Cars (2006)

G
116 min
Animation
June 8, 2006

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Movie Details

Latest 'Cars' News

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Critics Score

74%

Release Date

June 8, 2006

Directors

John Lasseter
Joe Ranft

Writers

John Lasseter
Joe Ranft
Jorgen Klubien
Dan Fogelman
Kiel Murray
Phil Lorin

Cast

Official Website

carsthemovie.com

Cars Synopsis

After taking moviegoers magically into the realm of toys, bugs, monsters, fish, and superheroes, the masterful storytellers and technical wizards at Pixar Animation Studios (“The Incredibles,” “Finding Nemo,” “Monsters, Inc.”) and Academy Award-winning director John Lasseter (“Toy Story,” “Toy Story 2,” “A Bug’s Life”) hit the road with a fast-paced comedy adventure set inside the world of cars. A Pixar Animation Studios film presented by Walt Disney Pictures, CARS is a high-octane delight for moviegoers of all ages, fueled with plenty of humor, action, heartfelt drama, and amazing new technical feats. Adding to the fun is a driving score and a new song by Oscar-winner Randy Newman, along with original musical performances by such top talents as Sheryl Crow, Rascal Flatts, Brad Paisley, James Taylor and John Mayer. The film coincides with the celebration of Pixar’s 20th anniversary and the company’s recent acquisition by Disney.

Lightning McQueen (voiced by Owen Wilson), a hotshot rookie race car driven to succeed, discovers that life is about the journey, not the finish line, when he finds himself unexpectedly detoured in the sleepy Route 66 town of Radiator Springs. En route across the country to the big Piston Cup Championship in California to compete against two seasoned pros, McQueen gets to know the town’s offbeat characters -- including Doc Hudson (a 1951 Hudson Hornet with a mysterious past, voiced by screen legend Paul Newman), Sally Carrera (a snazzy 2002 Porsche voiced by Bonnie Hunt), and Mater (a rusty but trusty tow truck voiced by Larry the Cable Guy) -- who help him realize that there are more important things than trophies, fame, and sponsorship.

The all-star vocal cast also includes free-wheeling performances by Tony Shalhoub, Michael Keaton, Cheech Marin, George Carlin, Katherine Helmond, and perennial Pixar “good-luck charm” John Ratzenberger. Michael Wallis, author of the critically acclaimed book Route 66: The Mother Road, and the authority on that legendary American artery that connected north to south, and east to west, is heard in the film as the voice of the Sheriff of Radiator Springs.

Delivering more fun and authenticity to the cast for CARS are vocal performances from some of the all-time greatest names from the racing world, including the legendary Richard Petty, plus “drive-on” roles by Mario Andretti, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Darrell Waltrip (who holds the record for five wins at the NASCAR Coca-Cola 600), and Michael Schumacher, the ace German Formula 1 racing legend, who is widely considered to be the best Grand Prix racing driver of all time. Veteran Olympic and sports commentator Bob Costas lends his seasoned voice to the character of Bob Cutlass, the colorful host at the film’s racing events. Tom and Ray Magliozzi (aka Click and Clack, the Tappet Brothers), hosts of the popular NPR program “Car Talk” (first broadcast in Boston in 1977 and picked up nationally ten years later), weigh in as the not-so-coveted sponsors Rusty and Dusty Rust-eze.

Central to the plot and themes of CARS is the iconic Route 66, along which much of the story takes place. Lasseter and his team headed out on the historic highway on several occasions to research and observe the importance and impact of this cultural phenomenon.

THE CAR STARS/VOICE TALENTS:

LIGHTNING MCQUEEN -- Poised to become the youngest car ever to win the Piston Cup Championship, this hotshot rookie race car has just two things on his mind -- winning and the perks that come with it. But when he gets detoured in the forgotten town of Radiator Springs and has to shift for himself, he gets a crash course on what matters most in life. Owen Wilson (“Bottle Rocket,” “Shanghai Noon,” “Meet the Fockers,” “Wedding Crashers”) is up to speed as the voice of this cocky race car who learns that life is about the journey, not the destination.

DOC HUDSON -- A seemingly quiet country doctor (mechanic) with a mysterious past, this 1951 Hudson Hornet is a cornerstone of Radiator Springs,and also serves as town judge. Respected and admired by the townsfolk, Doc is a car of few words and is unimpressed by the town’s newest arrival -- Lightning McQueen. The speed-obsessed hotshot race car dismisses Doc as just an old grandpa car but comes to discover that the old-timer still has a few tricks under his hood. Acting legend, Oscar® winner, and Guinness Book World Record Holder (the oldest driver to win a professionally sanctioned race in 1995 in Daytona) Paul Newman gives a winning performance as the voice of this venerable vehicle.

SALLY CARRERA -- This sporty 2002 Porsche 911 from California grew tired of life in the fast lane and made a new start for herself in Radiator Springs. As the proprietor of the Cozy Cone Motel, and one of the town’s most optimistic boosters, she has high hopes that it will one day return to its former glory and wind up “back on the map.” She takes an instant shine to Lightning McQueen and helps to steer him in the right direction. Multitalented actress/filmmaker Bonnie Hunt (“A Bug’s Life,” “Monsters, Inc.,” “Cheaper By the Dozen”) gives a premium performance as Sally, with just the right blend of charm, intelligence and wit.

MATER -- This good ol’ boy tow truck may be a bit rusty on the outside, but he has the quickest towrope in Carburetor County and is always the first to lend a helping hand. Sweet and loyal to a fault, Mater befriends McQueen and sees his potential as his new best friend, despite his many flaws. The self-proclaimed “world’s best backwards driver,” Mater dreams of someday flying in a helicopter, but stays grounded with his day job running “Tow-Mater Towing and Salvage.” Comedy sensation Larry the Cable Guy gives a “tow-de-force” vocal performance that is both hilariously funny and touching.

FILLMORE -- Radiator Springs’ resident hippie is a 1960 VW bus who brews his own organic fuel and preaches its many benefits. Visitors can check it out for themselves in the tasting room behind his love-bead-and-tie-dye-covered geodesic dome. His conspiracy theories and unkempt yard don’t sit well with his neighbor, Sarge, but despite their frequent disagreements, they can’t live without one another. Comedy legend George Carlin gives a far-out performance as the voice of this peace-loving bus.

SARGE -- This patriotic 1942 WWII Willys Army jeep runs Radiator Springs’ army surplus store, Sarge’s Surplus Hut, and is often found manicuring the lawn in front of his Quonset hut into a precise flat-top. Although he likes to complain about his VW bus neighbor, he knows that life is more interesting with Fillmore around. Actor Paul Dooley (“Breaking Away,” “Desperate Housewives”) sounds off as this regimented vehicle whose bark is worse than his bite.

RAMONE -- The proprietor of Ramone’s House of Body Art, this 1959 Impala low-rider is a true magician with paint and metal, but he hasn’t had anyone to customize in years. While waiting for a paying customer to come along, he repaints himself daily and hopes that McQueen will consent to letting him add a few new flourishes. Comedian/actor Cheech Marin turns in a colorful performance as the voice of this feisty fellow.

FLO -- Married to Ramone, and the owner of Flo’s V-8 Café, is this sassy, no-nonsense 1950s show car. Offering the “finest fuel in fifty states,” Flo’s is a popular gathering spot for the locals to sip some oil, share some gossip, and listen to a little motherly advice from Flo herself. It was love at first sight for Flo and Ramone, ever since they met while she was traveling cross-country as a glamorous Motorama girl. Jenifer Lewis goes with the “flo” as the voice of this spirited character.

LUIGI -- Big-hearted, gregarious, and excitable, this 1959 Fiat 500 runs the local tire shop, Luigi’s Casa Della Tires, which is the “Home of the Leaning Tower of Tires.” With his forklift pal, Guido, by his side, Luigi is an avid race-car fan (with a bias towards Ferraris) who is always eager to please. Business hasn’t been good in years, so you can always count on a bargain on a new set of wheels from this merry merchant. Tony Shalhoub (“Big Night,” “Monk”) puts the accent on comedy in this tireless performance.

SHERIFF -- Route 66 expert/author Michael Wallis provides the voice of this 1949 Mercury Police Cruiser, sworn with upholding the peace in Radiator Springs. Always on the prowl for would-be speeders who might want to barrel through his town, Sheriff enjoys telling stories about his beloved Mother Road, and taking the occasional nap behind the town’s billboard.

THE KING (aka STRIP WEATHERS) -- This 1970 Plymouth Superbird is a racing legend who has won more Piston Cups races than any other car in history. Despite his fame, he’s a down-home guy who knows it takes more than trophies to make a true champion. He believes in hard work, team playing, and making time for his wife, Mrs. The King. Set to retire at the end of the season and relinquish his coveted Dinoco sponsorship, the King is the envy of all the up-and-coming racers. Racing legend Richard Petty, a seven-time NASCAR Nextel Cup Championship winner, lends his voice to this classy champ. His wife, Lynda, provides a cameo voice as The King’s car-mate.

CHICK HICKS -- This racing veteran is a ruthless competitor who has bumped and cheated his way into more second-place finishes than any other car. Forever living in the King’s shadow, he’s the consummate runner-up and will stop at nothing to win the Dinoco sponsorship. Convinced that “the Chick era” is about to begin, he isn’t about to let Lightning McQueen get between him and his dream of winning the Piston Cup. Versatile actor Michael Keaton (“Mr. Mom,” “Batman,” “Herbie: Fully Loaded”) gets down and dirty as the voice of this hard-driving road warrior.

MACK -- No Pixar film is complete without a vocal performance by John Ratzenberger, and in CARS, the popular actor weighs in as the voice of a 1985 Mack SuperLiner who has a thorough knowledge of federal regulations. As McQueen’s trusted driver, he is willing to push the limits of his own sanity and sleep requirements to accommodate his celebrity employer. McQueen’s luxurious bachelor pad is fully loaded with the best in fiber optics, TVs, a massage chair, and more.