Being a Journalist has its ups and downs. One of my ups this past week was one that caught me completely off-guard: I was given the opportunity to see advanced showings of Cars 2 and Winnie the Pooh.

You wonder how I managed to see these films early? I will say no more except that I have connections. At any rate, here are my reviews (spoiler-free) of both films.

Starting out with Cars 2. The film comes out in America this Friday, being released as Pixar's 11th animated film, and its first non-Toy Story sequel. The movie follows Lightning McQueen and Mater in a race around the world--literally. While Lightning races around the world, Mater is caught in international espionage, mistaken as a spy by newcomer Finn McMissile.

As far as animated films go, this one is okay. Unfortunately, its standard is FAR below most Pixar films, and if you miss this one, you won't be missing much. That being said, the graphics are amazing, the voice acting superb, the storyline non-cliche, and overall, I'd give this movie a really positive rating. I'm seeing it again on Friday.

Winnie the Pooh, on the other hand, is a welcome break from the norm. Animated in traditional Disney style, with voices remniscent of those from decades ago, this film is one that you definitely will not want to miss. This film comes 51st in Disney's long line of animated films. If you think it's a kids' movie, think again. I found it quite enjoyable, with hardly anything to complain about. It is already out in some parts of the world, and premiers in America on July 15.