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‘Cars 3’ provides comedy, drama for everyone
(Walt Disney Pictures/Pixar Animation Studios)
By Lucas Allen
The “Cars” series was one of Pixar’s attempts at turning a simple animated movie into a mega-franchise. The first one was more of a story of a young racer from a small town learning how to be a better “person.” The second, while more fun, took a different direction by having one of the studio’s most lovable characters, Mater, take the lead role in a spy comedy. The third is an attempt to bring the series back to its roots by having Lightning McQueen face a mid-life crisis, rediscovering who he was. Replacing series director John Lasseter, new director Brian Fee was a storyboard artist on the previous two films.
Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) is enjoying a successful season on the race track with support from his friends from Radiator Springs, including best friend Mater (Larry the Cable Guy) and girlfriend Sally (Bonnie Hunt). The sudden appearances of younger, hotter racers — including top rookie Jackson Storm (Armie Hammer) — threw off his winning streak.
After a freak accident during a race, Lightning looks to the spiritual guidance of his late mentor Doc Hudson (the late Paul Newman using outtakes from the first film) for motivation. Soon enough, he goes to a special training center where his sponsor Sterling (Nathan Fillion) introduces him to his new trainer, Cruz Ramirez (Cristela Alonzo).
Unfortunately, Lightning doesn’t find the training helpful when he couldn’t reach the speeds needed to beat Storm. So he decided to try to better himself by training in the same way Doc used to. Eventually, he and Cruz meet Doc’s trainer Smokey (Chris Cooper), who gives them lessons in handling difficult speeds. This could give McQueen a whole new brand of confidence to try to beat Storm at his own speed.
The biggest critical problem with this series is the writers’ need to lift plot lines from other movies. In this case, the movie combines certain elements from “Rocky” sequels with “Days of Thunder.” Most cinephiles will likely scoff at this movie’s shameless stock plotting, while younger audiences won’t mind at all. If anything, the writers should come up with something fresh and new with their talking cars universe if they’re willing to continue with it.
What it lacks in originality, this movie is still well-animated, as you can always expect from the good folks at Pixar. From the design of the cars to the various realistic-looking landscapes, you can never go wrong with the animators working hard on their computers to deliver eye-pleasing visuals. Also, the mixture of comedy and drama is nicely done, finding the right tone for any individual scene. It has enough goofy and colorful moments for the kids, while adults will appreciate the mature themes the sequel was going for.
The voice acting is once again on great display. Wilson is both funny and likable as McQueen, facing a mid-life crisis. Though Mater is relegated back to being a supporting character, Larry the Cable Guy still gets the best laughs with his southern drawl. The new characters is sort of a mixed bag, more so in writing than voice acting. Storm is a one-dimensional villain who doesn’t add enough personality, despite some good work by Hammer. However, Cruz gets some fine character background that makes her relatable.
It’s worth noting the story wraps up the arc from the first film with good use of unused voice work from Newman’s last role in his entire character. It’s not only his last hurrah, but also a fitting tribute to his life and career as both an actor and a racing enthusiast.
“Cars 3” is not one of Pixar best efforts, but it’s still an entertaining summer diversion for all ages. No doubt it will appeal to any age range like any good Pixar film. As usual, there’s also a short film called Lou that’s about a lost-and-found box of items coming to life. It’s hilarious, but it seems that Pixar may be running out of ideas in the shorts department.
THE MOVIE’S RATING: G (for all audiences)
THE CRITIC’S RATING: 3.25 Stars (Out of Four)
