The Cars franchise, a somewhat peculiar corner of the Pixar universe, has always sparked debate. From the very beginning, questions about the car-centric world have swirled – how do these vehicles live, breathe, and race? While the original Cars charmed audiences with its Route 66 nostalgia and heartfelt message, the sequels have been a mixed bag. Cars 2 took a detour into spy-movie territory, leaving many yearning for a return to the franchise’s roots. Now, with Cars 3, Pixar attempts to steer the series back on course, focusing back on Lightning McQueen and the racing world. This review, reflecting on perspectives akin to those of critics like Ryan O’Toole, dives into whether Cars 3 achieves redemption for the franchise and if it successfully captures the spirit of the original while embracing modern themes relevant to today’s audiences.
Many viewers find the Cars universe inherently strange. The anthropomorphic vehicles, living in a world devoid of humans, raise numerous unanswered questions. How do these cars function biologically? What are the societal structures in their world? Despite these oddities, the franchise persists, and while some dismiss it compared to Pixar’s more lauded works, the original Cars still holds a special place for many. Its simple message of enjoying the journey and valuing relationships resonated deeply. However, even the first film wasn’t without its detractors, with some finding the premise itself too bizarre to fully embrace.
Cars 2, however, is widely considered a misstep. Shifting focus to Mater in a spy-themed plot, it felt like a blatant merchandising opportunity, diluting the heart of the original. While some, including this reviewer, found a degree of entertainment in its absurdity, it undeniably strayed far from Pixar’s usual storytelling excellence. The message, arguably about accepting friends as they are, was overshadowed by the convoluted plot and character shifts. The critical and audience reception reflected this, marking it as the black sheep of the Pixar family for many.
Cars 3 directly addresses the franchise’s wandering path. Notably, it completely ignores the events and characters of Cars 2, effectively acting as a direct sequel to the first film. This course correction signaled a clear intention to return to the core elements that made the original Cars appealing. Mater, while still present, is relegated to a supporting role, allowing Lightning McQueen and the racing world to reclaim center stage. This deliberate choice pleased many who felt Cars 2 had derailed the narrative.
The film cleverly taps into contemporary sports narratives, reflecting the changing landscape of racing and the rise of new technologies. Cars 3 explores themes of aging veterans in sports, the influx of data-driven training, and the potential displacement of traditional skills by modern techniques. This thematic depth adds a layer of sophistication absent in Cars 2 and arguably enhances the simpler themes of the first film. Yet, Cars 3 doesn’t abandon its roots. It pays homage to the training montages and comeback stories of films like Rocky, incorporating familiar tropes within the Cars universe, such as dirt track training and embracing the feel of the road. The mentorship of Doc Hudson from the first film is also echoed, providing a sense of continuity and emotional resonance for long-time fans. This blend of old and new, tradition and modernity, is a key strength of Cars 3, allowing the franchise to evolve while staying true to its origins.
However, Cars 3 isn’t without its controversial moments, particularly its ending. Just as the film reaches its climax, a narrative detour occurs that, while intended to be modern and perhaps empowering, felt somewhat like a letdown for some viewers. This plot twist, hinting at themes of passing the torch and shifting roles, seemed to some like an unnecessary deviation from the established trajectory. While the execution of this twist wasn’t inherently flawed, a more straightforward conclusion might have been more satisfying for a broader audience. Despite this point of contention, the film largely succeeds in its aims.
In conclusion, Cars 3 serves as a commendable course correction for the Cars franchise. It effectively disregards the missteps of Cars 2 and refocuses on the character development of Lightning McQueen within the context of competitive racing. By blending nostalgic elements of the original with relevant contemporary themes, Cars 3 offers a more mature and thoughtful installment. While the ending may divide audiences, the film as a whole provides a redeeming chapter for a franchise that had arguably lost its way. For those who appreciate the original Cars and were disappointed by its sequel, Cars 3 offers a welcome return to form, proving that there’s still fuel left in the tank for Lightning McQueen and his world.
