Can Lightning McQueen stage a comeback?
If you read the premise of "Cars 3", which will be released on June 16, then you know that Walt Disney Pictures and Pixar Animation Studios are about to do a gamble on a trilogy that would make a first in studio history. It was the first Pixar film to garner negative reviews from critics, and they were referring to "Cars 2" (2011). Both studios could have focused on "The Incredibles 2". Brad Bird, who still does the screenwriting and directing duties again, is keeping this sequel under wraps. He has good reasons to do it, as this superhero film will be one of the most anticipated features of 2018. (And it will be out before "Ant-Man and the Wasp".)
"Cars" may not be among the most memorable Pixar films, but it was a crowd pleaser. This so-called road film is brimming with charm. Viewers would get hooked to John Lasseter's laidback approach to Lightning McQueen's adventure. This flashy red car is a hybrid between a stock car and a Le Mans endurance racer, which should pique the curiosity of race car driving fans. A sequel would be expected, but a spy tale was a wrong choice. Brian Fee, a storyboard artist for Pixar, will helm "Cars 3". If the premise is of any indication, then Fee will return to film's humble beginnings. Let's assess its strengths and shortcomings:
Radiators Springs is the United Nations on the historic U. S. Route 66. The most delightful aspect about "Cars" is the melting pot that is Radiators Springs. Ramone, a 1959 Chevrolet Impala Lowrider, speaks with a Mexican accent. Luigi, a 1959 Fiat 500, has a haughty Italian accent. (Guido, who resembles an Isetta, is his snotty sidekick.) Mater, a 1951 International Harvester L-170 "boom" truck, sounds like a neighbor with a working-class background. Lasseter couldn't think of a better bunch of characters, who would give Lightning McQueen an eye opener. Can they put the audience under a spell again? The odds are against them, but McQueen seemed like a four-wheeled Rocky Balboa in this third installment. Sylvester Stallone may (or may not) have the Midas touch.
No one wants to miss Paul Newman. Doc Hudson was Paul Newman's final role, but "Cars" won't be his final work. (He was the narrator in "Dale" and "The Meerkats".) Newman's voice will be heard one more time (via archives), but it remains to be seen if it will be necessary or not. After all, no one pays attention to the actor behind the animated character. One brief scene seems good enough, as Fee won't milk it for all its worth. The next item is related to this one.
Who misses Mater? Larry the Cable Guy was the voice behind Mater, who almost stole the scene from Lightning Queen (Owen Wilson) and Doc Hudson (Paul Newman). It was understandable that Mater's down-to-earth demeanor boomeranged on the sequel. (A boom truck won't endure the long hours of traveling.) Will the hardcore fans have enough of Mater? This one is hard to tell, but sentimental feelings will favor this fellow.
Who can beat Tom Cochrane? "Life is a Highway" was so good, such that it would be more than enough for the "Cars" soundtrack. The sequel featured "You Might Think" (by The Cars) and "Polyrhythm" by Yasutaka Nakata, both of which weren't catchy enough to be remembered after the summer's end. Randy Newman's score will be included in "Cars 3", a mix-up of pop and rock tunes. Hopefully, Disney and Pixar have approached Cochrane about it.
Can Owen Wilson charm the crowd one more time? He was Wes Anderson's muse (and one of the director's screenwriters). He was also an A-list comedian. Both seemed like yesteryear, which should worry Disney and Pixar a bit. If "Cars 3" falls below expectations, then Wilson can look forward to his collaboration with Lawrence Sher in "Bastards". (It will be out before Christmas Day.) It will be the directorial debut of Sher, best known as the cinematographer in "The Hangover" (2009). Expect Santa Claus to bring along a bunch of idiots, but it will be up to the viewers.
Here's the verdict: "Cars 3" will be a modest (box-office) success.
