I read two reviews after seeing "Cars," the new Pixar film by Disney.

Time Magazine called it the best movie of the summer. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram was a little less glowing in its assessment, saying essentially we've been there, done that. "Cars," the FWST says, is a tired retread with storylines, themes and characters we've seen over and over since "Toy Story" introduced the computer animation phenomenon.

I prefer to think of 'Cars' as a nice Sunday afternoon drive to a place we've been before. Which is not all a bad thing.

Sure, we've seen it, but it still feels somewhat comfortable. Its messages of slowing down and taking life easier and playing well with others is something from which we can all learn (but probably won't). The scenery is, dare I say, breathtaking, at least as much as a cartoon can be. Seeing Radiator Springs, Ariz., where the movie is set, made me want to at least visit the place.

The fictitious city on Route 66 was long ago abandoned when the interstate was built and only a handful of residents remain. Bonnie Hunt lends her vocal talents again, but she is so underutilized when her comic abilities aren't brought in. She is one of the most naturally funny comedians we have but remains largely ignored.

I never thought I would ever, ever, ever laugh at Larry The Cable Guy again, but working with a family-oriented script he is forced to keep his potty humor in check. As a result he turns out to be the most pleasant surprise of the movie. He, that is, and the character of Crash, voiced by Paul Newman. It's great to at least hear Newman again. His dour, bitter old man character who softens at the end (no big surprise there) will put an eventual smile on your face.

I'm not a huge NASCAR fan and likely wouldn't knowingly go to a movie in which it is the featured storyline. "Cars" at least appeared to be headed down the oval track for the entire movie at the outset, but it's about much more than driving in circles fast. And it's where the "human" element is brought when "Cars" runs on all cylinders.

When box office records are counted at the end of the summer and the family-friendly "Cars" turns out to be one of the top two or three in total receipts, you'd think Hollywood would take steps to change its direction. But it won't. So enjoy "Cars" while you cna. Even if you've been there before.