2011 Crystal Dove Seal Award Winner for Best Animated – Even better than the first “Cars” movie! There were kids laughing out loud around me at the screening I attended and I joined in a few times. When Lightning McQueen is challenged by Franceso, an Italian car, to race at the World Grand Prix, Tow Mater is ready to stand behind him. But a misunderstanding leads Lightning McQueen to become upset with his reliable old friend. Tow Mater becomes determined to make it up to McQueen and, along the way, he finds a girlfriend too, named Holly. With a James Bond kind of opening and plenty of interesting characters and action, this is a fun summer movie with the emphasis on fun! We do want to note that a car in the film is targeted to be “killed” so parents are aware of it.

In one scene before a big race between Lightning McQueen and Francesco, Francesco responds to a comment by McQueen and says, “Not so fast!” “Is that your new motto?” asks McQueen as he nails the cocky car. In another scene a car from England mentions being with British intelligence, and Tow Mater replies that “I have average intelligence!” So there are some funny one-liners interspersed throughout the movie. And oh yes, the animation is terrific.

This film not only features a secret agent kind of theme, but incorporates themes of loyalty, friendship, forgiveness, and remembering what is important in life. It is a rollicking, racing good time so run, rattle or roll down to your local theater and catch it now. We gladly award the movie five Doves, our highest rating and the best compliment we can pay this family-friendly film.