Cars : A Film Review
Year of Release: 2006, Genre: Animated Film, Children
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Required) Duration: 1 hour 57 Minutes
Cars – Winning is not everything… in life!
While completing their 20th anniversary in the exciting world of Animation, the reputable Pixar Studios created this film. Set in a world that is completely populated with automobiles, ‘Cars’ is the story of a self-centered rookie racecar.
Holding his head high, an arrogant racecar Lightning McQueen, enters the prestigious Piston Cup competition. Unexpectedly, the race ends as a three-way tie. So, Lightning has to compete the other two competitors in a tiebreaker, to be held in California. On his way to California, Lightning gets stranded in a sleepy little town called Radiator Springs, located in the Route 66. Soon, the townsfolk arrest him for his wrongdoing of damaging the road. To get freed from his captors, Lightning must rebuild the road. Staying at Radiator Springs, Lightning comes across several colourful characters, who make him be a better person. The unruly rookie makes friendship with a worn-out but helping minded, old tow-truck called Mater. Alongside, he gets some valuable lessons about ‘winning and losing’ from the long-forgotten Piston cup-winning hero, Doc Hudson. Presumably, Lightning meets his girlfriend Sally, who reveals the importance of small-town life. Besides, a few other characters of the town lend their helping hand to Lightning. In the process, he finds a true meaning of life and the value of friendship. On the other hand, missing of Lightning in the race makes big news. Still, will he participate in the competition or…
‘Car’ is not the original story; one can find the similarities with Michael J. Fox film of 1991 ‘Doc Hollywood.’ The fictional town of Radiator Springs was inspired by several real-life locations along historic Route 66. In 2001, Pixar’s creative team toured parts of Route 66 in Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California to study the landscape. Not only did the animators captured the authentic rocky terrains, but also the atmosphere, character, and antics of the small-town folks.
The values of friendship, sacrifice, caring for others and upholding the well-being of a community are the major thematic elements of this film.
Taking the racecars away from its habitual arena, this film provides a meaningful message – “the journey is more important than reaching the destination.”
Voice-Talents
OWEN WILSON – Lightning McQueen
BONNIE HUNT – Sally Carrera
PAUL NEWMAN – Doc Hudson
LARRY THE CABLE GUY – Mater
By
Srini