History YMMV / Cars2

** UsefulNotes/ThePope as a car makes a brief appearance. Fans have fixated on him due to the bizarre implications his existence implies (such as there being a car version of Christianity).

* OneSceneWonder: Celine Dephare, the only car in the entire universe with eyes on her headlights instead of her windshields.

* SpiritualAdaptation

** The movie is called "a film made by [[Creator/WaltDisneyAnimationUnits DisneyToon Studios]] if John Lasseter didn't ban Direct-To-Video sequels".

* UnfortunateImplications: Stephen Krosecz of ''WebVideo/AnimatedAnalysis'' [[http://blip.tv/sketchdcomedy/animated-analysis-202-cars-2-5934433 argues]] that the heroes are [[FantasticRacism prejudiced against the Lemon cars]], who, unintentionally or not, come across as the ''Cars'' universe's equivalent for disabled people. Since the film doesn't seem to treat this as a bad thing, with most of the Lemons being outright vilified, this could be interpreted as an [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ableist ableist]] message. Likewise, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6qMgiA-VY0 Jack Saint has observed eugenics undertones in the film]].

* UncannyValley: In Paris, Mater comes across a car that has its eyes in its headlights instead of on the windshield (a possible TakeThat toward previous depictions of anthropomorphized cars). Mater and the audience [[NightmareFuel are suitably horrified]].
* UnfortunateImplications: Stephen Krosecz of ''WebVideo/AnimatedAnalysis'' [[http://blip.tv/sketchdcomedy/animated-analysis-202-cars-2-5934433 argues]] that the heroes are [[FantasticRacism prejudiced against the Lemon cars]], who, unintentionally or not, come across as the ''Cars'' universe's equivalent for disabled people. Since the film doesn't seem to treat this as a bad thing, with most of the Lemons being outright vilified, this could be interpreted as an [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ableist ableist]] message. Likewise, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6qMgiA-VY0 Jack Saint has observed eugenics undertones in the film]].

* [[SugarWiki/AwesomeArt Awesome Animation]]: While it's not a masterpiece story-wise, it's ''gorgeous'' to look at. The international locales of the ''Cars'' world (Tokyo and Rio especially) are vibrant, and the opening sequence is especially praised for how well directed the action is as well as setting the tone of the film.

* FoeYay: Lightning and Francesco.

* SugarWiki/AwesomeAnimation: While it's not a masterpiece story-wise, it's ''gorgeous'' to look at. The international locales of the ''Cars'' world (Tokyo and Rio especially) are vibrant, and the opening sequence is especially praised for how well directed the action is as well as setting the tone of the film.

** [[spoiler:And let's not even get started on poor Torque.]] Or Creator/JasonIsaacs as RedShirt Leland Turbo, for that matter.
* TheyWastedAPerfectlyGoodPlot: The [[FriendlyRival rivalry]] that Lightning develops with Francesco Bernoulli could have made for an interesting story in its own right, but the spy plot causes it to be relegated to only a few interactions between the two.

* UnfortunateImplications: Stephen Krosecz of ''WebVideo/AnimatedAnalysis'' [[http://blip.tv/sketchdcomedy/animated-analysis-202-cars-2-5934433 argues]] that the heroes are [[FantasticRacism prejudiced against the Lemon cars]], who, unintentionally or not, come across as the ''Cars'' universe's equivalent for disabled people. Since the film doesn't seem to treat this as a bad thing, this could be interpreted as an [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ableist ableist]] message. Likewise, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6qMgiA-VY0 Jack Saint has observed eugenics undertones in the film]].

* WhatAnIdiot: A common complaint leveled against the film is that its entire plot hinges on Finn [=McMissile=], whom the film presents as a seasoned and highly competent secret agent, believing that [[HalfWittedHillbilly Mater]] is the American spy. Even when Mater shows no awareness of intelligence that he supposedly collected, causes constant setbacks for the mission, and even states ''multiple times'' that he's just an ordinary tow truck, Finn dismisses it as [[LostInCharacter extreme dedication]] [[ObfuscatingStupidity to his cover story]] until the plot finally demands that he realise the truth in the third act.

* TheScrappy: [[spoiler:Sir Miles Axelrod]], the HiddenVillain. Though he's definitely a character that we're [[HateSink meant to root against]], the character is one of Pixar's most unpopular villains due to a lack of memorability as well as an utterly nonsensical plan. [[spoiler:Creating a fake alternative fuel solely to sabotage it and make the idea of alternative fuel look bad is not only ridiculously impractical and convoluted, but comes off as especially pointless due to the film's implication that alternate fuel isn't even being used that much yet]], and when Mater figures out that [[spoiler:Axelrod]] is the mastermind, many viewers have expressed [[ShockingSwerve both surprise and frustration]] that ''[[TheCloudcuckoolanderWasRight he was actually right]]''. It doesn't help that the film already has an entertaining villain in the form of Professor Z, who is ultimately relegated to TheDragon in favour of the far less charismatic [[spoiler:Axelrod]].

* SoOkayItsAverage: When compared to the bad films of ''other'' studios, this is the general consensus. While the film does have its flaws, it's ''still'' Pixar. The animation and settings are very creative and beautiful, and the dramatic action pieces are well-directed (especially the opening). In short, while it's not as good as Pixar's standard fare and isn't required viewing within the series, it's a mediocre and harmless watch if you're just curious.

* FanonDiscontinuity: After ''WesternAnimation/Cars3'' [[SurprisinglyImprovedSequel saved a little face for the series]], many fans have simply ignored this film, and pretend that the third one is the only sequel. Made easier by the fact that this film's events have little, if any bearing on ''Cars 3'', so one could logically see the first film and have everything they need for the third one while skipping this one entirely.

* SoOkayItsAverage: When compared to the bad films of ''other'' studios, this is the general consensus. While the film does have its flaws (such as a bizarre shift into being an action film and less focus on Lightning), it's not as bad as a lot of people keep claiming it to be and, despite the clumsy storytelling, it's ''still'' Pixar. The animation and settings are very creative and beautiful, and the dramatic action pieces are well-directed (especially the opening). In short, while it's not as good as Pixar's standard fare and isn't required viewing within the series, it's a mediocre and harmless watch if you're just curious.
* SophomoreSlump: Many viewers and critics everywhere questioned the necessity of a sequel to what was seen as an unusually mediocre movie for Pixar, and their views seem to have been vindicated after having seen the final product. ''Cars 3'' was seen as such a massive improvement (if not an "apology" for this one) that viewers are now trying even harder to [[FanonDiscontinuity forget that this one even exists]].

* WhatDoYouMeanItsForKids: The film definitely pushes the violence limit for the G rating, and many people agree that it should have gotten at least a strong PG rating. Technically speaking, it contains two on-screen deaths, spies [[DrivenToSuicide driving two cars to suicide in a crash]], a car being tortured to death, gunshots, and ''bomb terrorism''. It seems that the only reason it got a G rating is because all the characters are anthropomorphic vehicles.

** If targeting [=McQueen=] alone in the final race wasn't bad enough, the Lemons' backup plan of [[spoiler:strapping a bomb to Mater so he can kill [=McQueen=], and anyone else unfortunate enough to be in radius, certainly is]].

** Basically, the movie as a whole is this to Pixar fans due to the countless amount of [[AssPull ass pulling]] and making Mater the main protagonist when he is loved enough as a side character.

* SugarWiki/NoProblemWithLicensedGames: The video game is seen as a fun kart-racer experience, with a large roster and great mechanics. Notably, the licensed game for Cars 3 followed suit and focused on improving these mechanics and adding new features to the formula established by the games.

** Professor Zündapp crosses it when he [[spoiler:kills Rod "Torque" Redline and orders Mater killed]]. And if that wasn't it, then [[spoiler:strapping a bomb on Mater to kill as many people as possible was]].
** If he hadn't crossed it earlier by seriously damaging the Grand Prix racers' engines, [[spoiler:Axlerod]] did when he orders [=McQueen=] dead.

** Lemon Kingpin's speech.
** Professor Zündapp. Everything about him.

* TheScrappy: [[spoiler:Sir Miles Axelrod]], the HiddenVillain. Though he's definitely a character that we're [[HateSink meant to root against]], the character is one of Pixar's most unpopular villains due to a lack of memorability as well as an utterly nonsensical plan. [[spoiler:Creating a fake alternative fuel solely to sabotage it and make the idea of alternative fuel look bad is not only ridiculously impractical and convoluted, but comes off as especially pointless due to the film's implication that alternate fuel isn't even being used that much yet)]], and when Mater figures out that [[spoiler:Axelrod]] is the mastermind, many viewers have expressed [[ShockingSwerve both surprise and frustration]] that ''[[TheCloudcuckoolanderWasRight he was actually right]]''. It doesn't help that the film already has an entertaining villain in the form of Professor Z, who is ultimately relegated to TheDragon in favour of the far less charismatic [[spoiler:Axelrod]].

* WhatAnIdiot: A common complaint leveled against the film is that its entire plot hinges on Finn [=McMissile=], whom the film presents as a seasoned and highly competent secret agent, believing that [[HalfWittedHillbilly Mater]] is the American spy. Even when Mater shows no awareness of intelligence that he supposedly collected, causes constant setbacks for the mission, and even states ''multiple times'' that he's just an ordinary tow truck, Finn dismisses it as [[LostInCharacter extreme dedication]] [[ObfuscatingStupidity to his cover story]].

* CompleteMonster: [[spoiler:[[CorruptCorporateExecutibe Sir Miles Axlerod]] and [[TheHeavy Professor "Z" Zündapp]] are a pair of "[[TheAllegedCar lemon]]" cars who want power and to hurt all other cars simply because they were laughed at for being older models. After they buy up one of the world's largest oil reserves, Professor Z develops a weaponized camera that causes the alternative fuel Allinol to explode and decompose, and Axlerod orchestrates him to use it on the racers of the Grand World Prix, severely damaging the cars, to paint alternative fuels as dangerous and drive the world back to oil, [[{{Greed}} which will enrich the villainous duo]]. Z personally murders two spies, crushing one and torturing then exploding the other, on Axlerod's orders before the two try to murder the last user of Allinol, Lightning McQueen, planning to [[ForcedToWatch make his best friend Tow Mater watch]] before killing him as well. When their weaponized camera fails, the two plant a bomb on Mater and try to detonate it in a pit stop, uncaring that it is filled with dozens of other cars, and even when their plan fails, Z spitefully activates a timer on the bomb to destroy whoever he can.]]

* CompleteMonster: [[spoiler:[[BigBad Sir Miles Axlerod]]]] and his [[TheDragon Dragon]] [[HerrDoktor Professor "Z" Zündapp]] are a pair of "lemon" cars who want power and to hurt all other cars simply because they were laughed at for being older models. After they buy up one of the world's largest oil reserves, Professor Z develops a weaponized camera that causes the alternative fuel Allinol to explode and decompose, and [[spoiler:Axlerod]] orchestrates him to use it on the racers of the Grand World Prix, severely damaging the cars, to paint alternative fuels as dangerous and drive the world back to oil, [[{{Greed}} which will enrich the villainous duo]]. Z personally murders two spies, crushing one and torturing then exploding the other, on [[spoiler:Axlerod's]] orders before the two try to murder the last user of Allinol, [[Characters/CarsLightningMcQueen Lightning McQueen]], planning to make his best friend [[Characters/CarsTowMater Tow Mater]] watch before killing him as well. When their weaponized camera fails, the two plant a bomb on Mater and try to detonate it in a pit stop, uncaring that it is filled with dozens of other cars, and even when their plan fails, Z spitefully activates a timer on the bomb to destroy whoever he can.

* ScapegoatCreator: Since John Lasseter actually conceived this sequel while on the press tour for the first film, he ended up being KickedUpstairs as a result (he'd get kicked ''out'' at the end of the decade due to complaints of sexual misconduct).

* TheScrappy: [[spoiler:Sir Miles Axelrod]], the HiddenVillain. While he's definitely a character that we're [[HateSink meant to hate]], he's disliked by audiences due to having one of the most nonsensical plans in Disney history: he [[spoiler:created an alternate fuel solely to sabotage it and make the idea of alternate fuel look bad (ignoring how it's pointless and impractical it is due to the implications that alternate fuel wasn't even ''used'' that much)]]. When Mater revealed [[spoiler:Axelrod]] as the bad guy, many people were [[ShockingSwerve shocked and frustrated]] that ''[[TheCloudcuckoolanderWasRight he was right]]''. This, alongside [[SpotlightStealingSquad Mater stealing Lightning's spotlight]] and the IdiotPlot of the film, is usually one of the main reasons given for the movie's unpopularity. In sharp contrast, his [[TheDragon dragon]], Professor Z, was considered by viewers to be a ''significantly'' better villain.

* TheyWastedAPerfectlyGoodPlot: Rubbing salt into the wound for viewers annoyed by Mater, the [[FriendlyRival rivalry]] between Lightning [=McQueen=] and Francesco Bernoulli is arguably a lot more interesting (and less grating) than the main story.

* SugarWiki/AwesomeAnimation: While it's not a masterpiece story-wise, it's ''gorgeous'' to look at. The international locals of the ''Cars'' world (Tokyo and Rio especially) are vibrant, and the opening sequence is especially praised for how well directed the action is as well as setting the tone of the film.

* DesignatedVillain: Lightning is this due to him being annoyed at Mater's immaturity and [[RageBreakingPoint completely goes off on him after he loses the Tokyo race to Francesco]], but he does make a point about Mater's childish behavior such as him knocking on a Master Zen's window when he was making shape sands, drinking water from the fountain in front of everyone completely embarrassing Lightning, and talking nonsensical things while being evaded from the attacking Lemons by Finn [=McMissile=] causing Lightning to lose focus and lose the race.

* FanonDiscontinuity: After ''WesternAnimation/Cars3'' [[SurprisinglyImprovedSequel saved a little face for the series]], many fans have simply ignored this film, and pretend that the third one is the only sequel. Made easier by the fact that this film's events have little, if any bearing on ''Cars 3'', so one could logicially see the first film and have everything they need for the third one while skipping this one entirely.

* TheScrappy: [[spoiler:Sir Miles Axelrod]], the HiddenVillain. While he's definitely a character that we're [[HateSink meant to hate]], he's disliked by audiences due to having one of the most nonsensical plans in Disney history: he [[spoiler:created an alternate fuel solely to sabotage it and make the idea of alternate fuel look bad (ignoring how it's pointless and impractical and pointless due to the implications that alternate fuel wasn't even ''used'' that much)]]. When Mater revealed [[spoiler:Axelrod]] as the bad guy, many people were [[ShockingSwerve shocked and frustrated]] that ''[[TheCloudcuckoolanderWasRight he was right]]''. This, alongside [[SpotlightStealingSquad Mater stealing Lightning's spotlight]] and the IdiotPlot of the film, is usually one of the main reasons given for the movie's unpopularity. In sharp contrast, his [[TheDragon dragon]], Professor Z, was considered by viewers to be a ''significantly'' better villain.

* UnintentionallySympathetic:
** The lemons, as a group. They are forced to depend on the assistance of other cars (like Mater) and have difficulty obtaining the parts they need to survive. As such, they would come off as a disadvantaged or even persecuted group, but the film doesn't seem to find anything unnatural or unfair about their plight.
** Lightning is presented in the wrong for not wanting to take Mater to his races and yelling at him when he costs him a race from his spy work. However, Lightning makes several ''very'' good points about how, while well-intentioned, Mater is prone to not taking things seriously and becoming a distraction, which is proven true with the above-mentioned scene of costing Lightning his race.

* SoOkayItsAverage: When compared to the bad films of ''other'' studios, this is the general consensus. While the film does have its flaws (such as a bizarre shift into being an action film and less focus on Lighting), it's not as bad as a lot of people keep claiming it to be and, despite the clumsy storytelling, it's ''still'' Pixar. The animation and settings are very creative and beautiful, and the dramatic action pieces are well-directed (especially the opening). In short, while it's not as good as Pixar's standard fare and isn't required viewing within the series, it's a mediocre and harmless watch if you're just curious.

* SoOkayItsAverage: When compared to the bad films of ''other'' studios, this is the general consenss. While the film does have its flaws (such as a bizarre shit into being an action film and less focus on Lighting), it's not as bad as a lot of people keep claiming it to be and, despite the clumsy storytelling, it's ''still'' Pixar. The animation and settings are very creative and beautiful, and the dramatic action pieces are well-directed (especially the opening). In short, while it's not as good as Pixar's standard fare and isn't required viewing within the series, it's a mediocre and harmless watch if you're just curious.