While Cars might be worthy of an extra half star (dont hold me to it), both are more or less weak where the other is strong. Cars 2 has a globe trotting and exciting plot that really doesnt say anything meaningful, while the original was a small town tale; boring at times, but thematically potent. Still what's abundantly clear is that at the very least, the Cars films seem to represent John Lasster's uncompromised vision. A self-proclaimed car enthusiast, theres something to value in Lasseter sticking to his guns and making the films he wants to. Sure merchandising probably drove the need for a sequel as well, but there's a lot of love here. Pixar as a whole is very much like Studio Ghibli in that way, and like Miyazaki himself theyve made some of the best movies of all time. I just hope we dont see Boats, Planes and Trains anytime soon.