Cars 2 in 2011 and series of Cars shorts

[Kyle]

I have a feeling my theater wont give us the Lion King preview. *sigh*'
We'll see how this goes. Im off.

[pap64]

I just realized something...

On a video I saw about artists at an anime convention, one of them said that sometimes you had to sell out a little bit if you want to get ahead in life and stay afloat while you pursue your own goals and dreams.

Cars 2 may be, in a way, Pixar selling out a bit. It's very clear that the reason it was greenlighted was because it was a very profitable franchise that brought a lot of money to Disney and Pixar.

Pixar is also no stranger when it comes to embracing the concept of merchandising in order to help stay a float. There was a lot of merchandise for Toy Story, A Bug's Life and Monster's Inc., to the point where their respective DVDs had features about it.

But what we must realize is that its likely that the money they gain from the easy to please movies and the merchandise may have helped them in creating better, broader and more complex movies. Stuff like Wall-E, Ratatouille and Up and very experimental and they didn't make as enough money as they wanted, but they still made well, and the company was likely able to do them because they still had enough money to keep the studio afloat.

Not saying that those movies weren't popular with audiences, but they were movies that were deeper and thus likely passed over the heads of many audiences.

So long story short, Cars 2 will likely help them in creating better, more critic friendly movies because they will still be making money even if those movies don't do as well as the box office.

Again, not saying that the movie is great since I haven't seen it, but this could very well be a case of selling out for the sake of artistic integrity, if that makes sense in any way...

[milojthatch]

I just realized something...

On a video I saw about artists at an anime convention, one of them said that sometimes you had to sell out a little bit if you want to get ahead in life and stay afloat while you pursue your own goals and dreams.

Um, I'm just having a hard time wrapping my mind around this. Even if that was the case, after the box office the first 11 films has produced, defiantly what "Toy Story 3" produced, how much more money does Pixar need to make good movies?

Part of me, a growing part of me, hopes "Cars 2" flops to send a message to Pixar and Lassiter. Don't make crap or sell out! It never works out or nor is it worth it.

[RIPJoeRanft]

I think it was bound to happen. Certainly Disney under Walt even had some duds (likeable duds, but still movies that do not hold up, particularly with their story). It just happens to every studio from time to time. Even though I hated a good deal of Cars 2, there were some things I loved - the animation is some of Pixar's best, Michael Giacchino's score is great, and the action is extremely well done.

Wish Joe Ranft was still alive to hammer away at the Cars 2 story.

[David S.]

Again, not saying that the movie is great since I haven't seen it, but this could very well be a case of selling out for the sake of artistic integrity, if that makes sense in any way...

Or, it could be a case that Lesseter HONESTLY wanted to revisit the world of Cars in a fun, funny, action-packed way without worrying about making some deep "artistic statement" or pleasing the critics in their ivory towers. In which case, Cars 2 is not "selling out" one bit. Only Lasseter knows for sure.

Just like when some people call a band a "sell out" if they write melodic pop songs with hooks, rather than angst-driven, less accessible music. But a lot of people like, and are influenced by, melodic pop songs with hooks, including the Beatles. So writing melodic pop songs with hooks would ONLY be "selling out" if that WASN'T the kind of music an artist wanted to make, and they did it anyway. Only the artist knows for sure.

For what it's worth, I enjoyed Cars 2 more than some of their "critically acclaimed" ones, including Toy Story 3 and especially WALL-E. I do prefer Up and Ratatoille. however. Which fits nicely into my original reaction to Cars 2 being an enjoyable movie that falls somewhere in the middle of my Pixar rankings. It wasn't my favorite, but is FAR from my least favorite.

And this last part isn't a reply to anyone here in particular...

I find it odd and somewhat ridiculous that some people are acting like the world is coming to an end because Pixar made one movie that the precious "critics" didn't like in the majority. (I don't mean anyone here, I meant some essays I read elsewhere about Pixar's "first flop" or "first turkey"). The people who REALLY matter are the audience, and they are supporting this movie so far in the same high numbers as usual. Hardly a flop!

Walt Disney did not get universal love from the critics after the "first golden age", and yet his reputation as the producer of "Look to the name Walt Disney for the finest in Family Entertainment" remained unscathed and untarnished for the rest of his lifetime and beyond. Walt also said repeatedly that he didn't make films for the critics, but for the public who paid to go to see them.

So too will Pixar "survive" this "crisis" (which is primarily a "crisis" in the minds of the critics) untarnished, and they will, along with WDAS, continue to produce quality Family Entertainment for decades to come.

[milojthatch]

Wish Joe Ranft was still alive to hammer away at the Cars 2 story.

You know what, I bet if he was alive, the film would have been better. Is it possible this movie is the first serious moment that his absents is felt at Pixar? I wish he was alive too, he had a talent for the art of the story.

I find it odd and somewhat ridiculous that some people are acting like the world is coming to an end because Pixar made one movie that the precious "critics" didn't like in the majority. (I don't mean anyone here, I meant some essays I read elsewhere about Pixar's "first flop" or "first turkey"). The people who REALLY matter are the audience, and they are supporting this movie so far in the same high numbers as usual. Hardly a flop!

No one said the World was coming to an end, just Pixar's perfect reputation. Based on Yahoo Movies, it's audience grade has been slipping. It was at an "A" yesterday, and after just looking at it, it's at a "B+" and slipping. I guess we'll see long term what it finally ends up at, but it's grade is moving in a downward direction. The other thing to ask is how will it do at the box office? It may stay on top this week, but how will it do next week? Not that I bet Disney cares, they will most likely make all tehir money back with toys, but still. I think as of right now, at best, the audience is split on this film.

[Kyle]

Cars 2 may be, in a way, Pixar selling out a bit. It's very clear that the reason it was greenlighted was because it was a very profitable franchise that brought a lot of money to Disney and Pixar.

I agree with this but at the same time I would think that of all people Pixar could make a sell out movie still work on all the same levels as their other movies. But it just didnt. I just got back and this movie felt like something Disney would have done without Pixar's involvement, ala planes.

It wasn't bad, it just wasn't memorable and if it weren't for the fact that I buy Every movie Pixar does I would be skipping it when it comes time for the blu ray release. This movie has replaced the original cars square at the bottom on my Pixar list.

The Toy Story Short was infinitely more enjoyable.

I didnt get the Lion King preview, as expected.

The Brave teaser didn't do much for me. don't have much to say on that yet.

[disneyboy20022]

I saw it...It was pretty good movie....the first 20 minutes were a little boring...I liked it...my dad said he never saw the first Cars and he said this could just be a stand alone as it is....so I have a Mission this Summer. Get my Dad to watchs Cars

Also....surprisingly to me...I SAW THE LION KING 3D TRAILER!!!. It was during a shown during an NCM First Look in 3D sorta like this...Trust me my dad was telling me to get a hold of myself....it was breathtaking...It's more 3d than Nightmare before Christmas was.....OMG I am going to see it 3 times or more..

<iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/8PbEHt2VX8E" frameborder="0"></iframe>

[DisneyJedi]

I saw Cars 2 with my brothers and dad. I'll be quite honest, I liked it. Didn't hate it or love it; just plain-old liked it. However, it seemed quite underwhelming for me. So... I give it a C.

Concerning the sneak peek of The Lion King 3D, I thought it was only going to be a trailer, not the whole Circle of Life sequence. But I did like it, and I really don't care if it seems like a waste of money. I might just see it. Mainly because I love the movie.

[Maerj]

I liked it as well. Its nowhere as bad as everyone is making it out to be online. If this is the worst movie you've seen, you need to see more movies. Its a fun spy/comedy. The backgrounds many times look like live action, visually this movie is top notch.

[Mason_Ireton]

I enjoyed this sequel, it was pretty good, Mater had more depth to his personality (in my opinon) and I loved the idea of makin him a mechanic too, I always thought that Tow Trucks knew multiple stuff bout vechiles instead of just bringing vechiles to the workshop.

The plot was decent as well, could've been fairly stronger but I can tell Pixar was tryin to give both plots equal time, other than that, I defintly recommend this film.

Sadly my cinema didn't show Brave's Teaser we ended up with Alvin and the Chipmunks 3, The Smurfs and Winnie The Pooh, which got postive response from the crowd.

[RyGuy]

I took my 3 year old to see it yesterday he loved it. He kept saying, "I love Cars 2" all night long.

I will see it again without him because he had to go to the bathroom twice during the film and I want to make sure I get to see the whole thing the next time!

I enjoyed what I saw. Certainly it wasn't Pixar's best but I did enjoy it more than Toy Story 3 or The Incredibles. Could be that I have crappy taste in movies - but my tastes are what they are.

I don't think this one will be a flop. Popularity and critical acclaim don't always go hand in hand and at the end of the day, Disney's target audience is families with kids moreso than its diehard fans. It's sad to say, but there are just a lot more folks that fall into the first category than the second and more folks = the potential for more money. And from what I saw at the show I caught yesterday and from reading FB posts from friends, the shows are full (and sometimes sold out).

While I appreciate the artistic aspect of Disney films as much as the next person, the reality is that if a Disney endeavor doesn't make enough money, they eventually will shutter it. DisneyQuest, Club Disney and ESPNZone all come to mind.

Oh, and we saw it in 2D and no Brave trailer.

[Maerj]

I enjoyed this sequel, it was pretty good, Mater had more depth to his personality (in my opinon) and I loved the idea of makin him a mechanic too, I always thought that Tow Trucks knew multiple stuff bout vechiles instead of just bringing vechiles to the workshop.

I don't mean to be offensive to anyone here but I believe that Mater is basically a redneck. Not a bad 'person' but a goofy redneck.

Many rednecks in real life come off as being ignorant, as does Mater, whom everyone laughs at during the course of this film. But he is actually pretty intelligent and when you get him on his subject, which is working on cars, then he knows his stuff. That's what he loves and apparently is an expert on engines, etc. It does make sense. I thought that was a cool aspect of his character.

[Disney Duster]

YES! Finally! The day has come! Everyone can finally see Pixar is not perfect and infallible or the best thing, like, ever!!!!

No one said the World was coming to an end, just Pixar's perfect reputation. Based on Yahoo Movies, it's audience grade has been slipping. It was at an "A" yesterday, and after just looking at it, it's at a "B+" and slipping. I guess we'll see long term what it finally ends up at, but it's grade is moving in a downward direction.

What's grade is slipping? Cars2 or Pixar as a whole? And then, does this demonstrate that everyone loved Pixar so blindly, that they instantly gave their latest movie an A, and then realized...oops, it's not really good...

If so, this demonstrates exactly why Pixar needed a failure. To make people stop being so blind and finally see, to actually take a good look at their films and see if they really are good, not just love Pixar because it's Pixar.

[RIPJoeRanft]

YES! Finally! The day has come! Everyone can finally see Pixar is not perfect and infallible or the best thing, like, ever!!!!

No one said the World was coming to an end, just Pixar's perfect reputation. Based on Yahoo Movies, it's audience grade has been slipping. It was at an "A" yesterday, and after just looking at it, it's at a "B+" and slipping. I guess we'll see long term what it finally ends up at, but it's grade is moving in a downward direction.

What's grade is slipping? Cars2 or Pixar as a whole? And then, does this demonstrate that everyone loved Pixar so blindly, that they instantly gave their latest movie an A, and then realized...oops, it's not really good...

If so, this demonstrates exactly why Pixar needed a failure. To make people stop being so blind and finally see, to actually take a good look at their films and see if they really are good, not just love Pixar because it's Pixar.

One bad movie is not a trend though. Two or three, I'd be concerned. Until then, Cars 2 is merely a bump in the road for Pixar.

[Semaj]

Cars really didn't need a sequel, since people were detecting a speed bump with the first one.

I got to see it today, and while it's not among Pixar's best films, I enjoyed it some. I guess you would have to be an auto geek to really like these films. My favorite part had to be Tow Mater trying some "pistachio ice cream".

Also, funny thing that a Cars film was released for both Pixar's 20th and 25th anniversaries.

[Semaj]

Also, there seems to be a (non) controversy regarding the film's "liberal agenda".

<iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/mLitzqpxnG0" frameborder="0"></iframe>

[Kyle]

funny thing that a Cars film was released for both Pixar's 20th and 25th anniversaries.

Cars 3 for 2016 confirmed.


Edit: This comment I just read on Cartoon brew put something into words I havent been able to just yet.

I’m glad some people enjoyed the movie more than I did, but I’m troubled by defenses like “not every movie can be great” and “it’s about talking cars, it’s not going to be War and Peace.” Pixar has become Pixar by never, ever believing that sort of philosophy. They take a story about talking toys or an old man in a flying house and yes, they pretty much try to make War and Peace out of it. For us to now pretend that greatness is not a realistic expectation for animated family movies is not helpful for Pixar, the medium of animation or our future entertainment.

I completely agree with this.

[milojthatch]

It wasn't bad, it just wasn't memorable and if it weren't for the fact that I buy Every movie Pixar does I would be skipping it when it comes time for the blu ray release. This movie has replaced the original cars square at the bottom on my Pixar list.

I agree. Again, I never said it was crap per say, just that for a Pixar film, it wasn't their best. But you know what? It was better the films like "Happy Feet, or "Despicable Me," or even most if not all of the "Shrek" films. But, when compared to the first 11 films, it kind of like they forgot to try or something.

The Toy Story Short was infinitely more enjoyable.

I agree. Unlike Mater or Lightning, Buzz and Woody don't disappoint.

I don't think this one will be a flop. Popularity and critical acclaim don't always go hand in hand and at the end of the day, Disney's target audience is families with kids moreso than its diehard fans. It's sad to say, but there are just a lot more folks that fall into the first category than the second and more folks = the potential for more money. And from what I saw at the show I caught yesterday and from reading FB posts from friends, the shows are full (and sometimes sold out).

While I appreciate the artistic aspect of Disney films as much as the next person, the reality is that if a Disney endeavor doesn't make enough money, they eventually will shutter it. DisneyQuest, Club Disney and ESPNZone all come to mind.

I really hate to say this, and defiantly don't agree with the mentality, but your right. Disney is a company, a big company. Big companies will do whatever they feel will bring them lots of money. This is the same mentality that gave us the direct-to-video films in the first place. I really don't like this mentality, I really don't. However, my work on my Disney Fan campaign to get the un-released Disney shows and films released has taught me that if I'm ever going to pull it off, I have to think this way. It all a big game and the ones who play it the best win in the end. Pixar was bound to start playing it more then before.

I'm just sad that even though Circle 7 died, it seems it's spirit lives on after all. Oh well, that's business.

What's grade is slipping? Cars2 or Pixar as a whole? And then, does this demonstrate that everyone loved Pixar so blindly, that they instantly gave their latest movie an A, and then realized...oops, it's not really good...

If you read what I said, I said that was the grade on Yahoo Movies. Sorry if I didn't make it clear enough, but of course it's for "Cars 2," didn't think I needed to be that specific. I can't speak for other Pixar fan boys, but I can speak for this one, and I honestly can say that I personally feel the 11 films were as good as the hype. No better then an "A+," no worse then a "B" So no, I don't feel"blind" by my Pixar fandom, but I did grow accustom to a certain quality. If that's a bad thing, then maybe there is no such thing as a bad or good movie?

If so, this demonstrates exactly why Pixar needed a failure. To make people stop being so blind and finally see, to actually take a good look at their films and see if they really are good, not just love Pixar because it's Pixar.

Now who's being negative? Tell me, don't people have these kinds of feelings for other kinds of business? When people spend money on SEES Candies, don't they do so becuase they expect a certain kind of quality? Or when people go to a Wolfgang Puck restaurant, don't they expect a certain kind of quality in the food served? regardless of if you personally like either of these examples, the point is that in the world of business, there are certain company that do in fact have expectation of quality every time that other competitors don't have. Pixar just has this whole time been that for movies. I don't see there being anything wrong with that.

One bad movie is not a trend though. Two or three, I'd be concerned. Until then, Cars 2 is merely a bump in the road for Pixar.

Many people didn't even know Pixar COULD have a bump in the road. If this was form any other studio, it would be treated different.

Also, there seems to be a (non) controversy regarding the film's "liberal agenda".

<iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/mLitzqpxnG0" frameborder="0"></iframe>

A similar thing happen after "Wall-E." I remember I once dated a girl from an extremely Conservative family that loved Pixar. They hadn't seen the film yet and I had just got it on DVD. So I played it and watched it with them. As the story became more clear in it's environmental story line, they one-by-one started to walk out on the movie and none of them wanted to watch anymore of it. They hated how "Liberal" it was and how it "was so liberal brain-washing." Personally, I think it was silly.

As for the issue behind "Cars 2," I found it slightly ironic that a film that stars possibly the most red-neck, middle America character ever created, is in a film that lands a smack down on Big Oil. There is a kind of humor to it for thous who can see it.

[Disneyphile]

With an expected opening weekend gross of around $70M, it looks like those who are eagerly anticipating Pixar's first commercial flop will have to wait at least another year.