Cars 2

The first lap around the track for the Pixar vehicle Cars was, perhaps, the only weak link in an otherwise masterful run of features from the multi-award winning animators. Whether motivated by the need for redemption or the first film's merchandising cash cow, Pixar have created only their second franchise since the Toy Story trilogy. This instalment sees champion race car Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) goaded into competing in the World Grand Prix by new villain of the piece Francesco Bernoulli (John Turturro) and, along with comedy relief tow truck Mater (voiced by American stand-up Larry the Cable Guy), getting involved in some vehicular espionage. Gone is the dusty backdrop of Radiator Springs, and with it the tale of small town American values. In its place: a pimp-my-sequel complete with all the bells, missiles and Gatling guns that have little in common with the lyricism of Pixar's earlier artistic gems such as Wall-E, Finding Nemo and Up. Under the hood it’s all horse power, little heart. [Thom Atkinson]