Cars 2 Movie Review and Merchandise Giveaway (ends 8/13) (CLOSED)

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Well, I am blown away!  When I realize that I now have over 550 followers after less than a year of blogging, I am absolutely amazed at the goodness of God!  I want to thank each and every one of you for reading, following, subscribing, liking, tweeting, and much more!  I wish I could reward all of you individually.  But I have a plan to at least show my appreciation to you.

Well, my daughter and I saw this movie today, and I am so glad we did!  My daughter was a huge fan of the first Cars film--her room was in that theme when she was in kindergarten--and I was hoping that she would enjoy this film just as much or even more.  I read a lot of movie reviews in the blogging community, and I wasn't sure if Cars 2 would meet my expectations.  Well, let me tell you--it far exceeded my expectations!

The story was certainly much more exciting than the first--almost a spy film for kids.  I loved Mater--he was always my favorite.  But I was amazed that Michael Caine added his voice talents to the film.  I did not recognize his voice, but that means nothing.  I often do not pick up on those things  in animated films.  I didn't even make the connection in the first film that Larry the Cable Guy was Mater until much later.

I understand the concerns that some mothers expressed about the film.  My daughter was 3 years old when she saw the original film.  That film was tame and very entertaining for her.  Now, five years later, Pixar has put out a film that has a much more explosive story line.  I can see how children that are 4 or under may be scared or possibly even bored since they cannot connect with the film.  I really don't fault Pixar nor Disney for that.  After all, not every animated film is for every child at every age.  For example, my daughter is not allowed to watch Sponge Bob although it is marketed to preschool age kids.  (I often get a lot of flack for that!)  There are some older Disney films that would bore her and possibly even frighten her at her age or even any age.  So I, as the parent, make the decision what she watches and does not watch.  If my daughter were preschool, I probably would not have taken her to this film. I always try to check out any issues with films beforehand.  Gone are the days when Disney always meant that it was suitable for all ages.  Indeed it is a different world we live in.

One more comment.  I actually figured out the mystery in the film and then second-guessed myself.  When will I learn not to do that??

Now, I did mention something about a giveaway, didn't I?  Yes, well, as a special treat for my readers, I am giving away a $20-$25 worth of Cars 2 merchandise.  I am not going to tell you what will be in the giveaway--seriously, I do not at this moment know.  All I can tell you is that it will be merchandise that will be related to Cars 2.  When the winner is chosen, I will correspond with the winner to find out how many children are in the family, sizes (if applicable), and anything they might like.  I will then send them a package full of surprises!

Now, this giveaway is open internationally with some restrictions.  What that means is that if it is very expensive to ship items to your country, I will probably substitute some kind of gift card or code for equal or lesser value.  Or I may choose to send only lightweight things that can fit in a small priority box.  Since I am financing it, I will be calling the shots.  I only put this provision in because I am but a substitute teacher who will not be paid again until  some time in September.  This giveaway will end at 9  P.M.  Pacific time on August 13.