point out that the animation is utterly amazing and filled with an awe-inspiring level of detail.)
So Cars 2 has become my least favorite Pixar film. While I certainly would have welcomed another masterpiece, if this is the worst they ever do, then they'll still be the most fantastic film studio ever.
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