Cars 2 (2011)
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A tow truck and a race car become entangled in a high-stakes international espionage mission during a global racing event.
The story
After winning his fourth Piston Cup, Lightning McQueen prepares for the World Grand Prix, an international racing event designed to promote a new alternative fuel called Allinol. During a promotional event, his best friend Mater accidentally gets caught up in a conspiracy involving espionage. When Mater is mistaken for an undercover agent by a British spy, he and Lightning find themselves in the middle of a dangerous plot. As the race moves through various international locations, the two friends must navigate the complexities of a global conspiracy while trying to stay safe and complete the competition.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
British spy Finn McMissile is investigating a conspiracy involving 'lemon' cars and a mysterious fuel called Allinol. Meanwhile, Lightning McQueen and his friend Mater enter the World Grand Prix. During a promotion, Mater is mistaken for a spy by Finn and Holley Shiftwell. As the race progresses through Tokyo, Porto Corsa, and London, Mater and Lightning become separated but eventually reunite. It is revealed that the World Grand Prix was a cover for Sir Miles Axlerod to manipulate the global energy market. After a series of dangerous encounters with the 'lemon' cars and their leader, Professor Zündapp, the truth is revealed at Buckingham Palace. Axlerod is exposed as the mastermind, and Mater is awarded a knighthood while reconciling with Lightning. The film ends with a 'Radiator Springs Grand Prix' and a final offer for a new mission for Mater.
- First release year
- 2011
- Runtime (minutes)
- 106
- Production countries
- United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- John Lasseter
- Writers
- Ben Queen · screenplay; John Lasseter · story; Brad Lewis · story; Dan Fogelman · story
- Cast and characters
- Owen Wilson · Lightning McQueen; Larry the Cable Guy · Tow Mater; Michael Caine · Finn McMissile; Emily Mortimer · Holley Shiftwell; Eddie Izzard · Sir Miles Axlerod; John Turturro · Francesco Bernoulli
- Genres
- animated; spy; comedy
- Themes
- friendship; espionage
- Tone and mood
- action; comedy
- Setting
- International locations including Tokyo, Porto Corsa, Paris, and London.
- Premise and plot tags
- sequel; road movie; sports
- Franchise connections
- Cars
- Reception
- The film received mixed reviews from critics and was noted for its focus on the character Mater and its inclusion of the spy genre.
- Awards and nominations
- Best Animated Feature Film · Golden Globe Awards · Nominated
- Production trivia
- It was the final Pixar film animated using the Marionette software system.; It is one of the most expensive films ever made with a budget of $200 million.; It was the first Pixar film not to be nominated for an Oscar.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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