When I told my friends and family that I was attending the CARS 3 press junket, the number one question my fellow parents asked me was if this film would be better than the franchise’s sequel. No one can deny that while CARS 2 was fun, in a James Bond-like way, for some young children, like my then three-year-old son, the sequel tended on the more suspenseful side. I can tell you, with full certainty, that the newest film in the CARS franchise, opening June 16th, 2017, is in my opinion probably the strongest film when it comes to inspiration and heart. CARS 3 has restored the CARS franchise and highlights the kind of soul and heart we’ve all come to expect from a Disney/Pixar film.
CARS 3 Brings Heart Back into Disney/Pixar’s CARS Franchise
CARS 3 opens with Lightning McQueen doing his “I am speed” pep talk. Almost immediately we’re thrust into the Piston Cup action in a series of racing sequences, interviews with the winning cars and we also get to see the camaraderie between McQueen and some of his racing friends. As usual Lightning is number one, rarely losing to anyone but if there’s one thing that’s certain in life, it’s that there’s always someone faster. That’s where rookie Jackson Storm comes in. Speeding past Lightning, Storm is part of a group of new cars who are changing the way racing goes. For once in his life, Lightning is not number one and with age against him, it’s unclear if Lightning is going to ever be at the top again.
Life Lessons Learned Through Film
Like I said, CARS 3 has a ton of heart coursing through its veins. Without spoiling some of the fun from the film here are just a few takeaways parents can look forward to their kids learning:
- Your achievements do not define who you are. Lightning struggles with the possibility of his image as a racer coming to an end. He spends the majority of the film training and desperately trying to find a way to beat Jackson Storm.
- No matter the dream or goal, it’s never too big. It’s a very real situation each one of us experiences at least once in our life; you have a dream or goal and while it may be lofty you feel it’s achievable. Those around you feel differently and as a means of protecting you from disappointment they sway you away from that dream.
- The impact a mentor leaves on you never fades. With the obvious absence of Lightning McQueen’s mentor, Doc Hudson, as a major story line in the film, kids will get to see their favorite racer show emotions of sadness and longing. I think that people of all ages will resonate with honoring the people in your life who have had an impact on you. This is the heart of soul of CARS 3.
All the usual Disney/Pixar Fun!
Great music, comedy, great one liners and amazing graphics. We’ve come to expect entertainment from our favorite Pixar films and CARS 3 delivers! There’s one scene in particular where Lightning is traveling across country and the scenery is so realistic looking. It’s amazing and gorgeous. Mater is hilarious as usual and there’s a scene where he video calls with Lightning. Imagine Mater trying to figure out Skype. The character of Cruz Ramierez, voiced by comedian Cristela Alonzo, also offers some good laughs. I’m sure you’ve seen the clip where she says, “The beach ate me.” It’s laugh out loud funny!
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