Pixar gits-r-done with this...

I went to a screening of Disney/PIXAR's Cars yesterday and it is FANTASTIC!  A must-see for NASCAR fans and anyone who appreciates American nostalgia--or life before freeways.  But, as fabulous as it is, I'm not sure this one will be a big winner with the lil' ones, unless they're hardcore race fans. 

Click here to go to the official Pixar site and watch the trailer

In the opening act, rookie driver Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson), legend 'The King' Strip Weathers (Richard Petty) and veteran Chick Hicks (Michael Keaton) are competing to win the Piston Cup and big-time corporate sponsorship of Dinoco (the official fuel of the Piston Cup series?).  An unprecedented tie at the checkers prompts a three-car showdown at Los Angeles International Speedway.

En route to the big race, the rookie, who is sponsored by Rust-Eze Medicated Rear End Bumper Ointment, takes an unintentional detour and dead ends in the sleepy town of Radiator Springs on Route 66, which previously fell off the map when Interstate 40 was built around it.  It's during his forced, extended stay in Radiator Springs that the "learn life's lessons Disney style" theme unfolds.  From his new acquaintances, Lightning learns about love and friendship, as well as that all-important racing lesson--there's no 'I' in team.

Paul Newman ("Doc Hudson"), Larry the Cable Guy ("Mater"), Cheech Marin ("Ramone"), John Ratzenberger ("Mack"), George Carlin ("Filmore"), Tony Shaloub ("Luigi") and Bonnie Hunt ("Sally") join the all-star Hollywood cast as do sports commentator Bob Costas ("Bob Cutlass") and NASCAR's Darrell Waltrip ("Darrell Cartrip").

Retired NASCAR drivers Jerry Nadeau and Waltrip served as consultants on the pic and the endless racing references and details are spectacular (marbles on the racetrack?!?!?).  And of course the animation surpasses that of what we've all come to expect from the 20-year-old Pixar.

Fortunately (and surprisingly) there's not an over abundance of blatant product placement.  But yes, Pixar must have got the memo that no modern day racing movie would be complete without Dale Earnhardt Jr., who makes a cameo appearance.

The movie opens wide June 9th.  More pics, trailers and fun at the official Cars Disney site.

Comments

[Tony]

is it safe enough for a 7 & 10 year old?

[tallglassofmilk]

Oh for sure. I think it's rated G. The funny stuff will go right over their heads.

It's a winner if they're race fans.

[Tony]

oh yeah, there race fans! i have brained washed them, hehe. They both love Dale Jr!