'Cars 2' relieves its predecessor from 'worst Disney Pixar' film moniker

The argument that Cars is Disney Pixar's “worst” movie—still much beloved and critically acclaimed in its own right—will be turned on its head with the opening of the less-than-thrilling sequel. To be fair, Cars 2 has the disadvantage of being an average kids' flick in a lengthy string of highly successful Disney Pixar films which began with the iconic Toy Story in 1995. Racking up the award nominations from the beginning, Disney Pixar's golden streak might have just come to an end.

The original Cars debuted in 2006 with the vocal stylings of Owen Wilson, Bonnie Hunt and Larry the Cable Guy and followed race car Lightning McQueen (Wilson) to Radiator Springs where he learns that fame is not the most important thing in life. It was funny, touching and quite cute but not as memorable as the Toy Story flicks and recent outings like Up and WALL-E to film scholars. However, kids have a different opinion and Cars merchandise has not ceased in popularity since the release five years ago.

With Cars 2, the lead roles have shifted, and this is no longer Lightning's story—it's his best frien,d Mater's, tale this time, voiced by comedian Larry the Cable Guy. The story begins with Lightning just returning to his Radiator Springs home after a racing tour concludes. Mater has missed him and so has his girlfriend, Sally (Hunt), but almost as soon as he slows down in town, he is challenged to another race—this time overseas in the World Grand Prix.

Usually leaving the over-zealous and often dim-witted Mater behind, Lightning has a change of heart and invites his pal to travel the world with him and his crew. Lightning is focused on beating his new Italian rival, Francesco (John Turturro), but Mater is soaking in the ambiance, unaware of his new surroundings and embarrassing Lightning in front of his colleagues.

Through a classic mistaken identity plot, Mater is separated from Lightning and then confused for an international spy in disguise by real agents Finn McMissile (Michael Caine) and Holly Shiftwell (Emily Mortimer). The two are on a case that just so happens to be intertwined with the members of the Grand Prix, and soon they need Mater's help to complete the mission. After a fight with Lightning, Mater is without friends on this side of the world, and so he agrees to help, even though he tries to explain that he is not who they think he is.

Unfortunately, the mix ups and the wonder of traveling to another country do not equal hilarious moments or even ones that spur a quiet chuckle, a huge departure from past Disney Pixar releases, which have audiences typically laughing and crying throughout. Mater's jokes don't translate into laugh-out-loud comedy and though the situations have the potential for lighthearted humor, it seems awkwardly missing.

Visually stunning, Cars 2 strives to create a mistaken identity spy story for kids, but it falls short on witty dialogue that adults have come to expect from the studio. The animation, however, is very watchable, especially in Disney's 3D version. Traveling around the globe gives the cars new locales to enjoy, and the spies' many abilities allow for other scenes to be explored too, including an underwater scene at the beginning.

Wilson is notably absent in this one, only popping up here and there, but the cars of Radiator Springs really receive the short end of the gas pump with Hunt possibly delivering four or five lines. However, Caine is a welcome addition to the crew and provides a small elevation to his material. Mortimer is also a fun add, as well as comedian Eddie Izzard who voices Sir. Miles Axelrod.

The disservice that Cars 2 will inevitably receive upon release is that it's not a terrible kids' movie, and after comparing it to many other flicks for tykes, it's still a great deal more entertaining than most. But the standard has been set, and ultimately, many a Disney Pixar fan will be disappointed—a sad celebration for its 25th anniversary. At least the original Cars is now stripped of its unfair “worst” title.

Disney Pixar did achieve greatness again though with the pre-film short, “Toy Story Tunes: Hawaiian Vacation,” a brief bit full of tongue-and-cheek gags and loads of heart—much like every other release by the company.