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Cars 3 Review

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Cars 3 Review

Review Ratings

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Production Value: 
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final_score: 7.2
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final_score: 7.2
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final_score: 7.2
Content: 
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final_score: 7.2
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final_score: 7.2
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final_score: 7.2
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Personal Enjoyment: 
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final_score: 7.2
Overall Popularity: 
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final_score: 7.2
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final_score: 7.2
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final_score: 7.2
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final_score: 7.2
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final_score: 7.2

Final Review Score

7.2 / 10

Great

Directed by Brian Fee (storyboard artist on the first two films) in his directorial debut, Cars 3 (2017) returned Pixar Animation Studios’ automotive franchise to its emotional roots. Stripping away the global espionage tropes of its predecessor, the film delivered a mature, grounded sports drama about aging, mentorship, and passing the torch. In this detailed Cars 3 movie review, we examine how Owen Wilson, Cristela Alonzo, Armie Hammer, photorealistic racing physics, and Randy Newman’s score brought Lightning McQueen’s journey to a fulfilling full circle.

The Next-Gen Threat, Thunder Hollow, and the Legacy of Doc Hudson

The story catches up with legendary Piston Cup champion Lightning McQueen (voiced by Owen Wilson) as he faces a new generation of ultra-sleek, high-tech racers led by the arrogant Jackson Storm (voiced by Armie Hammer). After a horrific rollover crash pushes McQueen to the brink of forced retirement, he resolves to get back on the track. Backed by new Rust-eze owner Sterling (voiced by Tom Kane), McQueen is paired with enthusiastic race technician Cruz Ramirez (voiced by Cristela Alonzo). Struggling with high-tech simulators, McQueen takes Cruz back to grass-roots racing—including a wild demolition derby at Thunder Hollow against Miss Fritter (voiced by Lea DeLaria)—and seeks out Doc Hudson’s old mentor, Smokey (voiced by Chris Cooper), in Thomasville to rediscover his racing purpose.

Owen Wilson, Cristela Alonzo, and the Mentor Dynamic

Owen Wilson delivers his most subtle and heartfelt performance as Lightning McQueen, capturing the vulnerability of an elite athlete confronting his physical limits. Cristela Alonzo shines as Cruz Ramirez, providing dynamic energy, humor, and an inspiring backstory about unfulfilled racing dreams. The film honors the legacy of the late Paul Newman through unused voice outtakes from the original 2006 film, weaving Doc Hudson‘s presence into the narrative as McQueen learns that mentoring others can be even more rewarding than winning trophy cups.

Mud-Splattered CGI Realism, Dirt Tracks, and Randy Newman’s Score

Technically, Cars 3 represents Pixar’s most visually realistic racing simulation. Animators perfected mud splatter, tire smoke, metal destruction at Thunder Hollow, and rain reflections along Florida’s coastline. The contrast between Jackson Storm’s sharp, carbon-fiber aerodynamics and Thomasville’s weathered dirt tracks highlights the film’s central theme of old versus new. Composer Randy Newman returned with a driving blues-rock and orchestral score that echoed classic American racing cinema.

The Final Verdict

Ultimately, this Cars 3 review celebrates a deeply satisfying, emotionally rich, and visually impressive entry in Pixar’s filmography. Driven by Brian Fee’s focused direction, strong vocal chemistry between Owen Wilson and Cristela Alonzo, incredible racing sequences, and a powerful message about legacy and empowerment, it provides the perfect capstone to Lightning McQueen’s story.

Information

  • Title: Cars 3
  • Release Date: June 16, 2017
  • Director: Brian Fee
  • Key Cast: Owen Wilson, Cristela Alonzo, Armie Hammer, Chris Cooper, Nathan Fillion, Lea DeLaria, Kerry Washington, Larry the Cable Guy
  • Genre: Animation, Sports, Drama, Comedy, Family

This post is part of Pixar Movies Ranked