“Cars”

Doc Hudson (Paul Newman) tries to teach Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) a thing or two in “Cars” (Disney/Pixar, 2006)

OK, I know that 2006’s “Cars” (and its 2011 sequel “Cars 2”) might not be the pinnacles of storytelling/filmmaking from Pixar Animation Studios. However, I really love both films, particularly “Cars.” The message about slowing down and enjoying the journey is a good one and a meaningful one. The animation in this film is so fantastic, too–from the NASCAR-style racing scenes, to the design of Radiator Springs and Ornament Valley, to the anthropomorphic car characters, the art ever-impresses. Plus, being a car fanatic makes this film even more fun to watch with all of the automotive references and motifs throughout. The great voice cast includes Owen Wilson, Michael Keaton, Paul Newman, Larry the Cable Guy, Bonnie Hunt, Tony Shalhoub, George Carlin, John Ratzenberger, and many others. Written by Dan Fogelman, John Lasseter, Joe Ranft, Kiel Murray, Phil Lorin and Jorgen Klubien. Co-directed by Joe Ranft. Directed by John Lasseter. “You’ve got a lot of stuff, kid.”