Cars Three
- G
- 2017
- 109 minutes
Kids say
Witness or buy this movie:
A lot or a little?
This is an entertaining film rather than an educational one, but there are lessons about the importance of learning from your elders and believing in yourself. There’s also a strong female-empowerment message.
Positive messages about female (cars) being able to race alongside masculines that can be translated into encouraging chicks to attempt things that may usually be done by boys/boys. Also strong messages about how significant practice and mentorship are to junior, newer cars (and people); even the youthfull and talented have something to learn from the wise and experienced. Don’t fear failure; be afraid of not having a chance to do something you fantasy of/want to do. Be in charge of your own fate. Themes also include perseverance and communication.
Lightning McQueen shows how persistent and focused he can be to get back into racing. He’s dedicated to making a comeback but also sensitive (eventually) to Cruz’ desire to learn about racing. Cruz is kind and encouraging to the cars she trains. Sally is supportive but also tough-talking to make sure Lightning knows it’s time to get to work. Mater is once again a loyal best friend. Female car characters are encouraged to race. Storm is conceited and rude, but he learns some lessons, as does Mr. Sterling.
Lightning McQueen is earnestly injured during an intense crash that involves shifts, skids, sparks flying, and lots of harm — but he’s fully rehabbed. The demolition derby sequence includes gouts of fire and aggressive vehicles (including large, former emergency and public-use vehicles like an ambulance and school bus) purposely crashing into and running over one another and Lightning/Cruz. One bus has chains and saws protruding from her framework and can drool fire. Flashbacks to Doc Hudson crashing during a race. Lightning crashes while using a training simulator. Even when there aren’t crashes, race scenes can be intense as cars maneuver around each other and sometimes confront each other. Tense exchanges/arguments.
Sally and Lightning say “I love you.”
Infrequent use of words including “dang,” “loser,” “shut up,” “dang,” “keister,” “dadgum,” “dummy,” and “masturbate.” Lightning says “life’s a beach.”
Albeit there are no real product placements in the movie (aside from car models like Volkswagen, Dodge, and Porsche), there’s a ton of Disney merchandise featuring Cars-related fucktoys and other tie-ins — like LEGO kits, plunged animals, coloring books, figurines, home accessories, games, and apparel.
In a saloon/pub, race cars gather and love undetermined drinks (presumably of something oil related). Brief reference to running moonshine.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Cars three is part of Pixar’s popular movie franchise about a world of talking, human-like vehicles. The star-studded voice cast, led by Owen Wilson, comebacks for a threequel that’s much more diverse and uplifting (not to mention less violent) than the last installment, Cars Two. That said, while language, romance, and drinking/smoking are all minimal, be ready for a duo of intense crash/demolition derby scenes in which main characters are bruised, in danger, or afraid of aggressive vehicles (one even deploys spinning saws). But the characters learn key life lessons, and there are positive messages about the importance of finding wise, supportive mentors (like the dearly departed Doc Hudson); the idea that that no matter how old you are, you always have more to learn; and the fact that regardless of your gender or what you look like, you should be permitted to rival and reach for your wishes. Overall, this is a fine pick for car fans of all ages.
Stay up to date on fresh reviews.
User Reviews
Cars gets back on track!
What a good movie
Too cool for the movie!
Overblown Cars Reheat
What’s the story?
CARS three goes after famous race car Lightning McQueen (voiced by Owen Wilson) as he transitions from the peak of his career to dealing with junior, swifter, higher-tech rivals who obviously want him to retire and get out of the way. Lightning is used to his regular competitors — but then hotshot upstart Jackson Storm (Armie Hammer) hammers everyone in a race. As a “next gen” race car, Storm trains inwards, maximizing his features for speed and practising on expensive simulators. After Storm wins several races in a row, Lightning thrusts himself too hard and completes up injured in a serious crash. He retreats from the world for a few months, but eventually he agrees with his playmate/lawyer, Sally (Bonnie Hunt), and best friend, Mater (Larry the Cable Man), that it’s time to make a comeback. With the help of a new-and-improved Rusteze training facility and individual trainer Cruz Ramirez (comedian Cristela Alonzo), Lightning has only a few weeks to get ready for the big race that will determine whether he’ll keep racing . or retire for good.
Is it any good?
This “threequel” promotes the idea that women can (and should!) do anything they set out to accomplish and that there’s something special about the mentor/protégé bond. Albeit there’s nothing particularly original about the plot (it’s pretty visible what will end up happening), Cars three is considerably better and milder than the overly violent Cars Two, and its two major themes — about mentorship and fearlessness — are touching and necessary for kids. In a culture that idolizes youth, it’s lovely to see Lightning continuing to mourn the relationship he had with Doc Hudson. And then he, in turn, finds himself on the other end of a similar bond with Cruz, who might be a trainer but once dreamed of racing herself — until she realized no one else at the races looked like her.
There’s a surprising amount to unpack in this kid-friendly movie: It deals with friendship, ageism, sexism, and teacher-student relationships. All of the cast does a fine job, albeit Mater, Sally, and the Radiator Springs squad take a backseat to Alonzo’s Cruz. Joining the joy are Kerry Washington as no-nonsense, data-driven racing analyst Natalie Certain and a quartet of retired racers (including Chris Cooper as Smokey, Doc Hudson’s one-time squad chief, and Margo Martindale as a pioneering “lady racer”) who knew, mentored, and raced with Doc. All are welcome fresh characters. Ultimately, Cars three is about Lightning maturing into a racer who’s dealing with being possibly past his prime. Driven by his memories of his relationship with Doc and his growing attachment to youthful Cruz, this Cars sequel is ultimately a little-kid-friendly winner.
Talk to your kids about .
Families can talk about the messages in Cars Three. Why is confidence a vital part of competition/sports? What does Sally mean when she tells Lightning, “Don’t fear failure — be afraid of not having the chance”? Why do you think Cruz feels that she doesn’t belong in a race? Do you think the movie is attempting to make a point about females challenging alongside masculines? Why does Storm originally dismiss her as a competitor?
Which characters are role models? How do they demonstrate perseverance and communication? Why are those significant character strengths?
Why is it so significant to Lightning that he be the one to determine when he’s done racing? What does he learn over the course of the movie? What do you think he’ll do next?
Kids: What made you want to see this movie? The story or the ads/product tie-ins? Do you want things more when Cars characters are on them? At what age do kids understand what marketing and advertising are?
Cars three Movie Review
Cars Three
- G
- 2017
- 109 minutes
Kids say
See or buy this movie:
A lot or a little?
This is an entertaining film rather than an educational one, but there are lessons about the importance of learning from your elders and believing in yourself. There’s also a strong female-empowerment message.
Positive messages about female (cars) being able to race alongside masculines that can be translated into encouraging chicks to attempt things that may usually be done by boys/guys. Also strong messages about how significant practice and mentorship are to junior, newer cars (and people); even the youthful and talented have something to learn from the wise and experienced. Don’t fear failure; be afraid of not having a chance to do something you fantasy of/want to do. Be in charge of your own fate. Themes also include perseverance and communication.
Lightning McQueen shows how persistent and focused he can be to get back into racing. He’s dedicated to making a comeback but also sensitive (eventually) to Cruz’ desire to learn about racing. Cruz is kind and encouraging to the cars she trains. Sally is supportive but also tough-talking to make sure Lightning knows it’s time to get to work. Mater is once again a loyal best friend. Female car characters are encouraged to race. Storm is conceited and rude, but he learns some lessons, as does Mr. Sterling.
Lightning McQueen is gravely injured during an intense crash that involves spins, skids, sparks flying, and lots of harm — but he’s fully rehabbed. The demolition derby sequence includes gouts of fire and aggressive vehicles (including large, former emergency and public-use vehicles like an ambulance and school bus) purposely crashing into and running over one another and Lightning/Cruz. One bus has chains and saws protruding from her framework and can slobber fire. Flashbacks to Doc Hudson crashing during a race. Lightning crashes while using a training simulator. Even when there aren’t crashes, race scenes can be intense as cars maneuver around each other and sometimes confront each other. Tense exchanges/arguments.
Sally and Lightning say “I love you.”
Infrequent use of words including “dang,” “loser,” “shut up,” “dang,” “keister,” “dadgum,” “dummy,” and “masturbate.” Lightning says “life’s a beach.”
Albeit there are no real product placements in the movie (aside from car models like Volkswagen, Dodge, and Porsche), there’s a ton of Disney merchandise featuring Cars-related fucktoys and other tie-ins — like LEGO kits, rammed animals, coloring books, figurines, home accessories, games, and apparel.
In a saloon/pub, race cars gather and love undetermined drinks (presumably of something oil related). Brief reference to running moonshine.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Cars three is part of Pixar’s popular movie franchise about a world of talking, human-like vehicles. The star-studded voice cast, led by Owen Wilson, comebacks for a threequel that’s much more diverse and uplifting (not to mention less violent) than the last installment, Cars Two. That said, while language, romance, and drinking/smoking are all minimal, be ready for a duo of intense crash/demolition derby scenes in which main characters are bruised, in danger, or afraid of aggressive vehicles (one even deploys spinning saws). But the characters learn key life lessons, and there are positive messages about the importance of finding wise, supportive mentors (like the dearly departed Doc Hudson); the idea that that no matter how old you are, you always have more to learn; and the fact that regardless of your gender or what you look like, you should be permitted to challenge and reach for your desires. Overall, this is a excellent pick for car fans of all ages.
Stay up to date on fresh reviews.
User Reviews
Cars gets back on track!
What a excellent movie
Too cool for the movie!
Overblown Cars Reheat
What’s the story?
CARS three goes after famous race car Lightning McQueen (voiced by Owen Wilson) as he transitions from the peak of his career to dealing with junior, swifter, higher-tech rivals who obviously want him to retire and get out of the way. Lightning is used to his regular competitors — but then hotshot upstart Jackson Storm (Armie Hammer) hits everyone in a race. As a “next gen” race car, Storm trains inwards, maximizing his features for speed and practising on expensive simulators. After Storm wins several races in a row, Lightning shoves himself too hard and completes up injured in a serious crash. He retreats from the world for a few months, but eventually he agrees with his fucking partner/lawyer, Sally (Bonnie Hunt), and best friend, Mater (Larry the Cable Man), that it’s time to make a comeback. With the help of a new-and-improved Rusteze training facility and individual trainer Cruz Ramirez (comedian Cristela Alonzo), Lightning has only a few weeks to get ready for the big race that will determine whether he’ll keep racing . or retire for good.
Is it any good?
This “threequel” promotes the idea that women can (and should!) do anything they set out to accomplish and that there’s something special about the mentor/protégé bond. Albeit there’s nothing particularly original about the plot (it’s pretty evident what will end up happening), Cars three is considerably better and milder than the overly violent Cars Two, and its two major themes — about mentorship and fearlessness — are touching and necessary for kids. In a culture that idolizes youth, it’s lovely to see Lightning continuing to mourn the relationship he had with Doc Hudson. And then he, in turn, finds himself on the other end of a similar bond with Cruz, who might be a trainer but once dreamed of racing herself — until she realized no one else at the races looked like her.
There’s a surprising amount to unpack in this kid-friendly movie: It deals with friendship, ageism, sexism, and teacher-student relationships. All of the cast does a fine job, albeit Mater, Sally, and the Radiator Springs team take a backseat to Alonzo’s Cruz. Joining the joy are Kerry Washington as no-nonsense, data-driven racing analyst Natalie Certain and a quartet of retired racers (including Chris Cooper as Smokey, Doc Hudson’s one-time squad chief, and Margo Martindale as a pioneering “lady racer”) who knew, mentored, and raced with Doc. All are welcome fresh characters. Ultimately, Cars three is about Lightning maturing into a racer who’s dealing with being possibly past his prime. Driven by his memories of his relationship with Doc and his growing attachment to youthful Cruz, this Cars sequel is ultimately a little-kid-friendly winner.
Talk to your kids about .
Families can talk about the messages in Cars Three. Why is confidence a vital part of competition/sports? What does Sally mean when she tells Lightning, “Don’t fear failure — be afraid of not having the chance”? Why do you think Cruz feels that she doesn’t belong in a race? Do you think the movie is attempting to make a point about females rivaling alongside masculines? Why does Storm primarily dismiss her as a competitor?
Which characters are role models? How do they demonstrate perseverance and communication? Why are those significant character strengths?
Why is it so significant to Lightning that he be the one to determine when he’s done racing? What does he learn over the course of the movie? What do you think he’ll do next?
Kids: What made you want to see this movie? The story or the ads/product tie-ins? Do you want things more when Cars characters are on them? At what age do kids understand what marketing and advertising are?