Cars 3 (2017)

Kohn considers this the strongest entry in the franchise, a welcome improvement with more mature themes. He praises Cruz Ramirez’s ambition and the film’s emotionally rich, visually intense racing sequences, while noting an aimless middle and a weak finish.

Lazic finds the film imperfect but ultimately moving, praising its classic storytelling and bittersweet conclusion. She singles out the unexpected realization at the end as a particularly beautiful Pixar moment.

The review says the film gets the franchise back on track after the previous film’s spy spoof. It praises the renewed focus on motor racing and Pixar’s attention to visual and verbal detail.

Turan finds the film a warmly sentimental, easygoing success that keeps the franchise rolling. He praises its emotional heft and the way its story explores mentorship and changing realities.

Gleiberman finds the sequel warm, touching, and satisfying, though too formulaic to feel like inspired Pixar artistry. He praises its polished animation and affection for the series, while faulting Cruz Ramirez for being insufficiently distinctive.

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The article text is inaccessible, so the critic’s verdict cannot be determined. No praise or complaint from the review is available to identify.

White finds the film an effective course correction after the second Cars, though it falls short of vintage Pixar. He praises Cruz Ramirez and the story’s clash between old-school determination and new technology, while noting that heart and invention remain somewhat lacking.

O'Sullivan finds the film lazy, though she says it has bright spots. She praises Cruz Ramirez and the gorgeous-looking adventures she shares with Lightning McQueen.

The critic calls it a passable entry in Pixar’s least-loved franchise. The review’s brief verdict singles out the franchise’s weaker standing as the main drawback.

The critic finds Cars 3 polished and improved over its predecessor, but ultimately disposable and far below Pixar’s best. They praise its return to Lightning McQueen and racing, along with a thoughtful look at champions aging out of competition.

The critic finds Cars 3 the least objectionable film in the series but says it falls short of Pixar’s emotional heights. The review praises Cruz as a welcome, well-developed character and appreciates the film’s energetic racing.

The review finds Cars 3 a welcome return after the previous film, but says its leisurely pacing leaves it short of full momentum. It praises the engaging new character Cruz and the film’s striking visuals, while noting its tender tribute to Paul Newman.

Bradshaw finds the film amiable and well-intentioned but ultimately running on empty. He particularly faults its loss of imaginative spark and contrived handling of Lightning McQueen's changing fortunes.

Grierson delivers a negative verdict, suggesting the franchise has run out of gas. He singles out the use of Paul Newman out-takes to revive a character as especially ghoulish.

Hammond finds that the franchise has successfully returned to form, with a story that handles aging and change well. He especially praises the touching sequence honoring Doc Hudson and Paul Newman.

Goldberg finds the film a mature, adequate improvement over Cars 2, but ultimately safe and uninspired. He praises its mentorship and collaboration themes, while faulting it for lacking the ambition of Pixar’s strongest films.

The critic finds Cars 3 an enjoyable, kindhearted return to the first film’s simpler spirit, though it lacks Pixar’s grander ambition. He especially praises the photorealistic racing and richly detailed environments.

The critic finds Cars 3 an enjoyable, thoughtful return to the franchise’s racing roots, though it is messy and its jokes often fall flat. Cruz stands out as the most compelling character, and the review wishes the film had spent more time with her.

Brew finds the film entertaining and visually superb, but frustratingly safe and driven by merchandise priorities. He singles out the stunning visuals and exciting racing, while faulting the weak villain and uninspired storytelling.

Grierson finds the film mediocre and disposable, criticizing its corporate feel and weak storytelling. He praises its visual wonder and cutesy humor, while noting its grace notes about loss and stepping aside.

Spiegel finds the film a clear improvement over Cars 2 but weaker than the original, with a story that takes too long to find its direction. He praises Cristela Alonzo’s nuanced, energetic performance and Cruz’s character, while faulting the film for sidelining her perspective.

The critic finds the film serviceable but neither terrible nor terrific, and sees it as a familiar entry with some surprises. They praise its solid story while faulting the increasingly incoherent premise of the Cars universe.

The critic finds the sequel visually striking and efficiently plotted, but ultimately harmless and unstimulating. They single out its photo-realistic animation for praise, while criticizing the unremarkable script and jokes.