Despite its negative critical reception with many calling it the worst Pixar movie ever, I had a trouble understanding this mindset whilst having a rollicking blast in Pixar's most action-packed and sweet film in years.

Cars 2 is obviously, John Lasseter's childish imagination imagined. We have heard from press and interviews that Lasseter loves toys, and cars, and from the first Cars, we also found out his love of the American townships, of old fashioned folk that haven't yet been swept away by modernity, technology and conformity. Here, Cars 2 puts a character from that world, Mater, into the world of modernity, technology and conformity, where everything is that much complex, and much too fast for Mater to understand. To make things a little more interesting, Lasseter throws Mater directly into the world of espionage and intrigue, where Mater's hapless antics result in comic situations and sheer lunacy. We see Lightning McQueen, the originals hero, in full racing excitement, but here Mater takes centre stage, as he helps uncover a mystery that lurks around the new discovery of a renewable energy source.

Mater's personality conflicts with the conformity of the world around him. He's too spontaneous and a little unaware of social conventions. He's incredibly likeable to us, as we've known hm for a while, but to the bystander cars, he's just an embarrassment. This adorable and assuring message to the younger ones is one to take to heart; the importance of not doubting oneself will become a necessary message once they hit the teenage years. Pixar have made a kids film for kids and what an achievement.

This may be a little nauseating and possibly too sugary for older viewers. It Is true that Cars 2's premise; the tried and true story of a fish out of water is a little uninspired by Pixar's standards. It's true that character development is not impressive, and here Pixar seem too comfortable not taking too many risks in a sequel. But what Cars 2 manages to do is tap into the imagination of a young child and set it free in the most colourful way. Not in a long time has a film been so much fun, and so full of life. Pixar has pulled off a world of cars with wild imagination, fluid and adorable animation, explosive action and likeable characters in the way that only a group of genius can. Add in a heart-warming message and you have yourself one fantastic time in the backseat of one of the most completely enjoyable animated film in years. Go watch Cars 2 not expecting Pixar's standards in originality and you may find yourself in love with Mater and co.

4/5