Initially, there seemed to be nothing inherently wrong with “Cars.” It ticked all the boxes of a smart children’s movie, complete with the subtle humor and winks designed to keep adults entertained – a formula that Pixar had expertly refined for over a decade. It even featured that signature weighty theme, the kind that prompts collective audience reflection and personal connection, much like other Pixar films. All the essential elements were present, so why did it not resonate as deeply as other legendary Pixar productions? The answer seemed to lie in the less impactful “in-between” moments. Pixar usually excels at these, filling the screen with delightful details, visual brilliance, and rich character development. However, in “Cars,” these moments felt somewhat diminished. The studio went through the motions, creating a decent film, but it lacked the immersive and complete feeling of their true masterpieces. It was certainly enjoyable as a child’s movie and something to share with kids, but as an adult, classics like “Toy Story” or “The Incredibles” were far more appealing.
Years later, revisiting “Cars” brought a fresh perspective. Watching it with children who were captivated by Lightning McQueen and Tow Mater revealed a different layer of appreciation. While it may not reach the heights of “Toy Story’s” innocent humor, “Monsters, Inc.’s” sentimentality, or “The Incredibles'” thrilling plot, “Cars” comfortably fits into Pixar’s second tier, alongside films like “A Bug’s Life” and “Ratatouille.” What once seemed like a theme designed primarily for merchandising now felt genuinely resonant, imbued with the thoughtful care and well-placed emotion characteristic of Pixar’s early work, a time when their projects were driven by genuine belief. Perhaps initially unfairly judged, “Cars” is a well-crafted and lovingly made film that effectively tugs at the heartstrings as its core messages emerge. It’s time to upgrade the initial impression; “Cars” deserves a higher score and recognition as a solid Pixar movie.
