I can remember when we first learned about the original Cars movie. We had taken our kids to the movies (sadly I forget which one it was). One of the trailers that was shown before the start of the film was for the movie Cars. From that moment on our son was obsessed with seeing the movie, even though the movie didn’t come out until the following year. Needless to say when the movie was released in theaters we went to see it right away. From that day forward we’ve been fans of the movie. I can’t tell you how Cars related toys and books we had (a lot!).
My whole family was excited to hear about Cars 2. At the same time my husband and I were a bit “iffy” on the idea of trying to make a sequel to such an awesome movie. History has shown that often sequels end up not fairing as well as the original. Thankfully that is NOT the case with Cars and Cars 2.
Cars 2 starts off with mystery and super cool, hi-tech spy equipment. From the start the movie was shaping up to be James Bond meets Cars.
Your favorite characters return in this sequel including Lightning McQueen and Mater. There are plenty of new characters introduced in Cars 2.
One evening the Cars are watching TV and learn about a new race called the World Grand Prix. One of the cars was answering questions for viewers who phoned in. Mater phoned in to let it be known the Lightning McQueen could easily win that race. The Italian race car, Francesco, basically challenges McQueen to participate in the race to prove the he really has what it takes to beat the world’s greatest race cars.
While at a pre-party for the World Grand Prix, Mater accidentally stumbles upon an interaction between spies. One of the spies plants important information, as well as a tracker, on to Mater to protect it from getting into the wrong hands. Mater is totally unaware of the transaction.
The “good” spies mistaken Mater for the secret spy they were looking for. They abduct him and enlist his help in stopping a bad cars (the “Lemons”) from destroying the car world. They want to make all the cars stop using alternative fuel and souly rely on gasoline. The Lemon cars have monopolized the world’s gas supply, which will make all cars powerless against them.
When Mater finds out the Lemons are planning on killing off McQueen, Mater has to find a way of saving his friend before it’s too late.
Can Mater help to save the day? Will he ever return to his friends at Radiator Springs? You’ll have to check out Cars 2, now available on Blu-ray and DVD.
Cars 2 was shown in 3D in theaters. Now that I’ve seen the movie on Blu-ray I wish I had the opportunity to see it in the theater. I think it would have been pretty cool to see it in 3D.
There is a lot of gun fire, things blowing up and car accidents. I’m not sure if that might be a bit intense for very young children. All children are different, so you would have to use your best judgement. I would think children 6+ would be perfectly fine with the movie.
I think Mater really made the movie. His silly one liners and goofy behaviors were very funny. I think my husband and I laughed more then the kids did. 
I love the way the ocean, buildings and scenery looked so realistic. Kudos to the animators for doing a spectacular job. They really did look REAL.
Overall I think it was a fun movie. I still prefer the original but I think Cars 2 is just as good.
Make sure to check out the bonus features. There you will find a fun short animated clip staring Mater and how he learned to FLY! There is also a super cute and funny Toy Story animated clip where Barbie and Ken plan on going to Hawaii on vacation with Bonnie, only to find they are stuck in Bonnie’s room with the other toys.
Here are some fun FREE Cars 2 activities that you can download, print and enjoy. You will need to be able to open .PDF files. Most computers can, but if you need a reader go to Adobe.com and download the free reader.
There are even yummy Cars 2 recipes you can download for FREE too!
Here are some fun clips from the movie for your enjoyment.
Here is a clip from the Toys Story bonus clip.
For more information about the movie and other great goodies visit www.Disney.Go.com/Cars.
You can also follow on Facebook, www.Facebook.com/PixarCars.
Kimberly
*I received a free screener copy in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own.
I bought this movie for us to watch around the holidays. I know the little sibs really enjoyed the first one, but although we meant to watch the sequel, we never got around to going to theaters to watch it. I’m really glad you didn’t think the sequel was a wreck (pun kind of intended). I’m looking forward to watching this one with the fam.