Popspotting #78: Cars 2 (June 27, 2011)

It’s been five years since we’ve heard from Lightning McQueen and his friends from Radiator Springs. The original “Cars” wasn’t the strongest Pixar film, but still a favorite of our family. “Cars 2″ picks up the pace and takes us around the world, and into the world of international intrigue, with a spy plot that director John Lasseter says was inspired in part by the Jason Bourne movies. Tow Mater (voiced by Larry the Cable Guy) takes a more central role, and we meet new characters (including a British pair voiced by Michael Caine and Emily Mortimer). There’s car geek trivia and movie references, and like “Wall-E,” there’s even a subplot of social commentary. Even a so-so Pixar flick is a good flick by any other measure, so this sequel offers a pretty good ride.