Cars 3 – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Cars 3

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2017

78%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Lightning McQueen faces obsolescence and learns that mentoring the next generation might be his greatest race yet—surprisingly thoughtful for a car movie.

6.7/10

70%

6.9

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Cars 3

movie

G, 2017

78%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Lightning McQueen faces obsolescence and learns that mentoring the next generation might be his greatest race yet—surprisingly thoughtful for a car movie.

6.7

70%

6.9

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6.7/10

70%

6.9

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Screenwise Verdict

Cars 3 is the rare third installment that actually has something to say. While Cars 2 was a spy-movie mess, this one returns to the heart of the original with a surprisingly mature story about aging, legacy, and knowing when your value shifts from doing to teaching.

The racing is exciting, Cruz Ramirez is a genuinely great character, and the emotional beats land—especially if you're a parent watching Lightning realize he's not the young hotshot anymore. Kids will enjoy it fine, but this one's really for the adults in the room who suddenly relate to being outpaced by younger, faster versions of themselves.

It's safe, sweet, and more thoughtful than it needs to be. Not groundbreaking, but solid Pixar that won't make you want to drive off a cliff during family movie night.

Age Fit

Best for ages 5-11. Younger kids will enjoy the racing and colorful cars, but the emotional themes about legacy, aging, and mentorship will resonate most with kids 7+ and honestly, their parents. By 12, most kids have moved past Cars unless they're die-hard fans.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Pixar delivers its signature emotionally intelligent storytelling with themes of mentorship, perseverance, and gracefully accepting change. Lightning McQueen learns humility and the value of supporting the next generation. The tone is warm and age-appropriate, modeling cooperation between mentor and student. Some racing tension exists but pacing is balanced for family viewing.

Imaginative

The anthropomorphic car universe is well-established by this third installment, so originality is limited—it's more refinement than innovation. The film explores training montages and racing strategy with some creativity, and the mentor-student dynamic adds fresh perspective to the franchise. However, it doesn't invite much interactive imagination or creative expression beyond typical movie watching.

Safe

Extremely safe for family viewing. No gore, nudity, or inappropriate content. Racing crashes are cartoonish and not graphic—cars get dented, not injured. No surprise death (Hudson Hornet's passing is handled gently and was established in Cars 2). No toxic behavior or scary content. The competitive racing environment is handled with sportsmanship. This is Pixar doing what Pixar does best for safety.

Enriching

Strong themes about aging, legacy, mentorship, and knowing when to pass the torch. Lightning learns that success isn't just about personal glory—it's about lifting others up. Cruz Ramirez's arc tackles imposter syndrome and believing in yourself despite doubters. The film explores how experience and wisdom matter as much as raw talent. Genuinely moving moments about purpose beyond winning. Solid emotional and ethical growth opportunities, though wrapped in a familiar sports-movie formula.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Tackles aging, legacy, and knowing when to step aside with genuine emotional depth—honestly more for parents than kids
Cruz Ramirez is a fantastic role model about overcoming self-doubt and pursuing dreams despite naysayers
The mentorship arc flips the usual formula: Lightning learns his value isn't just in winning, but in lifting others up
Visually stunning racing sequences that are exciting without being scary
Refreshingly mature for a kids' franchise—it's okay to not be #1 forever

⚠

What to Watch For

Some younger kids may find the themes about aging and being 'past your prime' confusing or boring—this really lands better for 7+
Racing crashes are cartoonish but frequent; sensitive kids might worry about characters getting hurt
The pacing is slower and more contemplative than typical animated fare—less slapstick, more feelings
Hudson Hornet's death is referenced (he passed between films); handled gently but worth a heads-up

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think it was hard for Lightning to accept that he was getting older and slower?"
"What made Cruz a good racer even though she didn't believe in herself at first?"
"Have you ever felt like you weren't good enough at something? What helped you?"
"Lightning decided to help Cruz instead of racing himself—would that be hard for you to do?"
"Who's someone older who's taught you something important, like Doc taught Lightning?"

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