It’s difficult to justify the Cars films. They just feel like the weaker Pixar movies. The redheaded stepchild that always made lots of money, but just didn’t get the same respect.
Now that Pixar has surprised the world with the surprisingly dark and emotion filled trailer for “Cars 3,” the question remains; can this latest film pull an underdog win, or is this series still just useless junk in Pixar’s trunk?
Like many films before it, “Cars 3” tackles the idea of the younger generation replacing the old. The film explores these themes with great potential throughout, with Lightning looking back on old race footage of Doc Hudson, traveling to Doc’s old racing tracks, and experiencing the idea that maybe he won’t always be the best, like his young-self thought.
It’s a story that manages to evoke real emotion, up there with Pixar’s best. It does this because it isn’t afraid to pull punches with its storyline. This allows Lightning’s journey to not only feel emotionally resonate, but helps to prevent it from getting predictable.
Although, this new focus on legacy and becoming obsolete does cause a huge problem that may not break the film, but is worth discussing. With its story of young replacing old, and the very long scenes of everyone talking and discussing emotion and legacy, “Cars 3” doesn’t have that much for kids.
Sure, Mater is there occasionally and there are still some amusing lines and moments of fun and action, but the overall story seems very adult and almost alienating to its younger demographic.
Pixar also manages to bring some incredible animation to the big screen once again. Light and water glisten off the character’s metal faces. Colors pop, and the whole film has a kind of small, rustic beauty to it.
Like the first film, it manages to make things feel big, and yet also small. Vistas look incredible, and the detailed look also works wonders for the racing and other fast paced scenes; a demolition derby moment is highlight.
“Cars 3”’s faults do exist though. The dialogue sometimes can be a bit overbearing. Pixar is known for being able to avoid the cringe-inducing pop culture references of other animation studios, and here they do the same.
However, some of the moments in the first act with Cruz and Jackson Storm still feel cringy. They constantly make references to Lightning’s old age and these end up feeling more groan inducing than funny. Pacing issues are also apparent from the very beginning. Though not awful, they are noticeable.
Also, a huge issue exists in that the story appears like it will go one way and end up with a satisfying conclusion that addresses the faults of both the film and the character of Lightning. The whole movie feels like it was building to a different ending. Because of this the film feels like it could have been better, but instead it settled for enjoyable, satisfying warm and fuzzy feelings.
For those hoping that the more serious looking “Cars 3” would finally put the series on the top shelf of Pixar properties, unfortunately that is not the case. Pacing issues, an uneven first act, and a rushed ending keep the film from truly reaching its full potential.
Regardless, Pixar still managed to make a film that avoids the typical pitfalls of modern animated films. While it isn’t groundbreaking, it’s never annoying or pandering. The story and journey of Lightning is still fun to watch, and even unpredictable at most points.
While it won’t resonate with all and won’t knock the socks off the world like “Inside Out” did, “Cars 3” manages to still be a pleasant, if a little bumpy, ride.
3/5
