Student Film Reviews

Film reviews from theaters, couches, and film festivals

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1. Rebecca Whitham 09.25.11 / 10pm

   Throughout the years, I have grown to be more and more impressed with Pixar’s astounding innovations in the world of animation, and now incorporating the use of 3D as well. When the movie Cars came out a few years ago, it was a sensation amongst its audiences, both young and old. I as well found it to be entertaining and whitty. I have yet to see Cars 2, but based on this review, I have little concern for being disappointed in any way. The filmmakers take the two most successful characters from the first film while introducing an entirely new plot, and with a bunch of new twists as well. The fact that the story sheds light on the issue of gasoline and foreign dependency on such product would definetly appeal to the adult audiences while showing the seriousness of this issue in our nation. This film is on my “must see” list for this Fall, and I am looking forward to watching it.
2. Sandra Andersson 10.10.11 / 8am

   Cars is one of my favorite Pixars movies, but when I found out they were going to make a sequel and when I saw the trailer I was a bit skeptical – how can they possible make a good sequel to a movie like Cars? Even though I know a sequel is never as good as the original I still want to see Cars 2 so badly, unfortunately I haven’t had the chance to see the movie yet and now from this review I am even more eager to see the film, it seems like they actually pulled it off and I hope I feel the same about the movie.
3. Lauren Williams 10.13.11 / 1pm

   I have always been in love with Pixar movies growing up, with the wonderful Toy Story and Finding Nemo being my favorites, Cars came close. The first one was so creative and something never done before, so when it came out, it was very exciting and fun to watch. I never thought of them making a sequel to the movie but it looks really good! I have not seen it yet, but I really hope to see it soon. With the main characters going outside of Radiator Springs and exploring the world to solve the mystery explosions, it looks like a great idea for a sequel. Also the sense of humor in these films are great for adults and children. I am looking forward to watching this movie and even though I’m sure it’s not as good as the first, I’m sure it will come close.
4. Erin Canty 10.13.11 / 5pm

   When I saw this movie I thought that it was going to be about McQueen again, but I thought wrong. Throughout the movie I thought it was to much action pack and to fast pace for one to get the understanding of what is going on. Yes, the main points are established but by the end of the film you try to put the pieces together on what happen throughout the movie. But, yet again Pixar did an amazing job with the animation. Knowingly, usually sequels are not as good as the original. The previews to the movie let me excited about it, but actually seeing the final cut, left me thinking the original Cars was the best.
5. Bonny Chen 10.13.11 / 10pm

   I’m always a big fan of Pixars movies. Most of the movies from Pixars are my childhood’s movies such as toy story. I have seen Cars before and it is still amazing to me even I’m all grown up now! Especially the 3D effect! I haven’t gotten a chance to see Cars 2 but I’m really dying to watch it. After reading the reviews, it makes me understands the plots in the movies and a little background in the movie. The movies Cars are actually really popular all over the country. It is really easy to find any products about Cars in a mall, magazine etc. I believe this movie is for both adults and children and I’m really looking forward to it.
6. Anastasia Sagawinia 10.14.11 / 5pm

   I really wanted to see this movie but after reading your review I’m not sure if I should watch this film. I am a very big fan of Pixar films so I kind of want to see the film just because it is created by Pixar. I thoiught you review was very well written and thought out. Even though I haven’t seen this film I got a good sense of what it was about.
7. Brittany Christianson 10.14.11 / 5pm

   I love Pixar movies, and this one is no exception! Although I think the first Cars was much better, Cars 2 focused more on Mater than any other character. Mater is my favorite character; he is down to earth and has the sweetest personality. This film was one that kids would fall in love with, watching their favorite characters explore the world in a deferent way. The first Cars was more of a family movie, everyone could enjoy it. It seemed to be directed towards a family rather than just pleasing the kids. This movie was just like any other Pixar movie, you could watch it a hundred times without getting bored.
8. Saehun Han 10.14.11 / 6pm

   This review reminds me of the time I was watching this animation in the flight heading to Los Angeles International Airport. I was so bored in the air, so was looking for something interesting. Most movies were unfamiliar and looked boring, but Cars 2 by Pixar was the only one that I was familiar with. So, I just decided to watch it not because I was familiar with this animation but because the company who made this animation was familar to me. I did not expect so much about this film because I already had kind of prejudice in my mind for Cars 2, and just thought that this must be childish for me to watch. However, it not only was really interesting, but was involving lots of messages in it. Cars 2 seemed to show our or other human being’s appearances through various characters with different characteristics
9. Herbert Markus Linecker 10.14.11 / 6pm

   In my family I have two young sons, so Cars is the most beloved movie of all the animated features we have. We watch the first one at least once a month in our house. I was surprised by Cars 2. When I watched the preview, I really didn’t like it so much and thought that it was right down there with my least liked Pixar movie, Meet the Robinsons. However, I changed my mind when I actually saw the picture in the theater. It is not the best of Pixar’s attempts, but the animation was great and the voice acting from Owens, Larry and Caine was excellent. It was different than the first one but it was charming, fun and great way to have a family outing.
10. Sara Uronen 10.14.11 / 7pm

    I absolutely loved the first Cars film, and I have yet to see Cars 2. All of the pixar films have been amazing and I do not expect any less from this film. This review gives me a great idea as to how this film will be. I have a better background as to what will happen and what characters are present. I cannot wait to see this film and I oddly like to know a little bit about what I am watching before so I can prepare myself for what I am watching. I think this review gave me a lot of information that is helpful but not too much to give away surprising aspects or events. Great job on this review!
11. Vienna Von Renner 10.19.11 / 1pm

    When I heard that they were coming out with a Cars 2, I thought it was a terrible idea, and I knew I would never go see it. The first one was good in my opinion, entertaining, cute, and funny. I was surprised to read in this article that it was good and entertaining for all ages. But he is right, Pixar is very good at this kind of stuff, they are pros actually. If I’m ever given the opportunity, I would probably watch it because of this review. The review gives a good idea of what the movie is about, good job!
12. Matthew Rhodes 11.01.11 / 3pm

    From what I have read from professional film critics, this movie was quite bad. I couldn’t really put my finger on exactly what was wrong when reading the reviews though. Most of them simply stated that Cars 2 just didn’t feel like a Pixar film. What is a Pixar film, though? Your review, describing it as being funny, inventive, and socially opinionative sounds exactly like a Pixar film to me. What was originally going to be the first Pixar movie I never saw is now probably going to be one of the next couple movies I rent on Netflix. Good job at providing a worthy second opinion.
13. Chloe Facenda 11.06.11 / 11pm

    I loved this review for Cars 2. This is a surprising review considering it is for young audiences. I have seen the original Cars and thought it had a great story line for such a G rated film. The greatest aspect about Pixar is the way they do make these films fun and interactive for kids and adults alike. The way this review presents itself was really intriguing how he makes you want to see this film not to just see it with your family or take them but, to see it because it looks interesting.
14. Samantha Marmion 11.10.11 / 4pm

    I have not seen Cars 2; although I did see the first movie of this sequal. After reading this review, I am interested to find out that it is not about Lightning McQueen, since the first was was. I completely agree with your review.. all the different voices were so entertaining in the first movie and I am looking forward to seeing what the next one has in store. I think that people of all ages would like these movies as well.. I believe that it is a good family movie. Overall, great review.
15. McCarthy Bray 11.15.11 / 7pm

    I babysat my cousins all summer during the week and they are two boys that love the movie Cars. They have watched it probably over 100 times. I personally have never seen Cars 1 but over this summer they were insistent on seeing Cars 2 therefore I had to chance to watch it with them. It was definitely one of the best children’s movie that I have seen in a long time. I really enjoyed the plot and the message.
16. Rachel Morales 11.16.11 / 1pm

    This review made me change my mind about watching this film. I wasn’t sure if this was a movie Pixar could pull off but it seems in this review it is worth seeing. I was surprised at how interesting the plot was considering the theme. It sounds like a great children’s movie that has a great plot and has an upbeat feel.
17. Anjelica Soto 11.18.11 / 10pm

    I love Pixar movies and have grown up watching them. Most sequels are usually not as good as the originals. This movies proves that true. This movie was good but I felt that it was too action-packed and didn’t have enough meaning to it. It didn’t have the multiple supporting roles as the first one did and there was just a basic theme of friendship. This was a well written review, it told the basic points of the story without giving away too much. Over all, I prefer the original.
18. Robert Deegan 07.05.14 / 1pm

    I have always been a huge fan of Pixar movies. Just like you I didn’t know if Pixar was going to be able to live up to their standard with this sequel. However, I loved the movie. I’m a kid at heart and I agree that it had plenty of laughs throughout the film. Like you I noticed that Pixar did a good job at showing America’s problem with rising gas prices. However, I also noticed that they did a good job showing off the different types of people in our society through the diverse characters they had in this movie.
19. Megan Linder 06.06.15 / 9pm

    After see the first Cars film, I would have never guessed that Pixar would make another film. I have personally not seen Cars 2, but I really enjoyed Cars one. I thought the first film really brought a message across to the world that there is more to life than fame. After reading this review, it seems as if Cars 2 brought up another issue in the world- oil. I think it is interesting that you point out how Pixar voices the problem of oil in the world. Especially after seeing the oil spills in the Santa Barbara oceans, it is obvious that oil is a huge problem in the world and I find it important that Pixar shows it in a kids film. I also really enjoy Mater’s silly character. Although you said Mater constituently embarrasses McQueen to the point of where he loses a race, it will be interesting to see his reaction. You didn’t go in depth about it, but I’m curious to see how the film portrays his reaction to being embarrassed and how that gives a good or bad message for the audience, which consists of mainly kids. The film industry allows for important world issues to be voiced through both kid and adult movies. After reading your review, I am looking forward to seeing this film, especially since we are currently dealing with horrible oil issues.
20. Derek Tilton 08.05.16 / 4pm

    I remember seeing the original Cars and I definitely agree that everybody I know, including myself, wasn’t really yearning for a sequel to the film itself. It’s interesting to see a review that puts Cars 2 in a positive light rather than a negative one, as everybody else that I’ve talked to about this movie has given it a negative review. I’ve been questioning whether or not I should watch Cars 2 since I love Pixar films, but I had always heard negative things about this film. Thanks to your review though, I’ll give it a shot and form my own opinion on it. The spy plot might be a little weird at first but I’m glad you think it’s enjoyable; hopefully I will too. Good review!
21. Kathy Ramirez-Gijon 07.18.19 / 12am

    Your review was very informative, but I disagree with the introduction that Cars the original is near the bottom of Pixar movies. I wouldn’t say it’s at the top either but it’s definitely in the middle. However, because this review is on Cars 2, I have to say I completely agree with your summary and analysis. I think that it was an unexpected great movie, currently one of my favorites, and believe that this factor contributed greatly to its success. One minor part I disagree with in your summary is how vague and broad it is. Although you attempt to describe it as close to an action movie, your summary does not fully appreciate the gem that this movie truly is. I feel like you undersell the movie by omitting the fact that the graphic animations are immensely improved, and that by touring the world we get a glimpse of many cultures and historic landmarks. Still, I enjoy the connection to the critique of America’s gas reliance and usage because it gives a grander meaning to the movie.
22. Jaylan Wesley 07.22.21 / 3pm

    Pixar movies growing up were one of the best! I’d love watching cars when I was little in the living room with my brother. This movie brought so much happiness to my life and even to this day it still does! When I first heard the idea of them making it into a sequel I wasn’t to sure about it, but I loved the way it turned out! Even though there is not much rise-en-scene that you can go off of, you really understand what the filmmaker was. trying to do.
23. Cameron Glessner 09.06.21 / 2pm

    You are correct in the fact that nobody was asking for a sequel to cars two. But it was only after watching, that we realized that we needed it. The first Cars movie had always had a special place in my heart after watching it in theatres for the first time with my family. When the sequel was announced I was surprised and intrigued. I can agree with you in the aspect that Cars 2 was not what we expected from Pixar with a second Cars movie. The international settings were something we hadn’t seen before in cars. But it was because of Cars 2 that, In my opinion, we receive the best Cars movie ever made. After watching Cars 2, I highly suggest you complete the trio of movies and watch Cars 3. Truly another Pixar masterpiece. At the end of the day, you said it best, “Pixar proves once again there is nothing they can’t do”.
24. Quinn Elle 06.11.22 / 11pm

    While this films completely subverts the expectations set by the previous film, I believe that overall this film is an impressive creation by pixar. I agree with the review that the film holds plenty of laughs for younger and older audiences as well as a thrilling plot. I think a large portion of its success comes from not only peoples interest in cars and the previous cars movie, it still holds up and lends itself the same personality to the previously created characters you know and love. It also has a tiny bit of political commentary on the relationship between making money and people becoming greedy or fake as a result of capitalism.
25. Aidan Marquez 03.22.23 / 3pm

    Cars 2 is a very interesting film due to many people not expecting to see after the first Cars film was released. Many expected to see a spinoff of the first film but in reality gave us the complete opposite with many futuristic like films and technology that we had not seen before and wasn’t common. For example, electric vehicles were not common back in 2011 and at the time felt very futuristic. This is similar to a film called Alien by Ridley Scott which was about a futuristic spaceship that was exploring in space. All in all, I believe this film is well worth the watch for anyone at any age.
26. Evan Gesell 06.30.23 / 12pm

    I have not seen this film in over a decade so I thought it would be fun to come back and read this review. The review was very on point and direct, summarizing the basic plot and key characters to the film that can help a possible first time viewer get an understanding of what they are about to watch. i think this movie is great it’s simple, yet displays a variety of themes throughout the film that can be used as life lessons.
27. Alisa Navarrete 10.31.23 / 6pm

    I haven’t seen Cars 2 in years but I remember enjoying the film due to Pixar involving old characters with new characters and still managing to make the film laughable. I love watching Pixar films especially when when I was younger. When I first watched the film years ago I didn’t realize it was a real issue but then again I was young. Pixar amazes me with every new film they release because it is always something refreshing. Pixar kept the nostalgia in Cars 2 which we can all appreciate. Cars 2 shows a real-world problem but still shows how important friendships can be.

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