Cars 2

If you have any knowledge of preschool kids (preferably legal), then you know that to them the original Cars is a certified phenomenon. And the reason, as far as I can tell through my diligent journalistic research, is simple: the movie is, well, simple. Sure, there's the required kids movie message about, I don't know, friendship or fitting in or something, but it is also about cars talking, joking, and most importantly, racing. There's really not much that even the most average child wouldn't understand (not that every child isn't special in his or her own way, or something).

Cars 2 suffers from the typical forced sequel ailment: it's too complicated. Good ol' Lightning McQueen is relegated to a supporting role, as are the race sequences (which are once again fabulously animated), in favor of goofy sidekick Mater falling into an international spy ring conspiracy involving a mysterious alternative energy source. That sounds more like Paul Greengrass and Matt Damon's next project than something for 4 year olds. And Mater, like most comic relief, is best served as a side dish. The movie is still loaded with the usual Pixar cleverness, though there is a lot more generic violence that seems out of place in one of their movies.

There are definite pluses, most of which involve the John Turturro-voiced Formula One racer, Francesco Bernoulli. And then there is the voice-cameo from none other than the man himself, Bruce Campbell. Okay, that was pretty cool. There is a lot to like here, but I think they missed the mark in following up the original. I'm sure I will see this numerous more times and my opinion may change, but for now I have to give it a heavy-hearted...MINUS.