As expected, "Cars 2" made a pile of money:

Wow. How did that happen? Critical drubbing led "insiders" to downscale their expectations, but it didn't work that way. You can almost imagine the scene played out at houses across the land:

"Can we go see Cars 2 this weekend?"

"Are you sure?" says the parent, wearing an expression of concern. "It has 34% on the Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer."

"The Towmater Meter? Awesome!"

"No, the - well, never mind. I'm trying to tell you that the film will probably disappoint you. Compared to the rest of the Pixar oeuvre, my child, it lacks the deep emotional resonance that arises from the intersection of great characters and great story. Some have accused it of being a crass attempt to capitalize on the characters for the sake of toy revenue, which goes against our perception of the studio."

"Wightning Mcqween is in it right?"

"Yes. Yes, he is. All your own friends are in it. But they say that the essential soul of the first movie - which most of the critics didn't like, to be honest - has been sacrificed for visual bombast."

"Gweat! Bombs! BOOOM! KABLASSSHHH!" (Picks up Lightning McQueen car and runs around the room making motor noises)

"Okay. I'm just warning you not to expect that moment of heartfelt poignancy we've come to know as the hallmark of this studio. But promise me you'll pay attention to the cautionary subplot about fossil fuels?"

"VROOM VROOM!"

Somehow it still made a pile of money.

I saw it Sunday afternoon. Not my favorite Pixar movie, but It's visually spectacular, frequently ingenious amusing, and fun. Go see it. Enjoy yourself.