Pixar speeds ahead in Cars 2

But the animation power house steps it up a notch with a slightly improved sequel to an otherwise average original.

Star racecar Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) and his loyal pick-up truck Mater (Larry the Cable Guy) take their friendship to exciting new places in Cars 2.

They zoom overseas to compete in the first-ever World Grand Prix to determine the world’s fastest car, but the road to the championship is filled with plenty of potholes as they become embroiled in tales of international espionage.

Mater finds himself torn between assisting McQueen in the high-profile race and towing the line in a top-secret mission orchestrated by master British super spy Finn McMissile (Michael Caine) and the stunning spy-in-training Holley Shiftwell (Emily Mortimer).

Their escapades take in Tokyo for a spot of vehicular sumo wrestling, Paris, where Les Halles masquerades as a spare parts shop and a fictional Italian seaside tie bearing a striking resemblance to Monoco.

But things turn nasty in the final showdown in London where pressure to expose the villain of the piece reaches its peak.

Overall, the action is cranked up but the emotional dial is turned down – this film is less about heart and appreciating what you have and more about high-octane drama.

There a few ‘aw shucks’ moments but nothing that will leave you bawling in the aisles. If you go into Cars 2 hoping to cry like you did in Up or be moved like you were in Finding Nemo, that’s not going to happen.

If you go in expecting a solid, big budget action movie and nothing more, you’re sure to find the film enjoyable.

Cars 2 carries the baggage of incredible history so living up to the expectations of past classics would be almost impossible.

There are problems with the film, to be sure, but go in with the proper expectations and McQueen, Mater and the gang will take you on a thrilling, haphazard ride.

It’s all in good fun.

l Our friends at Cineworld Wakefield are giving away a Disney goody pack including an invisible pen with UV light set, a USB Flash Drive, and two Diecast Cars 2 characters from the official range.

Just answer the following question:

In Disney/Pixar’s Cars 2 who is the best friend of racer Lightning McQueen?

a) Sally

b) Luigi

c) Mack

d) Mater

Send the answer to: Cinema Cars 2 Competiton, c/o Pontefract and Castleford Express, 1 Front Street, Pontefract, WF8 1BL, by 5pm on Monday August 1.