Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Cars sequel revs up action and mixes in spy thrills.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Cars 2
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 170 parent reviews
Parents say the sequel is vastly different from the original, with many expressing disappointment over its excessive violence, complicated plot, and mature themes that are inappropriate for younger audiences. While some appreciate its action and animation, most reviews highlight the overwhelming gun violence and dark elements that detract from the light-heartedness typical of family-friendly films, leading many to recommend caution before allowing young children to watch.
- excessive violence
- inappropriate themes
- complicated plot
- disappointment
- not suitable for kids
- action-focused storytelling
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 207 kid reviews
What's the Story?
In Pixar's much-anticipated sequel to Cars, the focus shifts slightly off Lightning McQueen (voiced by Owen Wilson) onto his best friend, Mater (Larry the Cable Guy) in CARS 2. Challenged by an Italian Formula One car, Francesco Bernoulli (John Turturro), Lightning agrees to join a World Grand Prix taking place in Japan, Italy, and England that's meant to show the world that alternative bio-fuel works just as well as regular gasoline. As the races begin, it's clear that someone is sabotaging the cars to blame the eco-friendly fuel. In a case of mistaken identity, Mater is unintentionally drawn into a British and American intelligence mission led by Finn McMissile (Michael Caine) to uncover who's behind the attacks. Mater needs to help stop the masterminds before Lightning becomes their next target.
Is It Any Good?
Pixar is the standard bearer for animated movies that appeal equally to children and adults, and this is no exception. There has yet to be a Pixar film that doesn't make more than $100 million or score a devoted following from both critics and audiences. The animation is gorgeous, the action sequences crisp, the voice acting impeccable, and the inside jokes funny. Cars 2 is not a masterpiece when stacked up against the Toy Story sequels, but it's a fun summer spectacle that will make kids think about what it means to really be yourself, even when there's pressure to change.
Mater is now the protagonist, and the world is the setting; while that expands the action and the automobile humor (geisha cars, the Queen as a vintage Rolls, and Prince Wheeliam as a Bentley), it does limit the amount of time that we spend with our old friends from Radiator Springs. Caine and Emily Mortimer are perfectly cast as the British intelligence agents who mistake Mater for an American spy, but in the end, this is Larry the Cable Guy's shining moment.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Cars 2 's message about being yourself, dents and all. How does this apply to Mater? Why are underdogs so much more satisfying to root for than characters who always win?
The first movie was a "fish out of water" story about a city slicker race car in a sleepy little town; how does the sequel use the same theme but focus on Mater?
What made kids want to see this movie -- the story or all the product tie-ins? Do kids want a product because Cars characters are pictured on it?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 24, 2011
- On DVD or streaming : November 1, 2011
- Cast : Emily Mortimer , Larry the Cable Guy , Michael Caine , Owen Wilson
- Director : John Lasseter
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Walt Disney Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Transportation ( Cars & Trucks ) , Adventures
- Run time : 113 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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