Review: The Mater Problem in "Cars 2"
McQueen: I brought my friend Mater along on the trip. And,
you know, I told him he needed to act different, that we weren’t in Radiator
Springs.
Uncle T: This Mater…is a close friend?
McQueen: He’s my best
friend.
Uncle T: Then why would you ask him to be someone else?
Uh, slow your roll, Uncle T.
Don’t get me wrong. I liked Mater in Cars. He was supportive, optimistic, and exactly the kind of
friend McQueen needed. But in Cars 2,
most of his behavior toward his so-called best friend was anything but
friendly.
The first scene between McQueen and Mater occurs when
McQueen returns to Radiator Springs at the end of the racing season. Fresh off
another Piston Cup win, McQueen spends the entire afternoon with Mater.
Overjoyed to have his best friend back, Mater discusses his plans for their evening. But McQueen delicately declines, wanting some alone time with girlfriend Sally.
What does the crestfallen Mater do? Unable to be away from McQueen for one night, he poses as a waiter at
the restaurant where McQueen and Sally are dining. This decision ignites a sequence of events
resulting in McQueen entering the World Grand Prix instead of spending the
summer relaxing with Mater, Sally, and the rest of his crew. McQueen apologies for
returning to work so soon, but Sally says it’s no big deal.
Then she adds, “You’re bringing Mater, right? You never bring him to any of your races.”
 |
| Those eyes are a combination of fear and "Woman, are you crazy?" |
Yet McQueen considers her words, as he watches Mater sip some other car’s drink then spit the unwanted beverage back into the straw. Maybe he feels guilty for leaving Sally and wants to make nice. Maybe he hopes against hope Mater will not be and do what he already knows Mater will be and do.
Whatever his reasons, McQueen should stay in first gear and leave his best buddy behind.
Let's fast-forward to the scene that really burns my rubber: The welcome reception
for the World Grand Prix.
Mater, McQueen, and his crew arrive in Japan, and McQueen asks
Mater to behave. Mater agrees then speeds off to cause a mini
ruckus on the other side of the room. McQueen chases Mater down, reminding him
that “This isn’t Radiator Springs.” Mater replies, “You’re just
realizin’ that? That jet lag really done a number on ya!”
(I’ll save my “Why is the country-fried character a bumpkin?”
rant for another day.)
Trying again, McQueen reasons that because things are different
in Japan, perhaps Mater should act differently too. Mater doesn’t get it, so McQueen downshifts, saying only, “help me out.”
Mater’s definition of help is introducing McQueen to Francesco
Bernoulli, McQueen’s rival, and asking for a photo with him, adding that Sally
is a huuuuuge Francesco fan, to McQueen's dismay. Mater then heads off in search of free refreshments.
The next time we see Mater, this happens:
This scene irks me so deeply I want to hurl a fiery brick through Mater’s windshield. Or at least flatten his tires. He is loud, obnoxious, and completely ignores McQueen’s attempts to corral him. His behavior embarrasses McQueen on an international, professional stage and directly results in McQueen losing the first race of the World Grand Prix.
Still want Mater to remain the same, Uncle T?
McQueen doesn’t ask Mater to be a different person. He asks
him to act like he has the sense Goodyear gave a tire, which his “best buddy”
should be more than willing to do.
And do so without being asked.
In fairness, knowing Mater has seldom been outside of
Radiator Springs, McQueen should be a better guide, prepare him and set
expectations. He could start with a plane-ride primer on professional
etiquette, appropriate pit crew behavior, and what to do with wasabi.
Ultimately the plot hinges on Mater’s presence at the
World Grand Prix—intrigue and identity-issues abounding—so McQueen must bring
him along. But for our well-intended favorite race car, it seems inviting Mater causes nothing but car trouble.
Ka-chow.
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