Cars 2
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures | Release Date: June 24, 2011 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
57
METASCORE
Mixed or average reviews based on 38 Critic Reviews
Positive:
18
Mixed:
16
Negative:
4
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
90
VarietyJustin ChangJun 19, 2011
The rare sequel that not only improves on but retroactively justifies its predecessor, this lightning-paced caper-comedy shifts the franchise into high gear with international intrigue, spy-movie spoofery and more automotive puns than you can shake a stickshift at, handling even its broader stretches with sophistication, speed and effortless panache. Read full review
88
Rolling StonePeter TraversJun 23, 2011
Lasseter is back behind the wheel, and you can feel his love for all things automotive in every frame. No humans blot this anthropomorphic romp. Cars do all the talking. Read full review
88
Chicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertJun 22, 2011
Cars 2 is fun. Whether that's because John Lasseter is in touch with his inner child or mine, I cannot say. Read full review
80
The Hollywood ReporterTodd McCarthyJun 19, 2011
Cooler cars and more action follow Lightning and Mater as they mix it up with spies and Formula 1 racers in yet another Pixar winner. Read full review
75
San Francisco ChronicleMick LaSalleJun 23, 2011
In terms of story and atmosphere and overall feeling, Cars 2 is a brand-new experience - and a distinct improvement. Read full review
75
Portland OregonianM. E. RussellJun 23, 2011
But if it's going to be diet Pixar, at least it's action-packed diet Pixar -- with overwhelming, detail-choked production design that occasionally had my jaw lowering like a forklift. Read full review
75
Boston GlobeWesley MorrisJun 23, 2011
This is an action movie that nods to Hayao Miyazaki and those sleeky dumb European chase thrillers with guys like Harrison Ford and Liam Neeson. Read full review
75
Orlando SentinelRoger MooreJun 22, 2011
They turn more of the story over to the comic relief, the dopey tow truck Tow Mater, and get a sillier, more kid-friendly movie out of it. Yes, Cars 2 is better than "Cars." Read full review
70
SalonAndrew O'HehirJun 24, 2011
A fun, silly, kid-friendly summer popcorn entertainment. Read full review
70
Los Angeles TimesKenneth TuranJun 23, 2011
These creations have become like family to Lasseter as well as to each other, and they never fail to make us smile. Read full review
70
SlateDana StevensJun 23, 2011
It's sweet-spirited, visually delightful (if aurally cacophonous), and it will make for a pleasant enough family afternoon at the movies. But we've come to expect so much more than mere pleasantness from Pixar that Cars 2 feels almost like a betrayal. Read full review
67
Christian Science MonitorPeter RainerJun 26, 2011
Marginally better than its predecessor, but the same problem still remains: Cars just aren't very interesting as anthropomorphic animation vehicles (pun intended). Read full review
67
Entertainment WeeklyLisa SchwarzbaumJun 22, 2011
Not to get all Dorothy about it, but when it comes to Cars, there's no place like home. The emotional punch of the original is inextricably rooted in the movie's appreciation of off-the-beaten-track America, and all that homegrown vintage car culture signifies. Read full review
63
ReelViewsJames BerardinelliJun 24, 2011
Although it would be unfair to label Cars 2 as unwatchable, it is surprisingly tedious in parts and not as satisfying as one might expect. Read full review
63
USA TodayClaudia PuigJun 23, 2011
It's not that it's a bad film. But the bar is high, and it's lackluster and predictable, missing that alchemic blend of humor, pathos and indelible characters that give Pixar movies their brilliant shine. Read full review
63
Washington PostMichael O'SullivanJun 23, 2011
Unfortunately, the sequel shortchanges the very relationships that gave the first movie its surprising heart. Read full review
63
Philadelphia InquirerCarrie RickeyJun 23, 2011
While the plot may be too twisty for most kids (and adults) to follow, the art of Cars 2 is as imaginative as anything Pixar has ever done. Read full review
63
St. Louis Post-DispatchJoe WilliamsJun 23, 2011
Cars 2 is like a gorgeous sports car with a toxic tailpipe, a busted navigation system and a loud stereo that plays only commercials. Read full review
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