Pixar has pretty much figured out how to pull the heart strings of every person in the world. Even a film full of anthropomorphic cars can manage to tap into one’s deepest emotions and cause the waterworks to flow. Cars 3, while not Pixar’s best film, works well and is far superior to the second film in the series. The themes in the film work well in the motor driven world of Cars.
Cars 3 works much better than the second one
Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) has had a successful racing career, but his future in the sport is threatened when rookie Jackson Storm (Armie Hammer) starts winning. After an accident at the end of the season, McQueen seeks to find redemption in the upcoming season with the help of a new trainer named Cruz Ramirez (Cristela Alonzo) and some old friends.
The film is a little overstuffed with voices and characters. The focus is on McQueen and Cruz, but the constant cavalcade of colorful cars can feel a bit distracting. There is something missing from the characters and a connection with them and the audience. However, they are genuinely lovable and it’s easy to root for them.
The big kicker with Pixar is the look of the film and the emotions that stories tap into. That is hear in excess with Cars 3. There are scenes in this film that are so photorealistic it’s like you’re looking through a window. It’s impressive and at times hard to remember you’re watching an animated film. Then you’re pulled into that window by themes in the story that connect to anyone who has ever doubted themselves. It’s a fun ride as Lightning and Cruz both look to figure out their place in a changing world around them.
Final thoughts…
While not the best Pixar film, Cars 3 still delivers an enjoyable time at the movies. Fans of the first film will surely be happy with the journey of the third. It delivers exactly what filmgoers should expect from Pixar and a movie about talking automobiles. Cars 3 earns the Not Quite Golden, Ponyboy rating.
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