In 15 years, Pixar has created not only some of the finest animated motion pictures, but also some of the best films of the last decade and a half. Before the 11th film, Toy Story 3, comes out on June 18, here’s my ranking of Pixar’s first 10 outings.
10. Cars (2006)
This was the first film the media started the persistent question “will this be Pixar’s first flop?” This was a question that would continue through the next three releases as well, all answered with a resounding “no!” In fact, Pixar may in time prove to be a veritable flop-proof factory, as Toy Story 3 will undoubtedly perform extremely well worldwide, possibly becoming Pixar’s biggest success.
The action sequences of Cars were a huge step up from the previous film, The Incredibles, and brought an even more lifelike feeling to the setting. The race scenes are absolutely amazing and I imagine very true to a real NASCAR competition. We get some great voice turns by Larry the Cable Guy, George Carlin, Bonnie Hunt and John Ratzenberger, in one of his more prominent Pixar roles (I am also a huge fan of the drive-in movie sequence at the end).
But when ranking all 10 films, there has to be a bottom choice. And here we sit with Cars. Yes, Cars is a fun film that has inspired a sequel and an entire land at Disney California Adventure. Yet it sits at No. 10 because it is many ways a retelling of Toy Story, which should be no surprise that John Lasseter directed both films. The conflict boils around old versus new. In this case, instead of Buzz versus Woody, we get Lightning McQueen versus Doc Hudson. Perhaps this is why it now ranks as the lowest “fresh” rating of any Pixar film on Rotten Tomatoes.
To me, Cars will be best remembered as Paul Newman’s last performance before his death in 2008. He played his 1951 Hudson Hornet well, and his voice shone his own personal genuine love of cars and racing. And I can’t imagine what Cars 2 will bring about without the Fabulous Hudson Hornet voiced by a true Hollywood legend. But of course, Cars 2 doesn’t focus on Radiator Springs, but a racing trip around the world, leaving behind the nostalgia inspired setting along Route 66. Perhaps this will deliver a fresh turn for these revved up characters.
Cars Gift Set (Combo Pack with DVD) [Blu-ray]
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