CARS 2. Where's the funny?

Up early on a summer Saturday to catch an advance screening of the kids flick Cars 2. I was optimistic about some morning visual wonders paired with literal and subliminal humour for both kiddies and rents. Based on the first Cars, it was a safe bet to bank on decent writing and fun times!

Anndd, the safe bet didn't pay off. I would like to take you through the storyline, the character development, and the unique little details that stood out, but I can't seen to remember any of them. The things I do remember are:

1. Cars 2 was nice to look at. The arial shots of Italy, France and London were so detailed, it was epic. The water, stone and other materials were so tactile, there were moment where you wondered if they laid in some real elements. It made me want to get on a plane stat and head to the coast in Italy.

2. The Storyline has merit, but comes across like a Low Grade piece of beef posing as AAA. It's about a new alternative fuel company hosting a Grand Prix type race to promote the fuel. It seems as though big oil is trying to sabotage the race and discredit the new fuel. What happens? Well, the twists are cute and funny, but not worthy of Pixar flick. It's like they tried to take the suave style of Bond, the upbeat nature of Disney and the small town feel of Footloose to make this story that appeals to many, but appeals to few. Just my prediction. PS: It was totally missing the humor.

3. It will keep kids entertained. It is what it is, but won't become a classic.

4. The characters were cliche, predictable and no fun. The main character Mater could have been really endearing. Instead you laugh at him a few times, and realize his redeeming qualities are not just underneath the surface, they are moments of pure luck. He acts like a total bonehead, then somehow miraculously rights his wrongs and wins back the respect of his crew. If I was a small town peep, I would take extreme offence to his character.

5. They better bring their A-game if they dare make another CARS. The animated game is moving at rapid speed. With films like Despicable Me, Toy Story and many others, mediocre GC cars aren't gonna do it anymore.