Parents need to know that "Cars 3" 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, returns for a threequel that's much more diverse and uplifting (not to mention less violent) than the last installment, "Cars 2." That said, while language, romance, and drinking/smoking are all minimal, be ready for a couple of intense crash/demolition derby scenes in which main characters are damaged, 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 allowed to compete and reach for your dreams. Overall, this is a great pick for car fans of all ages.
WHAT'S THE STORY?
"Cars 3" follows famous race car Lightning McQueen (voiced by Owen Wilson) as he transitions from the peak of his career to dealing with younger, faster, 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) beats everyone in a race. As a "next gen" race car, Storm trains inside, maximizing his features for speed and practicing on expensive simulators. After Storm wins several races in a row, Lightning pushes himself too hard and ends up injured in a serious crash. He retreats from the world for a few months, but eventually he agrees with his partner/lawyer, Sally (Bonnie Hunt), and best friend, Mater ("Larry the Cable Guy"), that it's time to make a comeback. With the help of a new-and-improved Rusteze training facility and personal 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 girls can (and should!) do anything they set out to accomplish and that there's something special about the mentor/protege bond. Although there's nothing particularly original about the plot (it's pretty obvious what will end up happening), "Cars 3" is considerably better and milder than the overly violent "Cars 2," 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. The cast does a fine job, although Mater, Sally, and the Radiator Springs crew take a backseat to Alonzo's Cruz. Joining the fun 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 crew chief, and Margo Martindale as a pioneering "lady racer") who knew, mentored, and raced with Doc. All are welcome new characters. Ultimately, "Cars 3" 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 young Cruz, this "Cars" sequel is ultimately a little-kid-friendly winner.
RATING AND CONTENT
Recommended for kids age 3 and older
Quality: 4 out of 5
Educational value: 2 out of 5
Positive messages: 4 out of 5
Positive role models: 4 out of 5
Violence and scariness: 3 out of 5
Sexy stuff: 0 out of 5
Language: 1 out of 5
Drinking, drugs, and smoking: 1 out of 5
Consumerism: 3 out of 5 (Are products/advertisements embedded? Is the title part of a broader marketing initiative/empire? Is the intent to sell things to kids?)
MOVIE DETAILS
Theatrical release date: June 16, 2017
Director: Brian Fee
Studio: Walt Disney Studio Motion Pictures
Genre: Family and Kids
Run time: 109 minutes
MPAA rating: G
