Cars 2 - was it really that bad?

I don't think it's bad. I'm a fan of it and think it's a lot of fun. I do like spy films anyway and really like how the genre is incorporated into it.

I think the mistake they made was making it a direct sequel and a theatrical release. Based on the first film, a sequel could've gone one of two ways; following McQueen's career or an ensemble with the Radiator Springs gang. Cars 2 is neither and that subversion does have a negative impact. Cars 3 is a more appropriate sequel and therefore had a better reception.

In the days of Disney+ now, what we got as Cars 2 would without a doubt have been a Pixar Original on the service and I think it would've been very successful as such. It's a feature length Mater's Tall Tale, which originated as short films for DVDs, Disney channel, etc. I'm not saying it would've been critically acclaimed or anything like that, but would be the perfect Original for Disney+ and would temper expectations as it'd be clearer what the film actually is.

For me, I don't think it's as bad as the reputation it gets, but I could understand the reception it got. It's also worth noting it was the next Pixar after the sublime Toy Story 3!

Confession I'm more of a Planes fan.

Regards

mark687

I did not actually realize until a few months ago that Planes isn't a Pixar product. For years and years and years I thought it was Pixar embracing the 'Disney halfassed direct-to-video' model of the 90s. Imagine my surprise when it turns out it actually was Disney and was (supposed to be, until like six months before) a direct-to-video release.

I mostly enjoyed the cameos of F1 personalities. Not to mention McQueen’s main rival Francesco Bernoulli is based on an F1 car.