I agree 'Cars 3' improves upon 'Cars 2', not by much though.

The story for this does feel more rounded than the preceding film, even if it ends rather lamely. The whole production builds up around Lightning McQueen, rightly, before strangely having a conclusion that focuses on newbie Cruz Ramirez. I like the idea of what they were going for, but the way the do it is actually quite poor - it feels too forced, as well as chucking most of the development for McQueen across acts one and two out the window.

With that said, it isn't a massive hindrance. I still had a fun time with this. Owen Wilson remains good as McQueen, while Cristela Alonzo gives an accomplished performance as Ramirez. One thing I do rate about Alonzo is that Disney didn't go down the obvious, lovey-dovey route with her.

None of the rest of the cast standout all that much, though it's cool to hear Kerry Washington as Natalie Certain. Mater (Larry the Cable Guy) is arguably underused, which is weird as he is overused in the 2011 sequel - they don't seem to know how to fit him in ideally.

The overall premise itself is interesting, while the animation remains in top gear. The ending doesn't fit perfectly for me, but I can still recommend that you give this a viewing.

The 3rd Cars movie in the series is fine. Just fine, it will work well if you are trying to get your kids to calm down or just want them distracted for an hour and a half. They are for sure not going to care if the movie is just a repeat of the original.

For the people that do care then yes it is almost a carbon copy (story wise) of the first film. I believe it does a better job at the story but since we've seen this before it isn't as impactful as the first one was. Like most Pixar movies this one is heartfelt but doesn't quite pull it off by the time the movie is over.

There is something you would consider a "twist" in the last 15 minutes of the movie but if you pay attention at all you can see it coming a mile away. I 50/50 on the twist though. Half of me appreciated it but the other half wanted to see it go the "normal" way however it would've been way more boring if it had.

Overall Cars 3 gave the ending to this mediocre series it deserved. Nothing special about it.

Though it's good... It's just Cars all over again. From the "fish out of water" story to the "training" theme. It just feels like a repeat of the previous two films. Though better than the second movie, it failed to reach to the heart that the first gave. Pushing the female lead too hard and forcing the villain of the movie to be way too obvious for the now fan-base the series has accumulated.

Pixar has obviously tried again with this third film in the Cars franchise but didn't nail it where it needed. What it did need, was a better plot, a better set of antagonists, and even a better-refined set of protagonists. It was just, a cliche movie, designed to sell more toys. Pixar couldn't really work with much, as they only seemed to want to make one.

Unlike Toy Story. They didn't have a great story or world to begin with to make another two movies that would turn out as good or better than the original. With non-interesting characters that don't return for the majority or at all throughout the series, it isn't cohesive and falls under because of that.

I'd watch it again happily if the opportunity was given to me by a friend or if I decided to binge all the Pixar movies again. Not a needed addition to the franchise and I don't doubt if we get another because of the introduction of some characters in this movie. But it's not bad either, and it is watchable even by yourself as an adult.

**The new age begins!**

Having seen enough animated feature that possible eligible for the 2018 Oscars, I'm really disappointed with the result of some of the big titles. Yes, including this one, not big films, except 'Coco' are up to any impressive. The bright side is, after a long time, 2D animation might win. This was an okay film. Though I liked the story outline, but did not like how it all was narrated.

I have seen the evolution of 'Harry Potter'. I meant the cast, particularly the main three. For a decade, the little kids grew into older teenagers. But for an animation character, there's no concept of ageing. They always remain same. This film just gave a new perspective. I mean it talked about being or growing old and how it impacts our lives. That we can't hold forever our safe position. Sooner or later, the youngsters will take over it.

McQueen is enjoying his racing, competing with his friendly opponents. But it all changes when a young rookie rewrites the history. Without able to cope with the new generation and their aggression, how McQueen and Co like to counter the latest threat is the film's story. Liked such inspiring storyline. I mean it would inspire more the middle aged people than anybody else. But it is a fun film for all ages, particularly the kids. It is just like turning 'Rambo' into 'Creed', I just want a new beginning in the next sequel.

_7/10_

A worthy follow up to the original film, miles better than Cars 2. They wisely focus the action back on Lightnin' McQueen and keep Mater to a bare minimum. It's not going to change lives, but a solid animated feature nonetheless. Even when Pixar is coasting they still deliver a very pretty looking film, albeit a little shallow.

One thing bugs me though, why in a world of anthropomorphic vehicles, with no signs of humans, do they have door handles...?