I trolled into a drive-in with three friends to screen this film. Could there be any more appropriate way to watch a film about cars? With my head against a pillow in the back of my van and my feet up on the motor casing, I watched CARS through the windshield of my car -- and listened to the film through a speaker hooked to my car door. And what a pleasure all of that was. I’d not been to a drive-in in years, and though parked further than I’d preferred (vans weren’t allowed in the first several rows), I still enjoyed the experience.

Cars is a solid movie. A can’t lose story about a hot shot driver (err…ah … car) that can only seem to see the word “ME” in team. He’s a up and coming rookie with confidence, speed and no appreciation for any other car on the road. He’s certain to win, but often finds himself the only car in the garage. Fortunately, he’s marooned in a dying little town in the dessert. Here he learns valuable lessons that make everyone a winner -- whether or not they cross the finish line first.

The animation is fun and chipper. The characters endearing, and the ending very sweet. It’s not a Monsters Ince or Toy Story, but sweet, simple, entertaining and warm-hearted. Paul Newman is absolutely clutch (if you pardon the pun) as the rusty (pardon pun number two) old Mayor.

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