Don't think that if you loved the movie and get this you'll be buying a lemon. It isn't a waste of time and money, but you have to come expecting the right ride. When you get in a Toyota expecting a Lexus you are bound to be disappointed unless we're talking a top-of-the-line Sequoia or that new Avalon...
Cars is the nice looking Camry that will never be mistaken for a Lexus after a brief road test. The
Cars experience is similar because the racing enjoyment here is a let down. The Wii-mote is a nice steering wheel after a fashion, but it isn't nearly responsive enough. The races are too far between and seem too hard in one spot then too easy in another. Inconsistent. The missions are also a mixed bag. Starting the story, you can choose between a simplified version and a full version. The simple one is supposed to be for younger kids, but it still doesn't manage down the difficulty. There is a sense of free ranging action that feels good, but
Cars goes too far and leaves strings untied all over the place. Missions don't have enough tether to any story and after the first race, you just wander around looking for things to do.
Multiplayer and mini-game action is a nicer way to spend one's time. The mini-games have to be opened up in the story, so if you really want it you'll have to earn it. Racing with another player is a nice way to kill time, but the problem with control isn't fixed just because you have another player in the room. At least you have someone to laugh at and laugh with. The CPU races feel pretty cold and you'll either win or lose by a mile. This takes the excitement away and that quality was what made the movie worth seeing. Making it easier to launch two-player racing and incorporating multiplayer more into the core game would have improved the Cars experience on Wii.
The mini-games are a fun addition to the story, but you may not care to play them over and over after you beat them in the game. They aren't the teeny-tiny mini-games you see in other titles, so beating them in the game won't compel you to rush and play again from the Main Menu.