My Thoughts on Cars

 

Cars (2006). A sports comedy film produced by Pixar Animation Studios, directed by John Lasseter.

By now, we all know what Cars is about. But if you don't, here is a quick rundown:

Lightning McQueen, an anthropomorphic racing car with the confidence and swagger to reach the moon, is participating in the prestigious Piston Cup to be crowned champion. He blows a tire and finishes his race in the three-way tie. To break the tiebreaker, he and the other two race cars are set to meet in California in one week’s time. On his way to California he is left behind by his transport Mack and finds himself lost trying to find Mack. He ends up in a small rural town called Radiator Springs as he wrecks the town in pursuit of Mack and the escape of the police. Once apprehended he is required to repair the road. During this time repaying his debt he develops strong relationships with the townsfolk and grows fondly of them. He learns the origin of the doc of the town, realizing he is a race car of legend, having won himself three Piston Cups in his time. McQueen learns to appreciate the town and the people residing in it. He drops the egotistical act and humbles himself during this time. In the climax of the film, after completing his debt, McQueen is found by his transport and makes his way to California for the most anticipated race of his life. McQueen amounts an incredible comeback after crashing and takes a commanding lead, applying all the things he learned from the townsfolk of Radiator Springs. Right when he is about to claim victory, he stops. The doc’s influence is ever-present, as McQueen rescues a broken down The King, pushing him to cross the finish line as McQueen claims a humble placement of third. To conclude the story, McQueen, despite losing, is offered a sponsorship he has always dreamed of, but he declines. Instead, McQueen would rather remain with his old sponsorship - a nod to his change of heart and mindset. He then returns to his friends and Radiator Springs, looking to further the town and his career there under the tutelage of the doc.

What captivates me about this film is despite the fact that this movie is about fictional anthropomorphic vehicles, its themes are very much human. We are introduced to a very cocky and brash race car in Lightning McQueen, an individual who has no respect for others and only wants for himself. This is a glaring flaw of his and throughout the film and his interactions with the “everyday townsfolk” of Radiator Springs, do we se him change for the better. He becomes kind, selfless, and even develops a meaningful relationship with Sally, the doc, Mater, and the rest. The film comes full circle, where he starts his journey alone, but ends up with a pit crew, a love interest, a mentor, and a much more grounded and humble mentality which everyone can respect. It is a journey of growth that proves that even people with the most grotesque and selfish of personalities can change given the right circumstances.