Earl Watt, the publisher of the Southwest Daily Times in Liberal, Kan., thinks the movie "Cars" provides "a great lesson for young and old alike." U.S. 54 runs through Liberal, and improvements to the road are being built south of town, so there's not immediate danger. However, the possibility that a future bypass could make … Continue reading “Cars” may spark second thoughts about highway bypasses
Category: Movies
Ace Jackalope meets “Mater” inspiration
Ace Jackalope of The Lope blog went back to see "Cars" again at the 66 Drive-In in Carthage, Mo., and ran into Dean Walker of Kansas, who's one of the inspirations for Mater the tow truck. I previously didn't have a photo of Walker turning his feet backwards. Now I do, thanks to Ace.
Pixar’s Route 66 inspirations
Those who stick around to read the end credits to "Cars" will notice that Pixar included a thank-you list to people who inspired and gave them hospitality during their research trip down the Mother Road several years ago. I e-mailed Pixar for that list, as I thought it would be of considerable interest to the … Continue reading Pixar’s Route 66 inspirations
Were the opening-weekend grosses of “Cars” a disappointment?
Well, maybe ... if you had really high box-office expectations like Jim Hill Media and others did. "Cars" is the first Pixar film to not do better on its opening weekend than its last one. "The Incredibles" grossed $70.5 million its opening weekend, and its predecessor, "Finding Nemo," grossed $70.3 million. "Cars" grossed an estimated … Continue reading Were the opening-weekend grosses of “Cars” a disappointment?
Filmmaker says “Cars” may fuel a renaissance
A news release came out today of Jim Jenner of Paccom Films essentially hawking his Route 66 documentaries. But Jenner certainly has one thing right -- Pixar's "Cars" film "could be the biggest thing to hit the highway in many years." "It may be a cartoon, but Pixar has done a terrific job in helping … Continue reading Filmmaker says “Cars” may fuel a renaissance
“Cars” news roundup for June 11
The Enid (Okla.) News and Eagle interviewed Dawn Welch of the Rock Cafe in Stroud, Okla., and author Michael Wallis about their roles in "Cars" and Route 66. Incidentally, business at Welch's restaurant has reportedly gotten "crazy" since the film's opening, so go there during off-peak hours if you can. There's also a side story … Continue reading “Cars” news roundup for June 11
Bloggers chime in about “Cars”
Instead of just movie reviews about the film "Cars," I looked for bloggers who provided a different perspective about the film. Billy Belk of The Sacred in the Secular talks about the film (caution: it gives away the ending) and came away with this moral: Unlike the Nascar world for which it is based, Cars … Continue reading Bloggers chime in about “Cars”
Long line of cars for “Cars”
Ace Jackalope of The Lope blog drove to the 66 Drive-In in Carthage, Mo., on Friday night to see the premiere of Pixar's "Cars." The above photo is what he first encountered on the highway leading to the theater. The Lope reported that 200 cars had to be turned away. But Ace got in. Go … Continue reading Long line of cars for “Cars”
“Cars” news roundup for June 10
The New York Times has an article about Pixar's research of Route 66 for "Cars," including Mother Road consultant Michael Wallis talking about "Okie hood ornaments" made during the trip. The Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum in Pontiac, Ill., expect to see a boost in visitors from "Cars," reports WHOI-TV in Creve Coeur, … Continue reading “Cars” news roundup for June 10
“Cars” news roundup for June 9
"Cars" opens today. Have you purchased your tickets? The Reporter in Vacaville, Calif., has an excellent story about Pixar's research on the film, including a lot of details about Route 66's role. The Springfield Journal-Register interviewed author and Mother Road ambassador Michael Wallis about his role in the film and Route 66. Animated News has … Continue reading “Cars” news roundup for June 9