June 23, 2006
Cars Critique
My great friend of over 20 years, former music partner and now Internet partner, Larry Thompson, the most dyed-in-the-saddle Disney fan I’ve ever known, told me about their new blockbuster movie this week. I knew he’d have a rave review because, well, he’s a Disney fan:-) As he began explaining the animated epic, I suggested he write a post for my blog. I probably won’t see it while it’s in-theatre, I love his take on things and you might just be a little tired of hearing from me anyway:-) So, in my overfilled Inbox this morning was his review, and I’d like to share that with you as well as extend my wishes for a great first weekend of summer! Now, heeeeeeere’s Larry . . .
“Chances are, if you’re the sort of movie goer who would like a movie like Pixar’s “Cars”, you likely would have seen it by now. If you’re still thinking about going, don’t read any further. I don’t want to be the one that wrecks the story for you. I dislike those second time viewers that sit right in front of you and tell their friend all about the “good part” coming up. Clam Up! Go sit somewhere else! Let me be surprised like you were the first time you saw it…
Like most every time I experience anything attached to Disney and/or Pixar, I sat in the theatre and balled like a baby. Don’t know exactly why. I’ve studied all things Disney for a number of years and feel a real kinship to the mindset and admire the creative genius. Personally, I’m a musician. Can’t draw to save my life. But I understand the creative process and the great opportunity and responsibility to tell a good story that will entertain, uplift, teach and leave the recipient better than when they came in.
I’m currently working with a young man who has attained some pretty significant success in the music business in a very short period of time. While he’s been at it a number of years writing and recording and developing his craft, his new found celebrity is a little unsettling. He recently attended a national awards show that was littered with the A list from Hollywood and the music business. He told me that he found it almost frightening to think he was there. But in spite of his preparatory years, he’s Lightning McQueen. He’s the rookie with lots of talent and lots to learn. On numerous occasions, I’ve tried to teach him the concept about dues, and the fact that they will have to be paid, in one way or another. I’ve tried to help him over the rough spots and to avoid the collisions that he is encountering. But in reality, maybe I’m the guy sitting in front of him telling him about the good parts, or bad parts, and wrecking the show for him. Maybe I’m actually making things worse. I don’t know….
Back to the movie. The characters in Cars are excellent. I remember seeing the trailer for this movie last year and felt that this might be the first Pixar movie I would purposely miss. The characters looked too childish. Don’t know if I just became more open to the concept but I do know that having a 4 year old with a birthday got me a front row seat. It wasn’t really the characters that blew me away though. It was the backgrounds and rich details. There are wide panoramas of open fields, deserts, grand canyons and long Interstate straightaways that just leave you in awe. And the inside jokes are just outrageous.
As is most always the case, the storyline is multi-layered. One story for the kids, and one for the parents that take the kids. Little talking toy cars running around, bumping into each other. An ensemble cast of adult lives, bumping into each other. Excellent.
As tradition would have it, the Pixar artists included a number of cameo (or would that be Camaro?) appearances from previous movies and shorts. A small flock of little blue birds on a passing telephone wire, and, as the credits were running, a number of scenes from Pixar features that had been Car-Tooned including Toy Story, A Bugs Life and Monsters Inc. Brilliant.
If you haven’t seen it, please do. It will be time well spent. Take the kids. Take someone you love. Enjoy the fun. Rededicate your life to family and community. Don’t be a jerk. Offer your help to others. Teach by example. Find your life and live it for others, as well as yourself.
Oh, and drive really fast in something with a loud, high revvin’ small block motor!”
Thank you Larry!
Rick
Filed under: General Ramblings, Movies that Moved Me
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