Entertainment : In Depth - Cars 2

Here you go, kids! “Cars 2” in RealD 3D plays the Palace Friday, July 22 through Thursday, July 28 at 7 p.m. nightly, with added 2 pm matinees on Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Wednesday, July 23, 24, 25, and 27, and a 9 pm late show on Saturday, July 23.

(Speaking of matinees – we found the matinee sign that was lost in the storm – safe and sound at LaGrange Pharmacy!)

In “Cars 2” Mater (Larry the Cable Guy) takes on more of a leading role, joining forces with Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson). The revved up duo head overseas to battle the Italian driver Francesco (John Turturro). Along for the ride are Finn McMissile (Michael Caine) and Holley Shiftwell (Emily Mortimer).

“Cars 2” is rated G and runs just 107 minutes. (I recall some patrons complaining that the first “Cars” was too long, running over 2 hours.)

The first “Cars” in 2006 was one of the very first movies I worked as manager at the Palace, which means it was my first experience with multiple sold out shows. We broke attendance records with “Cars.”

Not sure if we’ll break any records this time – but we’re ready for big crowds at the theatre. We’ve already sold some tickets online, so check your schedules and talk to your friends and family.

The past week has been a challenge, but Vinton/Benton County residents have demonstrated once again what it really means to belong to a tight knit, selfless and giving community. Here’s what one Palace patron had to say:

I, like many in the area, heard of the devastation in Vinton wreaked by mother nature earlier this week. I am absolutely stunned that you are operating. My amazement comes, not from hearing that you have power, but rather that you have enough volunteers to keep things running, for I would imagine that many of them were impacted by the storm.

What a testament to the caliber of those who work at the Palace, who selflessly give their time so that others may enjoy a brief-yet-greatly-deserved respite from the week's events. This is yet another reason why the Vinton Palace Theatre will always be my #1 choice for cinematic escapism.

~Larry Trujillo