Sure, the plot is as predictable as it gets (and I say this as someone who didn't see Doc Hollywood). However, I don't see Pixar movies for the surprising plot twists.
Okay, it has NASCAR (eh) and Owen Wilson (bah) and Larry the Cable Guy (ech). It doesn't matter. It's done well enough that I enjoyed the racing, thought Wilson hit the right notes (though it may be one of those situations where an actor has to really stretch, you know, like Tony Danza playing not-so-bright guys who are all named Tony), and even Larry the Cable Guy was used so as to add to the film rather than being a repetitive irritant (which I was worried about from the early trailers). I mean, the movie managed to make me not hate him...and that's an accomplishment.
(I think that at least some of the hold-back was to hit the summer release season, which seems to me to have been the right choice.)
I'd see it again. It's definitely on my buy-on-DVD list.
Oh, and the Pixar end-of-movie humorous bit? Kicks. Ass. No bloopers; it's better than that. Also, stay through the credits for one last laugh.
I didn't mind the presence of Larry the Cable Guy, because as far as dimwitted but well-meaning tow trucks go, he did a very good job at voicing one. Part of this is probably due to some semblance of acting skills, but I also think this is because in this film he was playing, well, a tow truck, and not his usual racist cracker redneck jackhole.
At the risk of spoiling cameos, I loved Click & Clack's. Especially since Ray got to be his '63 Dodge Dart.
And I thought the "tribute" to John Ratzenberger during the end credits was particularly inspired. He's Pixar's utility infielder when it comes to voices, and it was nice to see that recognized.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
dancing_serpent
(no subject)
Date: 2006-06-16 02:31 pm (UTC)Okay, it has NASCAR (eh) and Owen Wilson (bah) and Larry the Cable Guy (ech). It doesn't matter. It's done well enough that I enjoyed the racing, thought Wilson hit the right notes (though it may be one of those situations where an actor has to really stretch, you know, like Tony Danza playing not-so-bright guys who are all named Tony), and even Larry the Cable Guy was used so as to add to the film rather than being a repetitive irritant (which I was worried about from the early trailers). I mean, the movie managed to make me not hate him...and that's an accomplishment.
(I think that at least some of the hold-back was to hit the summer release season, which seems to me to have been the right choice.)
I'd see it again. It's definitely on my buy-on-DVD list.
Oh, and the Pixar end-of-movie humorous bit? Kicks. Ass. No bloopers; it's better than that. Also, stay through the credits for one last laugh.
(no subject)
Date: 2006-06-16 02:45 pm (UTC)At the risk of spoiling cameos, I loved Click & Clack's. Especially since Ray got to be his '63 Dodge Dart.
And I thought the "tribute" to John Ratzenberger during the end credits was particularly inspired. He's Pixar's utility infielder when it comes to voices, and it was nice to see that recognized.
(no subject)
Date: 2006-06-16 02:47 pm (UTC)