Cars 3 (2017) Review

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Let’s start by showing y’all the trailers shall we?

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Non-Spoiler Plot Overview:

Lightning McQueen is facing the one thing no racer can outrun: time. As a new generation of high-tech racers like Jackson Storm dominate the tracks, McQueen realizes he’s no longer the top dog. This film is about legacy, mentorship, and knowing when to pass the torch. With the help of a new trainer, Cruz Ramirez, Lightning must learn how to adapt to survive—or decide when it’s time to bow out.


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Character Rundown:

Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) – Still our protagonist. He’s older, not slower, but he’s now feeling the pressure of younger competition. This film humbles him and matures him more than the past two.

Cruz Ramirez (Cristela Alonzo) – A spunky, high-energy race technician who becomes Lightning’s trainer. She’s a great addition and ends up having more to offer than initially expected.

Jackson Storm (Armie Hammer) – The cocky, sleek villain of this film. He represents the next-gen racer: fast, arrogant, and technologically superior. His disdain for McQueen is palpable.

Smokey (Chris Cooper) – Doc Hudson’s old mentor and one of the film’s wise, grounded voices. A nice callback to the first film’s roots.

Doc Hudson (Paul Newman) – While he doesn’t physically appear due to Paul Newman’s passing, the film pays touching tribute through flashbacks, dialogue, and emotional beats. It’s heartfelt and respectful.

Which adds on to the film’s theme about time running out ans passing on ur passion to the next generation.



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Pacing / Episode Flow:

The film starts with a familiar high-speed pace, then slows down to a more introspective, training-heavy middle. While that section is a bit slower, the film earns its emotional beats and ends with a surprising and well-earned finale.


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Pros:

Pays beautiful tribute to Doc Hudson.

Strong emotional core—something Cars 2 sorely lacked.

Cruz Ramirez is a solid new character with an inspiring arc.

Visually stunning animation as always.

Good life lesson about legacy and mentorship.



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Cons:

Not very memorable as a film; the story doesn’t hit quite as hard as the original.

Some slower moments in the middle drag a bit.

Feels like Pixar playing it safe.



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My Favorite Funniest Lines:

N/A — This film leans more emotional than comedic, especially compared to Cars 2.


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Final Thoughts:

Cars 3 is a rebound from Cars 2 and returns the series to its roots. While not as iconic or impactful as the original, it offers a surprisingly mature sendoff for Lightning McQueen and beautifully closes the chapter on his racing legacy. It’s more emotional than expected, with a message about mentorship, aging, and letting go of ego. It may not stick with you as hard, but it certainly earns its respect.


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Rating: 5/10


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Spoiler Warning!


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Spoilers Below:

In the final race, Lightning McQueen realizes he can’t keep up with Storm. Instead of pushing himself to win, he decides to let Cruz Ramirez race in his place. She takes his number and gets on the track—and she wins! This symbolic handing over of the torch is a satisfying twist and a clever way to evolve the series.

Also, we find out Sterling—the rich business car who runs the new training facility—never believed in Cruz’s potential. He wanted her to remain a coach. But with Lightning’s help, she proves everyone wrong.

Jackson Storm is humiliated by the end, and Cruz earns her spot as a racer.

And while Doc Hudson is gone, his legacy lives on through Lightning and Smokey’s shared memories, training techniques, and mentorship.

A quiet but heartfelt wrap-up to the trilogy.

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