Five Things To Know About Cars 3

Thank you to Disney and Pixar for hosting me during the Cars 3 Event.

Cars 3 is in theaters this Friday! What do you need to know before you head to the movies?

All of your old favorites are back!

The entire gang from Radiator Springs is back in Cars 3. That includes Doc Hudson, showing up in flashbacks and newsreels. You’ll get your fix of Mater, Sally, Flo, Luigi, Filmore, Lizzie and the rest of the gang, too. That said, Cars 3 really is about Lightning McQueen and a host of new characters.

You’ll love Cruz Ramirez.

Speaking of those new characters, Cristela Alonzo voices Cruz, a racing trainer at the Rust-eze Racing Center. Cruz’s journey slightly mirrors Cristela’s own professional journey, with people along the way telling her to dream small so that she doesn’t wind up hurt and disappointed. If you haven’t watched Cristeal’s comedy special Lower Classy, give it a shot. The parallels are easy to see. And make sure you check back in to read our interview with Cristela. It’s coming soon!

It takes on some deep topics without ever getting too heavy.

If you break it down to the simplest of themes, Cars 3 is about aging. Lightning McQueen is getting older. He’s no longer the fastest car on the track. He’s struggling with the inevitable changes that are facing his career. Cruz is also facing a sidelined career that doesn’t live up to her dreams. All of this could create some pretty heavy subject matter. Somehow Cars 3 manages to attack those themes with heart while still maintaining its humor.

It’s perfect for the whole family.

Cars 3 is rated G, and it’s great for a wide variety of ages. Early in the film, there’s a scene of Lightning McQueen crashing, something that you can see in the film’s trailer. I found that to be the most intense scene in the film. There’s no violence, language or adult content. Well, no violence unlesss you consider a demolition derby violent. (Don’t worry. Miss Fritter might be your new favorite character.)

Stay until the end.

There’s a cute post credit scene with Mater. It’s nothing related to a plot point or a hint at Cars 4. It’s just fun. Linger on your way out of the theater to make sure you catch it!

Check out all of the Cars 3 Event Coverage here on As The Bunny Hops. Catch Cars 3 in theaters on June 16th!

Blindsided by a new generation of blazing-fast racers, the legendary Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) is suddenly pushed out of the sport he loves. To get back in the game, he will need the help of an eager young race technician, Cruz Ramirez (voice of Cristela Alonzo), with her own plan to win, plus inspiration from the late Fabulous Hudson Hornet and a few unexpected turns. Proving that #95 isn’t through yet will test the heart of a champion on Piston Cup Racing’s biggest stage!