Cars 3: It' No Toy Story 3 but Still a Fun Ride

The Cars franchise may not be at the same of level of Pixar’s other work like Toy Story or Wall-E, but I think they are relatively alright, even the sequel to an extent. Yes, Cars 2 is the weakest Pixar movie and the issues that many have with it are on point: from the odd choice of shifting a race car movie into a spy-action caper, making the comic relief side character Mater the tow truck (Larry the Cable Guy) the main character, and some hammered in message that ends up being muddled in the mix. Despite that, I had a lot of fun with the movie even if deep down I wished it continued with being a racing movie. Thankfully, the people at Pixar realized this as we go back to its roots in the third installment, Cars 3.Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) is no longer the fan favorite champ that he used to be as a new generation of racers lead by Jackson Storm (Armie Hammer) begins to dominate the track with better capabilities and advanced technological training that puts McQueen in the position of possibly ending his racing career. With one last chance, Lightning is partnered with rookie trainer Cruz Ramirez (Christela Alonzo) in what could be his final race.

I stated in my piece of highly anticipated summer movies that Cars 3 was a movie no one was looking forward to after the negative response of Cars 2 but when the teaser surfaced did it begin to spark some interest (though more with kids than adults). Did it live up to the hype? I think it did and not in the way I expected.

For those who didn’t like Mater, don’t worry he get’s less screen time as McQueen is back as the main focus. True, the reason these movies continue to be made is because they are a hit with kids especially in the toys and merchandise department. Again, I feel Pixar is aware of this; there is a scene where Sterling (Nathan Fillion) the new owner of Lightning’s sponsor company Rust-eze wishes to use’s Lightning’s status to sell products to which McQueen states that he doesn’t want to be seen as a brand. That sums up Cars 3, a lot of work and heart put into to making a good movie and not wanting to be seen as just a kiddie commercial to sell toys.

Pixar has delivered great stories filled with poignant themes and imaginative premises; whether its learning that talent can come from anywhere even from a rat aspiring to be a cook, laughter is more powerful than scares from the monsters in our closets or the importance of sadness from the talking emotions in our heads.  Cars 3 returns to what stood out in the first film in what I can describe as a child painting a still life portrait with Hot Wheels. A kid's imagination coming to life with breathtaking and beautiful scenery along with the calm and stillness when driving in the country terrain. The racing scenes are engrossing as always with a demolishing derby that brought loads of thrills and fun. It can be predictable with much of it feeling from a Rocky or Karate Kid movie but the execution is still well done. The interaction between Lightning and Cruz is the spark that keeps the film together as it mirrors McQueen's bond with his mentor Doc Hudson. The flashbacks that McQueen's has of him and learning of his past are a nice homage to the late Paul Newman who voiced the wise racer.

Bonus points on the direction it takes in the third act that many may figure out early on but I won’t say it here except that it takes the direction that was done in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, X-Men: Apocalypse and Pirates of the Caribbean Dead Men Tell No Tales on giving the new characters a chance to shine along with the main star. Being a popular movie with kids I didn’t think it would take that route.

The only complaint I have is the portrayal of the antagonist Jackson Storm, with so much talk on how he is a tough opponent he seems to be more of an afterthought throughout the movie. The character has a presence but like the previous villains in the Cars universe, they may be one-dimensional but at least they were given more screen time than what Storm is given.

Cars 3 is harmless fun for kids and adults that proves that this franchise has enough in its tank to cross the finish line and a great way (let’s hope) to conclude the trilogy.

The movie is preceded by the Pixar short Lou, about a lost-and-found bin that takes a page from Toy Story but breaking several rules resulting in a creative, funny and sweet short.