Cars

I've watched the movie Cars three times, over the past few days. Why? To hang out with people and I really enjoyed the movie.

Some are labelling this as one of the 'weaker' Pixar movies due to its 'not record breaking' opening weekend in the US as well as its subject matter of cars. Which would lend one to think it was targeted at the largely male crowd. Not only that its about NASCAR racing which is pretty much a US white male thing.

Well, I'm telling you to not let all this get in the way of you watching the movie. It's a movie that will appeal to all. The familiar hallmarks of Pixar movies are there. Groundbreaking and gorgeous animation, great voice acting, lovable characters, good values, and a heart warming storyline.

Pixar's attention to detail does not lapse here. The scenery though, obviously CG due to unatural geographic formations, takes one's breath away. And Pixar obsesses over making dust, dirt, light, and cartoon cars behave like the real thing in a cartoon world. The cars sound like they should. Yes, a Porshe sounds like a Porsche. Then again, their boss is the same guy who makes sure that his computers look good on the inside as well as on the bottom. Two places most people never ever look.

Given the whole raft of CG animated features of late, Pixar continues to stand out. The actors voicing the characters don't overwhelm the characters and become the actor on screen. You do see bits of Owen Wilson's playful bravado which is prevelent in other movies, but its played down here and only comes out earlier in the movie.

The movie also has heart. Something that's just missing from most movies these days. When RJ the racoon in Over The Hedge does the 'right' thing in the end, you think, "He'd better! After all the rest of done for him." And RJ is primarily motivated to help his 'family' because they have taken him into their fold. When Lightning McQueen does the right thing at the end, he does it because its right. Even if it costs him everything he's worked for. It will move you.

The movie is a tribute to NASCAR no doubt, with the voices of Richard Petty as the King, the Andretti's and others. Apparently in the german version, the King is voiced by Michael Schumacher.

Oh yeah, since its a Pixar movie, make sure you go early to catch the short in the beginning and stay back for the outtakes which pay tribute to 20 years of Pixar.

If you also pay close attention during the opening race, you will briefly notice a white race car next to The King as he goes into the bank. The white car is number 84 and yes there's an Apple computer logo on the hood.