Cars (2006)
★★★ — Cars (2006)
Cars arrived in 2006 as the seventh feature from Pixar, directed by John Lasseter, who had previously helmed both Toy Story films before moving into a producing and creative-oversight role for much of the studio's mid-2000s output. The film was partly inspired by Lasseter's own cross-country road trip with his family, taken during a break from production on other projects, and draws heavily on the mythology of Route 66 and the small American towns bypassed when the interstate highway system was built. Paul Newman, in one of his final major voice roles before his death in 2008, lends considerable weight to the cast alongside Owen Wilson. Made on a budget of $120 million, it performed strongly at the box office and spawned one of Pixar's most commercially successful merchandise franchises, generating billions in retail sales well beyond the film itself.
Kids will love it but it doesn't have that 'for all ages' Pixar charm that others capture. Definitely not top-tier Pixar, but still a charming and colourful ride. Cars has heart, no doubt. Lightning McQueen’s journey from arrogant hotshot to humble small-town racer is sweet, if predictable. Radiator Springs is a cozy little setting, and the film's message about slowing down and appreciating life is actually pretty lovely. The animation is solid, especially for 2006. Those shiny, polished character designs and sweeping landscapes look great. The voice cast is decent too, with Owen Wilson doing a fine job as McQueen and Paul Newman giving real warmth to Doc Hudson. That said… the concept is a bit weird. A world populated entirely by sentient vehicles raises so many questions (try not to think too hard about it). And while it’s entertaining enough, it doesn’t quite hit the emotional depth or clever storytelling Pixar’s known for. A pleasant film for kids, nostalgic for adults who love NASCAR, and harmless fun overall but not quite the classic it wanted to be.
Rating: ★★★ | Year: 2006 | Watched: 2025-04-07
Where to watch (UK)
Stream: Disney Plus
Rent: Apple TV Store · Rakuten TV · Sky Store
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Physical: Amazon UK
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Related on Movies With Macca
More from John Lasseter: Toy Story 2 (1999) · Toy Story (1995)
More with Owen Wilson: Wonder (2017) · Little Fockers (2010) · Shanghai Noon (2000) · Shanghai Knights (2003)
More from the 2000s: Kirikou and the Wild Beasts (2005) · Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004) · Daredevil (2003) · Apocalypto (2006)
More animation: Fantastic Planet (1973) · Alice in Wonderland (1951) · Mononoke the Movie: The Phantom in the Rain (2024) · Mononoke the Movie: Chapter II - The Ashes of Rage (2025)
More adventure: Alice in Wonderland (1951) · The Eagle (1925) · Louisiana Story (1948) · The General (1926)
