Director: John Lasseter
Starring: Owen Wilson, Bonnie Hunt and Paul Newman
‘A Captivating Animated Classic’
Not many actresses in Hollywood have earned the recognition of Bonnie Hunt. Ever since her rise to fame in the 1990’s, Hunt has starred in unforgettable movies. Whether it’s talking toy creatures, wives of prison guards or mourning mothers. Hunt has portrayed several powerful characters. Arguably, Hunt’s finest strength as an actress has often been her commitment to craft. She is one of those rare actresses which has often had an aptitude for stealing a show in supporting roles which have a limited screen time. Even when she isn’t the main focus of a film. Hunt has always left a strong impression. An actress with strong commitment toward her craft, Hunt has become an icon in modern day entertainment. Through her abilities to portray characters that are compelling, Hunt has built a legacy that’s lasting. Throughout her career, Hunt has made many memorable movies that are definitely worth talking about without any doubt.
I’m a huge fan of Hunt and adore all the films she has made in her career. However, “Cars” is definitely my favourite. Ever since its release in 2006, John Lasseter’s movie has stood test of time as a classic. Packed with bold production, engaging storytelling and powerful acting, it’s one of the best animated films ever made. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Bonnie Hunt, who portrays a racing car that faces adversity. Ultimately, what makes “Cars” an animated classic is its bold appeal. Unlike most Pixar movies which are targeted towards children only, it tackles bold themes everyone would relate to. A riveting masterpiece about race cars, there are many strong reasons why “Cars” is an animated movie that is definitely worth seeing.
Set in a small town, “Cars” tells the story of a car that engages in intense competitions that cause tensions. Owen Wilson plays Lightning McQueen, a determined race car with strong drive to succeed in competitions. McQueen is a fierce car that has always had a powerful desire to attain success. However, McQueen’s hopes of achieving success are threatened when he falls in love causing disaster. Sally Carrera (Bonnie Hunt) is a hotshot race car that has a strong desire to succeed in racing competitions. McQueen and Sally immediately fall in love getting along well together. As all the odds are soon stacked against his favour, Lightning McQueen soon begins to wonder if it’s possible to achieve success in an intense competition. Discovering that racing comes with challenges to face, McQueen questions his love for a profession which he had once grown to embrace.
John Lasseter has often been fascinated with the animated genre. A phenomenal filmmaker, Lasseter has often made engaging films about animated characters facing disaster. His iconic movie “Toy Story” captured toys experiencing tensions being abandoned by owners causing adversity. With “Cars”, however, Lasseter made his first film about race cars. It was Lasseter’s first attempt to capture the lives of race cars seeking victories but he succeeded immensely. Using captivating cinematography, Lasseter captures a race car embarking upon journeys to find identity. Evoking Ron Cohen’s “The Fast and the Furious”, Lasseter captures cars that embark on dangerous journeys through POV shots. For instance, POV shots enhance the racing scene. During this memorable scene, Lightning McQueen embarks upon an intense race causing tensions. Through stunning POV shots, Lasseter captures tensions race cars are facing. POV shots are tricky techniques to use in movies. As Barry Levinson’s “Rain Man” suggested, POV shots enhance movies about Autistic savants. Nevertheless, it works well in this movie. Through stunning visuals, Lasseter captures racing.
Another admirable aspect of “Cars” deserving appreciation is animation. Lasseter expertly uses ray tracing to capture the capture tense obstacles race cars are facing. For instance, ray tracing enhances the racing competition scene. During this heartfelt scene, Lightning McQueen has an intense accident in the race car competition causing tensions. Through ray tracing, Lasseter crafts a compelling portrait of racing. Ray tracing is a tricky technique to use in movies. Nevertheless, it works well in this movie. Moreover, the musical score is truly magnificent. Randy Newman’s music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the movie a tense atmosphere capturing the heavy burden that race cars bear. Through bold production, Lasseter captures race cars which experience tension.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Cars” is an animated movie which proves compelling. The movie is beautifully written, and effectively uses voice over narration to capture competitive race cars facing tension. For instance, narration enhances the opening scene. During this engaging scene, Lightning McQueen introduces audiences towards his love for racing through voice over narration. Through bold voice-over narration, Lasseter creates an animated car that audiences can relate to. Narration is a tricky technique to use in most movies. As Cameron Crowe’s “Jerry Maguire” demonstrated, narration enhances movies about sports agents. Frank Darabont’s “The Green Mile” suggested that voice-over narration elevates movies about prisons. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Using strong visuals, Lasseter captures tensions that commemorated race cars are experiencing.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Bonnie Hunt delivers one of her best career performances as Sally Carrera. Hunt earned appreciation playing wives of prison guards in period dramas. With “Cars”, however, she took on her most colourful role. It isn’t easy to play a race car facing adversity but he succeeded tremendously. This is the actress unlike you have ever seen her before: intense, charming and emotional in her most iconic role. Hunt has often excelled creating compelling characters through her voice, and “Cars” showcased her strength as an actress. With bold expressions, she captures the angst, bravery and grief of a commemorated race car facing adversity.
While the movie is mainly a stunning showcase for Bonnie Hunt, the supporting cast is also amazing and deserving of appreciation. Owen Wilson is outstanding, capturing dedication of a race car determined to succeed in an intense competition. Paul Newman is superb, bringing authority to an aging race car experiencing a tragic downfall. Lastly, Larry the Cable Guy is worthy of appreciation. As a goofy race car, he brings hilarious comical relief to the movie.
Finally, “Cars” would earn the appreciation of everyone for capturing tensions experienced by race cars. Unlike most Pixar movies which are targeted towards children only, the movie tackles strong themes that everyone will relate to. It discusses strong themes including angst, competition and family which would resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be fans of race cares to appreciate it. It delivers a bold message about dangers of competition which will resonate with everyone. Therefore, “Cars” is one of those rare animated films about race cars everyone would adore.
Fans of Bonnie Hunt would definitely enjoy “Cars” and so will movie-goers which seek exhilarating entertainment. A captivating animated classic, it honours an actress that has built a legacy which is iconic.
Nearly a decade following the release of a groundbreaking animated film about cars that face challenges engaging in an intense race, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated actress that has carved a lasting place in the industry through her abilities to portray larger-than-life characters in memorable movies audiences embrace.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 