Hot Wheels: World Race

Mattel spun out its classic Hot Wheels toys into a computer-animated series that put on the brakes after five episodes. This feature-length compilation charts the course of the World Race, and the pursuit of a mythical energy source called the Wheel of Power. Joining the handpicked teams of the world's elite racers is one "whose talents are not yet discovered": 16-year-old Vert, a cocky skaterboy who proclaims himself to be "a team of one." Naturally, he's due for an attitude adjustment as the cool cars compete on an array of treacherous tracks, and he learns to care about others. This is stock issue, from the clichéd dialogue ("I'm going to be the best driver in the world") to the crass commercialism ("these cars can really take punishment," an impressed driver states for the benefit of potential customers at home). Young car buffs may want to take this out for a spin, but for those wary of marketing synergy, this is the pits. DVD extras include a “Hot Wheels Interactive Garage,” and six music videos. Not recommended. Aud: P. (D. Liebenson)