In Defense of Cars--A Review 10 Years in the Making

 Gearing up for our upcoming Disneyland trip, we've been watching a lot of Disney/Pixar/Marvel/Star Wars movies.  My kids are on another Cars kick and I couldn't help but think how my feelings on the franchise have changed since it first came out.

Cars came out in late Spring 2006.  That same Spring, I was both about to graduate from college and taking a class on the art of Disney-Pixar.  Our final exam, among other things, consisted of going to see Cars on its opening week and writing an analysis of the film in terms of its artistic and literary merits. 

My initial response to Cars was mixed, but admittedly more toward the negative side.  I felt that the art itself was kitschy and common, meaning not artistic at all.  There were some scenes of merit, such as the drive through the desert between McQueen and Sally, but overall, nothing special.  The story also held little appeal for me.  I understood that it was meant to be about respecting elders and slowing down, but I couldn't grasp the depth of what it was saying because I had yet to have those experiences which allow us as humans to reflect on a story of nostalgia.

As an adult with children of my own, I catch myself more and more reflecting on the past.  At this point in my life, I look back on those college years with the same sort of longing and love that is reflected in Cars.  The simplicity, the joy of exploring, taking time, and feeling free.   Really, that's what the old towns on Route 66 are for another generation.  And thus, with the magic of computer animation, Cars has bridged the gap of generations by appealing with cuteness to kids, concepts to younger adults, and memories to the older population.  It's far better a movie than I ever anticipated at first glance.

Since 2006, I have seen Cars countless times thanks to my children, all of whom have gone through a period of complete obsession with this franchise.  Obviously, Cars is something special.  Look at the success it's had as an entire themed land at California Adventure.  One only has to glance down the model of Route 66 and immerse themselves in the attractions like Radiator Springs Racers to see how deep love of this movie goes, not just among children, but among people of all ages.  There's something surprisingly special about these anthropomorphic cars.