Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this fast-paced sequel to Pixar's hit movie Cars is more like a kid-friendly James Bond action thriller than the original movie's fish-out-of-water adventure. There are more high-speed chases here than in the original and a surprising amount of gun violence; a couple of car characters are even killed, which makes the G rating a bit of a surprise. Expect a bit of mild language, including insults like "idiot" and "fool," as well as tame flirting between smitten cars. The movie's overall message of being true to yourself and loyal to your friends is coupled with an overt call for alternative fuel and environmentalism. Note: The 3-D version of the movie may make certain parts feel even more immediate and intense for some kids.

Sexual Content

Lightning refers to Sally as "his girl," and Mater flirts with Holley. Groupie female cars swirl around the racing cars.

Violence

There's definitely more violence here than in the original -- the evil Professor Z and his henchcars use guns, chase other cars until they crash, and even kill two cars (one with a compactor, leaving him a crumpled square of metal, the other by torturing him with their secret weapon). Several characters get "dents" and other injuries from their run-ins with the villainous vehicles. Voice-commanded technology allows Mater, Holley, and Finn to use sophisticated weapons in their high-speed chases.

Language

A few insults like "stupid fool," "shoot," and "idiot."

Social Behavior

Mater learns to stop doubting himself and his intelligence and have the confidence necessary to help defeat the criminals of the story. Lightning McQueen accepts that Mater doesn't need to change to fit in with Lightning's slick racing buddies.

Consumerism

Although there are no real "product placements" in the movie (unless you count the car models themselves, like the notorious "lemons" -- the Gremlin and Acer), the Disney merchandise machine has an enormous number of Cars 2 toys and other tie-ins -- from LEGOs and stuffed animals to coloring books and figurines to sippy cups and sleeping bags. The Cars products are even more ubiquitous than the Toy Story ones.

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

At a party, various cars drink "cocktails."