Cars 3: Movie Review

Much like the film's take on Lightning McQueen's career as being on its final gasps of air, you may easily dismiss "Cars 3" (and the "Cars" franchise as a whole) is in a very similar conundrum. After a lackluster sequel and more than a decade from the first film's release, what's to look forward to the third film at this point? Actually, the answer is a lot. This is the most emotional film yet and one that might have just taken the franchise to bright new heights.

Blindsided by a new generation of blazing-fast racers using technology to gain an upper hand, the legendary champion Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) finds himself suddenly out of place and out of contention in the sport he loves so much. Soon he finds his old friends and even rivals have retired and the reality that he is getting older and slower is dawning on McQueen. In usual fashion, McQueen is never daunted but when he finds himself in a huge crash, McQueen questions if he still has the guts and confidence to return from his injuries. With the Rusteze brand sold to a billionaire and a new high-tech training facility now available, McQueen finds himself on the comeback trail of a lifetime.

It would be an understatement to say that the premise of "Cars 3" is a huge sign of the times for its lead character Lightning McQueen. The kids that loved this guy back in 2006 are probably on their way to being adults now and if the franchise fails to shake things up, this might not only be McQueen's last film - it might be the last for the franchise. Luckily, the guys at Pixar worked their magic wands once again. While not an outstanding film especially when compared to the huge lineup of Pixar greats, "Cars 3" does enough to make things relevant again. Not only is the narrative a satisfying conclusion (and also beginning) to the McQueen era, it is also one packed full of emotion and the most mature one yet. While the narrative is formulaic at best and the ultimate fate of Lightning McQueen predictable, it still featured the best ending they could have taken in our opinion. It was unexpected, riveting and emotional all at the same time. Visually, the film was simply outstanding. There were countless times that the surroundings just look real and literally took our breath away. Some scenes even featured the humanoid cars look and feel true to life. "Cars 3" turned out to be a surprisingly wonderful experience. All the things you may have loved from the previous films are all here just better and all grown up.

Rating: 4 reels





Why you should watch it:
- the most emotional "Cars" film yet
- the visuals are simply unreal

Why you shouldn't watch it:
- the story is formulaic
- the ultimate fate of McQueen was predictable at best