BLU-RAY REVIEW: Cars 3

Courtesy of Disney-Pixar

The Cars franchise has always been the odd, redneck uncle of the Pixar family. That’s mainly because the first two movies feel designed to sell merchandise instead of putting story and characters first. Perhaps that’s why critics have been far less kind to them than the rest of Pixar’s output.

However, Cars 3 is the best installment in the series, probably because of a mixture of low expectations and because the filmmakers actually have something interesting to say this time around. The plot is far from original – it’s a combination of Rocky III and Creed – but the three credited screenwriters (Kiel Murray, Bob Peterson and Mike Rich) gained inspiration from solid, entertaining sources.

Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) is no longer the cocky, untouchable rookie he used to be. Now, after a horrific accident, he must decide if he wants to train harder than ever to defeat arrogant young racers like Jackson Storm (Armie Hammer) or retire before he ruins his reputation. Helping him along the way are his friends from Radiator Springs, the memory of his mentor Doc Hudson (the late Paul Newman) and Cruz Ramirez (Cristela Alonzo), a new, enthusiastic trainer with the heart of a racer.

Much like Pixar did with the final Toy Story installment, there’s a sense of bringing the story full-circle with Cars 3. However, Cruz is the biggest reason the movie succeeds as well as it does. Alonzo’s voice work is fantastic and her chemistry with Wilson is endearing. I’m not sure if they recorded together or not, but they’re a blast.

Pixar also continues to astound with its revolutionary animation techniques. Although the vehicles maintain their cartoonish look, the environments around them are practically photorealistic. Kudos to director Brian Fee and his massive team of animators for their stunning work.

Cars 3 isn’t a Pixar all-timer, but it’s much better than anyone could’ve expected. There’s a bittersweet sense of finality to the proceedings, so here’s hoping this is the last installment so the series can finish strong.

Special Features: “Miss Fritter’s Racing Skoool” (new mini-movie); “Lou” (Pixar short that played before “Cars 3” in theaters); “Let’s. Get. Crazy.” (featurette about the demolition derby sequence); “Ready for the Race” (featurette about real-world race training); “Cruz Ramirez: The Little Car that Could” (featurette about Cristina Alonzo’s experience voicing her character); “Generations: The Story of ‘Cars 3’” (making-of featurette); deleted scenes.

Cars 3 is rated G.

Grade: B+