I think nostalgia is easily one of the most fascinating things about being human. It produces such strong and complex emotions, all from just a feeling. A feeling that remains from your memories long ago, a sentimental and wistful affection. At least for me, although it is quite bittersweet, nostalgia is something I like to take time to indulge in every once in a while. A way I frequently indulge– the movie Cars.
If I had to guess what movie I’ve seen the most in my life, I’d estimate it’s Cars. Thanks to my mom’s 2008 Honda Odyssey’s fancy-schmancy overhead TV, every car ride featured a movie playing in the background. The Cars DVD typically found its way into the player, as my little brother and I always beat my sister 2 to 1 in the family vote; she clearly just didn’t appreciate true cinema.
Now I’m sure everyone reading this knows the plot of Cars, but as a quick refresher, the story is driven (ha) by Lightning McQueen (above), the arrogant hotshot rookie racecar, who is looking to make history by winning the Piston Cup and signing with the famed company Dinoco. Along the way, he gets lost and trapped in the forgotten town of Radiator Springs, and can’t leave until he fixes the main road that he accidentally destroys. He ends up making some friends like Doc Hudson (above), Sally (last image), and Mater (first image), and comes out of his mess a changed man (car?). A very simple plot, fitting for a kid’s movie, but simple isn’t always synonymous with bad. Most film critics have Cars towards the bottom of their PIXAR rankings, labeling it “recycled”, “dry”, or too simple. But the simplicity is the beauty of this film.
Critics often leave reviews that are overthought and harsh because they don’t realize what the film is trying to achieve. Cars isn’t trying to be anything outrageously inventive or crazy, now the PIXAR tag may throw that off, and the beautiful animation, but the straightforward, obvious, yet heartwarming story is what makes me love this film since I first saw it in the theaters when I was 4 years old. Sometimes simple is what you need, and that’s often what I and many others need in our stress-ridden world. My favorite message in the film is simple too and taken so literally that it’s honestly hilarious.
As Lightning begins to spend more time in Radiator Springs (above), we realize the shortcomings of the town after they were wiped off the map by a nearby interstate highway. Sally laments as she says, “cars didn’t drive on [Route 66] to make great time. They drove on it to have a great time.” Our main character, who literally calls himself speed, says he’s quicker than quick and is obsessed with going fast, yet he ends up in Radiator Springs, a town that is forgotten after a 10-minute shortcut highway is built. Lightning, like Sally, begins to see why it’s important to slow down sometimes. The car that is obsessed with speed, is able to slow down. Lightning then says one of my favorite lines from the film, “Look, they’re drivin’ right by. They don’t even know what they’re missing!” Such a simple message, but one, like those cars driving by, we often forget.
There’s a reason why I’ve seen Cars so many times in my life. I don’t know what it is about this film, but as I’ve gotten older, I cry more and more each time. If I’m ever feeling down, sentimental, or nostalgic, I put it on. This movie defined my childhood, and most importantly me. Cars is one of PIXAR’s greatest feats, a cornerstone of their blossoming filmography, and a core memory for millions of kids growing up in the 2000s.
P.S. I can’t forget Cars’ phenomenal soundtrack, with the likes of “Life is a Highway”, “Real Gone”, “Route 66”, and “Sh-Boom”, which makes the film all the better.
Oh, and one of the cleanest scenes ever.
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Ok, I know I am going to get heat by saying this, but I don’t think I ever saw Cars. I know, I know, how could I have not seen such a classic, and as you put it, a Pixar Staple? Well, I always remember my summer camp playing Cars (I specifically remember loving the spy one because I loved spies as a kid), but I don’t think I ever paid that much attention to the original. Knowing me, I was probably playing Rummy, Palacaids, or Math 24. I definitely need to watch Cars though because I have recently become more interested in them through my boyfriend. I have seen Ford v Ferrari, Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift, but not a classic like Cars. However, I am no stranger to Life is a Highway and even though I have never seen Cars, I always equate that song to Cars.
After reading your blog I now want to rewatch Cars just like what you said, the nostalgic aspect of it! Right now, I am reading a book that Cars was one of the first movies that Disney and Pixar worked on it together. The fact that I haven’t thought about Cars in forever, yet it is such a great movie, is a little embarrassing. To bring some nostalgia to you, have you thought about rewatching Monsters Inc.? That movie smacks.
Cars was such an iconic movie for me, so I totally agree with your selection! “Life is a Highway” was one of the first songs I remember being absolutely obsessed with. I had it on a playlist with the song “I’m Riding Solo” and other hits of the 00’s, and it went so hard. Although it was a children’s movie, the idea of “slowing down” and noticing the beauty of life can hit hard for anybody.
I love the personality of your posts! I’ll see you next week 🙂
I couldn’t agree more with this entire post. The simplicity of Cars is what makes it great. Even now it is a great way to just turn my brain off for a little and enjoy a good story – there is no thinking needed. I watch it at least 3 or 4 times a year, and my friends and I watched it just a few weeks ago. It will forever be a classic to our generation (I hope).
Noa,
GREAT WORK! I forgot how much I loved the Cars movies and you have just inspired me to watch one after THON weekend. These movies are cinematic masterpieces that are frequently overlooked. I think you portrayed these in a new light and were able to put your own spin on them, which made it very enjoyable for readers. I would have thoroughly enjoyed a mini-clip from the movie but that’s okay… I’m just kidding, this was still overall a really well-done post and you successfully made me want to rewatch this movie. The pictures included made up for the amount of time that has passed since I last watched this movie, but this will now be the next thing I do. Great work on this post and I wish I got to read some of your other ones. KACHOW!
I listened to “Life is a Highway” on repeat as a 5 year old because of this movie. It’s also probably the movie I’ve watched most, since I saw it too many times to count when I was little. I haven’t watched it in a while, but maybe I should pull it out for a little refresher, like I did for Monster’s Inc. a few weeks ago (another all time great).
I would certainly disagree with anyone who tries to rank Cars towards the bottom of their Pixar ratings lists. Although it doesn’t have the incredibly meaningful symbolism, meaning, and significance that are tied into many other Pixar movies, it is still fantastic. The characters are fun and easy to sympathize with, the plot is engaging and makes for a good storyline, and the franchise itself was so popular that it was able to produce two other Cars movies! I mean, they even made a Cars land in Disneyland so it has to hold some level of success. Cars is honestly such a great film, with a wonderful message and a fantastic soundtrack, so thanks for writing about it! Great post.
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