Cars 3 Parent Guide
Featuring dual protagonists, this movie demonstrated Pixar's keen ability to present storylines that cross generations.
Parent Movie Review
Looking in the mirror and seeing a few gray hairs is never easy. For a racing car who’s used to being the leader of the pack, getting old takes on a whole new meaning.
It’s not that Lightening McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) is slowing down. The problem is the young new cars are speeding up. One of those hotshots, Jackson Storm (voice of Armie Hammer), has a body built on technology and a training facility that gives the racer a chance to practice and refine every possible scenario. On the day when Storm zips past McQueen to greet the checkered flag, our hero suddenly feels his age. Mustering every last horsepower to overtake his new competitor doesn’t return the usual glorious outcome. Instead the effort leaves him bruised, broken and beaten on the side of the track. The longtime ruler of the oval is a wreck—inside and out.
At first, he would rather sit in Radiator Springs with the old gang. But Mater (voice of Larry the Cable Guy) and Sally (voice of Bonnie Hunt) are reluctant to watch their friend stall in a state of disrepair. With the best intentions, they encourage him to accept an offer from his longtime sponsor to come and hone his racing skills using the same new technologies offered to the young upstarts. Excited at the notion of getting back on track he accepts the challenge to work with Cruz Ramirez (voice of Cristela Alonzo), a bright yellow car who will be his new trainer.
Cars 3 is an insightful look at how the finish line that we thought we were headed toward can sometimes change. The elder McQueen and young Ramirez offer differing perspectives based on their life experience. This dual protagonist design is typical of Pixar’s keen ability to present storylines that cross generations.
With a G-rating, there is very little to discourage parents from sharing this movie with their children. McQueen’s crash and his accidental entry into a demolition derby are two moments when the youngest of children may be frightened. Otherwise kids and adults will enjoy plot elements that teach of the importance of having a positive outlook while continuing to move forward and accepting new challenges, even if the road doesn’t lead to where we originally thought we were going.
Coming from an animation company that is also used to leading the pack, Cars 3 demonstrates Pixar can still deliver a high-octane experience that offers a potent mix of engaging entertainment and meaningful messages.
Directed by Brian Fee. Starring Owen Wilson, Brett Dalton, Jason Pace. Running time: 109 minutes. Theatrical release June 16, 2017. Updated November 7, 2017About author
Cars 3
Rating & Content Info
Why is Cars 3 rated G? Cars 3 is rated G by the MPAA
Violence: Depictions of car races includes frequent accidents and crashes. Characters unwittingly enter a demolition derby, and are not permitted to back out of the race. Some racers have malicious intents for their fellow competitors. Bullying and belittling occur. Main characters face mildly perilous situations. Racial and gender prejudice is mentioned.
Sexual Content: Mild sexual innuendo is included.
Profanity: Some good-natured and spiteful name-calling is heard.
Alcohol / Drug Use: Characters gather to talk in a bar setting. Running moonshine is mentioned.
Page last updated November 7, 2017
Cars 3 Parents' Guide
Lightning McQueen uses positive self-talk to prepare for racing. How does having a good attitude increase his chances of winning? What happens to his self-esteem when the voices around him starts to become negative? Is winning all about attitude? Where do skills and training come in? Is it always possible to beat a stronger, younger competitor?
Another character in this movie has been given a different lecture: “Dream small or not at all.” What was the motive behind this mantra? How might this outlook cripple a person’s desire to try? What are the risks of having a big goal? What are the risks of not taking a chance because one is afraid to fail?
How does McQueen feel about aging and the possibility of retiring? What things are the most important in his life? If he is always looking back, will he ever find anything to look forward to? What good things do you think can come from getting older?
News About "Cars 3"
From the Studio: Blindsided by a new generation of blazing-fast racers, the legendary Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) is suddenly pushed out of the sport he loves. To get back in the game, he will need the help of an eager young race technician with her own plan to win, inspiration from the late Fabulous Hudson Hornet, and a few unexpected turns. Proving that #95 isn't through yet will test the heart of a champion on Piston Cup Racing's biggest stage! Written by Pixar
ANNOUNCEMENT On March 18, 2014: Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Walt Disney Company Bob Iger announced the studio's intention to make Cars 3, a sequel to the films Cars and Cars 2. While Cars was considered a box office success ($455 Million), Cars 2 was deemed a bit of a disappointment. (Nevertheless it made $560 Million worldwide.) The franchise has also earned big dollars with cross-promotional toys, clothing, and a theme park ride at Disney’s California Adventure.
Home Video
The most recent home video release of Cars 3 movie is November 7, 2017. Here are some details…
Home Video Notes: Cars 3
Release Date: 7 November 2017
Cars 3 releases to home video (Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy) with the following bonus features:
- Commentary – Brian Fee (Director), Kevin Reher (Producer), Andrea Warren (Co-Producer) and Jay Ward (Creative Director)
- Theatrical Short: “Lou” – When a toy-stealing bully ruins recess for a playground full of kids, only one thing stands in his way: the “Lost and Found” box.
Exclusive HD Content
- Miss Fritter’s Racing Skoool (Exclusive new mini-movie) – Enjoy blindsided testimonials from the Crazy 8’s, touting the transformative impact Miss Fritter’s Racing School has had in reshaping the direction of their lives
- Let’s. Get. Crazy. – Get schooled in the world of demolition derby, the “rules” of figure 8 racing, and how Pixar puts the crazy in the Thunder Hollow Crazy 8 race. This piece is hosted by Lea DeLaria.
- Legendary – a close, historical look at the racing legends Wendell Scott and Louise Smith, whose tenacity and perseverance got them into the race even when they weren’t invited.
- Ready for the Race – Disney Channel’s Olivia Rodrigo and NASCAR Racer William Byron check out the Hendrick Motorsports campus to showcase how real-world race training influenced the filmmakers.
- World’s Fastest Billboard – Blink and you will miss all of the graphics and “car-ified” advertisements created by Pixar’s Art team to make the ”Cars 3” world as believable as possible.
- Cruz Ramirez: The Yellow Car That Could – Join Cristela Alonzo and the filmmakers on their journey to create a race-car trainer turned champion racer.
- Generations: The Story of “Cars 3” – For the story team, creating Lightning McQueen’s next chapter didn’t involve just a tune-up, but a complete overhaul.
- My First Car – A collection of illustrated first-car stories as narrated by members of the “Cars 3” cast and crew. “A Green Car on the Red Carpet with Kerry Washington,” “Old Blue,” and “Still in the Family.”
- 5 Deleted Scenes – Each deleted scene is set up with an introduction as to why it was removed from the film. Deleted scenes include “The Boogie Woogie,” “The Jars of Dirt,” “Lugnut,” “The Bolt,” and “More Than New Paint.”
- Cars To Die(cast) For – Take a look at the phenomenon of die-cast toy collecting and the more than 1,000 unique designs that exist in the Cars universe.
- And more!
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