movingstarvoices.org – Released in 2017, Cars 3 is the third installment of Pixar’s Cars franchise and marks a return to the heartfelt storytelling of the original Cars (2006). Directed by Brian Fee, this film takes on a more mature tone, focusing on themes of legacy, aging, and the importance of mentorship. At the center of the story is Lightning McQueen (voiced by Owen Wilson), the once-dominant racing champion who is now facing a world where younger, faster racers are taking over the sport. Cars 3 is a reflective and emotionally resonant film about McQueen coming to terms with his place in the world as he transitions from being a champion to a mentor for the next generation.
Whereas Cars 2 (2011) veered into action-comedy territory with an international espionage plot, Cars 3 brings the series back to its racing roots, focusing on character development and the emotional journey of McQueen as he confronts his own mortality as a racer. With stunning animation, rich character arcs, and important life lessons, Cars 3 cements itself as a worthy addition to Pixar’s filmography.
Plot Summary: Lightning McQueen’s Battle Against Time
Aging in the Fast Lane
Cars 3 opens with Lightning McQueen still at the top of his game, racing against his long-time competitors and enjoying the fame and success that comes with being a legendary racer. However, McQueen’s world is turned upside down when a new generation of high-tech, faster race cars, led by the sleek and arrogant Jackson Storm (voiced by Armie Hammer), begins dominating the racing circuit. These next-gen racers are equipped with the latest technology and advanced training methods, making McQueen’s old-school approach seem outdated.
The rise of Jackson Storm and other next-gen racers is a wake-up call for McQueen, who realizes that he is no longer the fastest car on the track. After losing several races to Storm, McQueen faces the reality that his time as a top-tier racer may be coming to an end. In a particularly devastating race, McQueen pushes himself too hard, resulting in a horrific crash that leaves him sidelined and questioning whether he can ever return to racing.
Rehabilitation and Self-Doubt
Following his crash, McQueen retreats to Radiator Springs, the small town that has always been his sanctuary. His friends, including Mater (voiced by Larry the Cable Guy), Sally (voiced by Bonnie Hunt), and the rest of the Radiator Springs gang, offer their support, but McQueen is consumed by doubt. He watches footage of his mentor, Doc Hudson (voiced by the late Paul Newman), and reflects on the lessons Doc taught him about racing and life. McQueen is haunted by the idea that his racing career could be over, just as Doc’s had ended after a similar crash many years ago.
However, McQueen is determined not to give up without a fight. He sets out to train and make a comeback, but quickly realizes that the racing world has changed. His old methods of training are no longer effective, and he struggles to keep up with the advanced techniques and technologies used by the next-gen racers.
Meeting Cruz Ramirez: A New Dynamic
Enter Cruz Ramirez (voiced by Cristela Alonzo), a spunky and optimistic trainer at the Rust-eze Racing Center. Cruz is tasked with helping McQueen get back into shape for the upcoming racing season. Despite her enthusiasm, McQueen initially resists her modern training methods, which involve high-tech simulations and virtual reality. McQueen’s frustration grows as he feels more out of touch with the current state of racing, and he doubts whether Cruz, who has never raced competitively herself, can truly help him.
As McQueen and Cruz spend more time together, their dynamic begins to shift. McQueen learns that Cruz had always dreamed of becoming a racer herself, but she gave up on her dream after feeling that she wasn’t cut out for the sport. This revelation helps McQueen see Cruz in a new light, and he begins to realize that his own path forward may not involve reclaiming his title as a champion racer, but rather helping Cruz fulfill her potential.
Rediscovering Racing’s Joy and the Legacy of Doc Hudson
In an effort to reconnect with the roots of racing, McQueen takes Cruz to Thomasville, a dirt track where Doc Hudson once trained. There, they meet Smokey (voiced by Chris Cooper), Doc’s former crew chief, and other veterans of the racing world. Smokey shares stories about Doc and reveals that Doc found true happiness not in his own racing career, but in mentoring McQueen and watching him succeed.
This revelation is a turning point for McQueen. He begins to see that his legacy may not be defined by how many races he wins, but by the impact he can have on the next generation of racers. With Smokey’s guidance, McQueen rediscovers the joy of racing, focusing less on winning and more on the love of the sport.
The Climactic Race: A New Beginning
The film builds to its climactic race, the Florida 500, where McQueen is set to compete against Jackson Storm and the other next-gen racers. However, in a surprising twist, McQueen makes a bold decision: he steps out of the race and gives Cruz the opportunity to take his place. With McQueen coaching her from the sidelines, Cruz races with the confidence and skill she had long suppressed.
In a thrilling sequence, Cruz outsmarts Jackson Storm and uses the techniques she learned from McQueen to secure an unexpected victory. The race marks a turning point for both characters—Cruz realizes her dream of becoming a racer, and McQueen embraces his new role as a mentor.
Themes and Messages: Embracing Change and Passing the Torch
Aging and Legacy
One of the central themes of Cars 3 is the inevitability of aging and how one’s legacy is shaped over time. McQueen’s struggle to remain relevant in a rapidly changing sport mirrors the challenges faced by athletes, professionals, and individuals in various fields who must confront the reality that their peak performance years may be behind them.
The film explores the difficult emotions that come with this realization—fear, frustration, and self-doubt. However, Cars 3 ultimately delivers a hopeful message: while aging is inevitable, it doesn’t mean the end of one’s value or contribution. Instead of clinging to past glory, McQueen learns that his true legacy lies in helping others achieve their dreams. This shift from individual success to collective growth reflects the film’s deeper message about the importance of mentorship and passing the torch to the next generation.
The Power of Mentorship
Mentorship is a key theme in Cars 3, with McQueen’s relationship with Doc Hudson serving as the emotional core of the film. Throughout his journey, McQueen reflects on the lessons Doc taught him and realizes that Doc’s greatest joy came from watching McQueen succeed. This realization helps McQueen embrace his new role as a mentor to Cruz, recognizing that guiding her to victory is just as meaningful as winning himself.
The film portrays mentorship as a powerful and fulfilling experience, highlighting the reciprocal nature of the mentor-mentee relationship. While McQueen helps Cruz unlock her potential, Cruz, in turn, helps McQueen rediscover his passion for racing. Their dynamic underscores the idea that mentorship is not about one person having all the answers, but about mutual growth and learning.
Self-Belief and Overcoming Doubt
Cruz’s character arc in Cars 3 is one of self-discovery and empowerment. Throughout the film, Cruz struggles with self-doubt, feeling that she doesn’t belong in the world of competitive racing. Her journey mirrors the experiences of many individuals who feel out of place in their chosen field or believe that they don’t have what it takes to succeed.
Through her relationship with McQueen, Cruz learns to believe in herself and embrace her unique strengths. Her eventual victory in the Florida 500 is a testament to the power of self-confidence and perseverance. Cars 3 sends a strong message to viewers, especially younger audiences, about the importance of believing in oneself and not being limited by others’ expectations.
New Characters and Returning Favorites
Cruz Ramirez: The Breakout Star
Cruz Ramirez is the standout new character in Cars 3. Voiced by Cristela Alonzo, Cruz brings a fresh and dynamic energy to the film. Her journey from a cheerful trainer with unfulfilled dreams to a confident racer who seizes her moment is one of the most compelling aspects of the story.
Cruz’s character also challenges traditional gender roles in the racing world. As a female racer in a predominantly male sport, Cruz’s success serves as a powerful statement about breaking down barriers and pursuing one’s passion, regardless of societal expectations.
Jackson Storm: The Antagonist of Progress
Jackson Storm, voiced by Armie Hammer, is the film’s primary antagonist and represents the new wave of next-gen racers who threaten to render McQueen obsolete. While Storm is undeniably fast and talented, his arrogance and lack of respect for older racers make him a foil to McQueen’s character. Storm’s superiority complex and dismissive attitude toward the traditions of racing underscore the tension between the old and the new.
However, unlike many traditional villains, Storm is not depicted as evil or malicious. Instead, he is a representation of the inevitable progress that comes with technological advancement. His rivalry with McQueen is less about personal animosity and more about the broader theme of generational change.
Smokey and the Racing Legends
Smokey, voiced by Chris Cooper, plays a pivotal role in Cars 3 as the mentor who helps McQueen rediscover his passion for racing. As Doc Hudson’s former crew chief, Smokey represents the wisdom of the past and serves as a bridge between McQueen and Doc’s legacy. Through Smokey’s guidance, McQueen learns that there is value in both teaching and being taught, regardless of age or experience.
The other racing legends introduced in the Thomasville sequence add depth to the film’s exploration of racing history and tradition. These characters highlight the importance of respecting the sport’s roots while embracing the future.
Conclusion: A Fitting Conclusion to the Cars Trilogy
Cars 3 is a heartfelt and emotionally resonant film that brings the Cars trilogy full circle. By focusing on themes of aging, legacy, and mentorship, the film offers a more mature and reflective narrative than its predecessors. Lightning McQueen’s journey from champion to mentor is a powerful and relatable story about the importance of embracing change and finding new ways to contribute to the world.
With stunning animation, memorable new characters like Cruz Ramirez, and a return to the racing roots that made the original Cars so beloved, Cars 3 stands out as a fitting conclusion to the trilogy. It delivers a message of hope and resilience, reminding audiences that no matter where they are in life, they can continue to grow, learn, and make a difference.