Those of you who follow the Hip little one Facebook page know that last Sunday we went to the cinema to watch a special prescreening of Cars 2. For the twins it was the very first time they went to the movies so in the lead up to Sunday they talked about it non stop, to me and to everyone who would listen (or not). Usually it was something like ‘We are going to see special racing cars in the movies and eat popcorn’ and me saying ‘Not yet beautiful, mama will tell you when it’s time’.
After a long wait Sunday finally arrived and we got to the cinema’s where we grabbed our popcorn, received our very own 3D glasses and we sat down waiting for the spectacular Cars 2 experience to start. The twins were so excited and looked hilarious wearing their 3D glasses (we probably did too!). Now obviously they are a little too young to catch the story line of the movie but based on their loud commentary (‘oh no, the car is broken’), a dancing performance from my little lady to the music of the movie and the fact that they cried when the movie was finished I think we can safely say they really enjoyed it.
Cars 2 tells the story of famous red racing car Lightning McQueen who, accompanied by his friends, takes part in the World Grand Prix hoping to prove he is the fastest in the world and impress his girlfriend by winning. But behind the scenes something strange is going on and a team of detectives is trying to find out what is so special about a mysterious camera, and what about the racing cars that blow up whilst on the track? It’s clear that there are some mysteries that need to be solved and without knowing it clumsy tow truck Mater has become part of the investigation.
From a parents point of view Cars 2 covered a few good theme’s. Firstly there is the friendship between Lightning McQueen and Mater which comes under pressure when Mater is being, well, Mater, and his clumsiness embarrasses McQueen. When Mater accidentally causes McQueen to lose a race McQueen lashes out at Mater and the friendship seems to be over. But friends are friends forever so in the end McQueen sees where he has gone wrong and accepts Mater the way he is. All of a sudden winning is not that important anymore as long as you have good friends. Maybe not so obvious, but the movie is also about the environment by opening the discussion about natural fuel sources and oil.
Of course this wouldn’t be an honest review if I didn’t mention that Cars 2 is classed PG because of mild animated violence and coarse language. We are quite careful with what our children watch so I tried to keep an eye out for the language (even though I know there is no way they would notice or hear anything at all because the whole movie experience was rather overwhelming). I caught a few words that definitely won’t be said in our house, they did not add anything to the movie so they should have been left out. The mild animated violence does involve guns and explosions, but obviously it only involves animated cars so I think this wouldn’t bother most parents (or children).
Overall we really enjoyed the movie and the twins would happily watch it again. We might watch it again when it has been released on DVD so we can see it without 3D glasses (I think that might be easier to follow for young children). In a nutshell: a great combination of an exciting adventure and a wise lesson about friendship and accepting others (and yourself) the way they are.
Cars 2 will in theaters as of today, June 23rd. For more information visit www.disney.com.au/cars
For your chance to win a Cars 2 family movie pass (admits 4, valid at participating cinema’s all over Australia, conditions apply) simply answer the following question: What was the very first movie you took your children to see at the movies?
Email your answer, name and address to win@hiplittleone.com or leave a comment below, your email address will not be published.
Competition ends June 26. Sorry, only Australian entries welcome.
