Those crazy cars with human-like features go 3-D and go global. Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines, Cars 2 is coming to a theater near you!

Your favorite cast of car parts has left Radiator Springs for an international race that takes them all over the world in the Disney/Pixar animation Cars 2.

Owen Wilson is the voice of "Lightning McQueen" and Larry the Cable Guy is the inspiration behind "Mater." The car and truck duo span several countries in a quest to win the multi-car race challenge. Lightning faces off against a world class Italian car, voiced by John Turturro, and Michael Cane is the voice of the British James Bond-like car "Fin McMissle."

The movie starts with a bang with a spy espionage set up but then slowly sputters to the finish line that is all too predictable. The animation backdrops in the different countries are fantastic with the storyline being the only thing out of focus, in my opinion. Most animations these days come with some sort of emotional element and little nuggets of wisdom. Cars 2 does not. Sure, the eco-friendly alternative fuel angle is a plus, but it is not the big picture. Cars 2 is simply a loud, colorful, lively diversion that is fun to look at, but really nothing more.

This is not a bad film, its just OK, much like the first film in 2006. What made "Lightning McQueen" and "Mater" so endearing in the first film continues on to an extent in this one. Now that they are out of Radiator Springs, more of the story is about their environment and less about them. The set scenes, the 3-D and the colors are truly a feast for the eyes, but the lack of character content may just leave you hungry.

The flick-o-meter has tallied up the score and gives Cars 2 a decent three out of five. The film zips by, it will at times make you laugh and there are a few small tugs at the heartstrings. I will steer clear of calling this car movie a lemon but, in all honesty, it is a "Mater" movie. The simple-minded, backwoods, country boy tow truck is the best thing about the film. Who knows, "Mater" may have his own film some day. So now you know before you go. Please check out my exclusive Patch video review on this page, comment on it and tell a friend!

Brett Martin is a familiar face in the Atlanta area. He was the Entertainment reporter and Road Warrior for Fox 5 and Good Day Atlanta for many years (1999-2007). Brett continues to be a film critic and a member of the BFCA (broadcast film critics association). He has personally interviewed nearly every major movie star and academy award winning actor and actress over the past two decades. You can catch all his reviews and find out more about Brett on his two websites. His movie reviews can be seen at www.flickedup.com. His video production business, which specializes in online commercials, can be seen at www.brettervideo.com. If you have any specific questions contact Brett through his email. flickmeup@gmail.com or friend him on Facebook www.facebook.com/brettervideo. You can also follow him on Twitter at @imbrettmartin.

Showtimes

Theaters fewer than 20 miles from Barrow

• Great Escape Hamilton Mill 14, 2160 Hamilton Creek Parkway, Dacula, 678-482-0624
• AMC Colonial 18, 825 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road, Lawrenceville, 770-237-0744

Fewer than 25 miles from Barrow

• Carmike 12, 1570 Lexington Road, Athens, 706-354-0016
• Beechwood Stadium Cinemas 11, 196 Alps Road, Athens, 706-546-1011
• Regal Snellville Oaks, 2125 E. Main St., Snellville, 770-972-4072
• Carmike 12, 1905 Scenic Highway, Snellville, 770-979-1519
• AMC Discover Mills 18, 5900 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawerenceville, 678-847-9262
• Regal Mall of Georgia Stadium 20 & IMAX, 3333 Buford Drive, Suite 3000, Buford, 678-482-9263

Fewer than 35 miles from Barrow

• Regal Medlock Crossing 18, 9700 Medlock Bridge Road, Suite 170, Duluth, 770-814-0768

*Please note mileage depends on the area in Barrow County you are located