Cars 3

Whether seeking a comedy, adventure, or simply revisiting a childhood favourite, Cars 3 is a movie that delivers on many fronts. Whilst less emotional than Toy Story 3, the effect of time and subsequent change is similarly dealt with in Cars 3, when Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) – once the playful new car on the block in Cars (2006) – becomes an outdated model. McQueen faces the “new generation” of cars, advanced models which threaten to end his racing career, embodied by the character of Jackson Storm. McQueen crashes and sustains severe injuries whilst competing against Storm, causing him to take time out of racing to recover, but also prompting a need to return stronger than before. In order to be a challenger to Storm – and ever compete in another race again - Lightning McQueen must adapt to the training the “new generation” receive, as a last ditch attempt to continue his legacy. Cars 3 is certainly grittier than its predecessors, involving serious road accidents and higher stakes than ever before, yet manages to maintain a humorous element. This results in a film which has viewers rooting for McQueen, cheered by the appearance of Mater and other favourites, as well as laughing in a way only achievable through a Pixar classic.