Cars 2

Cars 2 is an independent film having no bearing on the prequel Cars. The action begins at sea amidst sinister oil rigs infiltrated by British spies Finn McMissile (an Aston Martin) and his aide Holley Shiftwell,who use all the weaponry at their disposal — wings,heavy arsenal,and underwater capability — to make a nocturnal escape with their dignity and paint jobs intact. In the American desert,the spiffy red Lightning McQueen is hot-rodding around with his tow-truck friend Mater when he’s persuaded to enter an upcoming series of races in which big shot Land Rover Sir Miles Axlerod hopes to prove the viability of his revolutionary clean fuel Allinol as a substitute for gasoline,which won’t deplete the planet’s shrinking oil reserves. Axelrod wants to prove it in a World Grand Prix to be run in England,Japan and Italy.

The plot highlight is that Lightning McQueen ends up in a championship duel with the Italian driver Francesco Bernoulli. At the same time,Lightning and Mater find themselves in the middle of a clandestine war between the forces of fossil and alternative fuels,involving the British secret agents Finn McMissile and Holley Shiftwell.

The John Lasseter and Brad Lewis- helmed Cars 2 features a wide range of cars and more action than films like say Fast Five; it is noticeably more rambunctious. The race events sparkle with crowd excitement — spectators of course being cars. No memory of the original is required to get one’s bearings,as this wonderfully designed and animated sequel stands on its own four tires. The voice talents — be it Michael Caine,Larry the Cable Guy,Owen Wilson, Eddie Izzard in starring roles or Joe Mantegna,Franco Nero and Vanessa Redgrave in a brief sound byte — lend their classic touches to the characters they voice.

The need for alternative fuel to replace fossil fuel which deplete the Earth’s resources,a self-professed car enthusiast from his youth,director Lasseter whizzes the audience through Tokyo,Paris,Italy and finally London and displays an array of automobiles from the vintage to the well-armed Bond-style Aston Martin. Lasseter’s animator’s rendition of familiar global landmarks like the Eiffel Tower,Buckingham palace is exquisite,the cars,including the bucktoothed tow truck have their own individualistic charm and elegance. The race events are replete with characteristic side line excitement and cheering. Other than the vibrant look and thrilling action,Cars 2 is marked by clever wit and situations. Of course a few familiar touches pay tribute to earlier films and their characters — the zippy Lightning McQueen is Steve McQueen.

The story by John Lasseter,his co-director Brad Lewis and Dan Fogelman,which is scripted by Ben Queen,is simple,but stodgy in the opening scenes. The screen rendition is enhanced by the animation and more so the nifty camerawork of the racing events with long shots and close-ups bringing all the excitement right to the seat.

Cars 2 will appeal to young ones who race their toy cars at home. The 3-D and the enhanced Dolby simply bring the action and excitement right in the face.

RATING: ***

For storyboard,voices and overall production values.