Year: 2017
Director: Brian Fee
Starring: Owen Wilson, Cristela Alonzo, Armie Hammer, Nathan Fillion, Chris Cooper, Tony Shalhoub, and Bonnie Hunt
Tagline: It's not over until lightning strikes.
Synopsis: Even anthropomorphic race cars get old.
Tagline: It's not over until lightning strikes.
Synopsis: Even anthropomorphic race cars get old.
Review
First off, can I say how much I love Pixar shorts? They are terrific and "Lou" is no exception. It's cute, clever, funny, and tugs at the heartstrings. I loved it.
As for the feature film itself ... well, I didn't dislike it. It's way, way, way better than Cars 2 (which it didn't even acknowledge). Did we need Cars 3? Not really. And I have nothing against well-thought-out sequels. [I love Finding Dory and can hardly wait for The Incredibles 2.] But this film seems to be mostly a retread of the original film. Sometimes that tactic works. Sometimes it doesn't. I suppose if nothing else, the merchandising from the Cars franchise helps pay for original stories like Coco, which comes out in the fall.
One thing is undeniable, the visuals in Cars 3 are amazing. There was one scene where it was such beautiful scenery, I had to remind myself that this is an animated film made on computers. It looks so good. Pixar continues to excel.
I was, however, disappointed with the music. The soundtrack is mediocre, as is the score. Yes, I have high expectations for Pixar scores thanks to Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, WALL-E, Up, and Inside Out. If Cars has a main theme, I can't think of it. The music is just there, like an obscure background character: noticeable, but not memorable.
As for the story, it is serviceable, albeit predictable. Kudos though for a kids movie being about the difficulties of getting older and losing your edge. When the story was about Lightning and his relationship with Doc Hudson (aka the Hudson Hornet), that was when it really pulled me in. When it was about the races themselves, not as much. I was also disappointed that the major plot point in the first teaser trailer -- Lightning crashing -- was far less dramatic and pivotal to the story/character development than promised.
If you're a fan of the first Cars film (or have kids who are fans of it), there's much to enjoy about this one. If you are looking for a way to beat the heat on a hot summer day, Cars 3 is an admirable way to spend 90 or so minutes. It's rated G and is clean throughout.
*** Spoiler Section ***
The climax didn't surprise me. It is clear from the scene on the beach that Lightning is unwittingly training Cruz, not the other way around. Thus it is inevitable that it is Cruz, not Lightning, who wins the race against Jackson Storm. It is a strange rule, though, that allows for the climax. I guess it does have basis in the real world of racing, but it seems intrinsically unfair to switch cars, allowing a fresh car to go against tired ones.
What did surprise me was Sterling's turnabout regarding Cruz. Granted, he seems a bit untrustworthy from the start. But there is nothing in his previous behavior that naturally leads up to him telling Cruz to leave. Of course he wouldn't want her to race, but he has no compelling reason to send her away so that she can't at least watch. The confrontation feels forced.
As for the feature film itself ... well, I didn't dislike it. It's way, way, way better than Cars 2 (which it didn't even acknowledge). Did we need Cars 3? Not really. And I have nothing against well-thought-out sequels. [I love Finding Dory and can hardly wait for The Incredibles 2.] But this film seems to be mostly a retread of the original film. Sometimes that tactic works. Sometimes it doesn't. I suppose if nothing else, the merchandising from the Cars franchise helps pay for original stories like Coco, which comes out in the fall.
One thing is undeniable, the visuals in Cars 3 are amazing. There was one scene where it was such beautiful scenery, I had to remind myself that this is an animated film made on computers. It looks so good. Pixar continues to excel.
I was, however, disappointed with the music. The soundtrack is mediocre, as is the score. Yes, I have high expectations for Pixar scores thanks to Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, WALL-E, Up, and Inside Out. If Cars has a main theme, I can't think of it. The music is just there, like an obscure background character: noticeable, but not memorable.
As for the story, it is serviceable, albeit predictable. Kudos though for a kids movie being about the difficulties of getting older and losing your edge. When the story was about Lightning and his relationship with Doc Hudson (aka the Hudson Hornet), that was when it really pulled me in. When it was about the races themselves, not as much. I was also disappointed that the major plot point in the first teaser trailer -- Lightning crashing -- was far less dramatic and pivotal to the story/character development than promised.
If you're a fan of the first Cars film (or have kids who are fans of it), there's much to enjoy about this one. If you are looking for a way to beat the heat on a hot summer day, Cars 3 is an admirable way to spend 90 or so minutes. It's rated G and is clean throughout.
*** Spoiler Section ***
The climax didn't surprise me. It is clear from the scene on the beach that Lightning is unwittingly training Cruz, not the other way around. Thus it is inevitable that it is Cruz, not Lightning, who wins the race against Jackson Storm. It is a strange rule, though, that allows for the climax. I guess it does have basis in the real world of racing, but it seems intrinsically unfair to switch cars, allowing a fresh car to go against tired ones.
What did surprise me was Sterling's turnabout regarding Cruz. Granted, he seems a bit untrustworthy from the start. But there is nothing in his previous behavior that naturally leads up to him telling Cruz to leave. Of course he wouldn't want her to race, but he has no compelling reason to send her away so that she can't at least watch. The confrontation feels forced.
Quotable Quotes
- "I decide when I'm done." -- Lightning
- "The beach ate me." -- Cruz
- "Don't fear failure. Be afraid of not having the chance. You have the chance!" -- Sally
- "Tell her all the crabs have gone night-night." "I -- I can't say that. You tell her!" -- Lightning and Smokey
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