Cars Isn't About Racing

An essay, a video essay. 17 years since Cars graced our screens. Yet, not a single worthy analysis in sight. A fleeting novelty or a timeless classic? A masterpiece or mere mediocrity? Let's embark on this journey as if it were our last.
On June 21, 2023, IndieWire, a respected film publication, released a ranking of 27 Pixar films from worst to best. To call the list subjective is an understatement. You won't believe that "Brave" ranked higher than "Coco" and "Toy Story 4". But the real shocker was their 20th place choice... The Cars trilogy languished near the bottom, prompting me to seek justice elsewhere. Vulture, Collider, Rotten Tomatoes-the rankings varied, but one thing stayed constant. The first Cars movie never climbed above 18th place. Did the Academy recognize its worth? Wait, who did it lose to? Oh no. What frustrates me most is the skepticism many harbor towards this film, not even trying to grasp the emotions, motives, or philosophy behind it. Now, let’s delve into what this movie is about, how it works, and why Lightning McQueen isn’t about speed, but quite the opposite. Here’s an analysis of the first film in the Cars franchise. Enjoy.
0:00 Teaser
0:20 Introduction: Is Cars underrated?
2:19 History: The influence of John Lasseter's journey
4:51 Steve Jobs and John Lasetter's interview
6:10 First 3D animated film ever
7:34 Cars Premiere
9:40 First glance
12:17 Pixar's signature move
17:16 Narrative doubles
22:15 Chekhov's guns
24:08 Outro: The idea of the film

[@Vincente22]

I'm glad someone else is on the same page LMAO- the "racing world" as McQueen sees it in the beginning of the film is the antithesis of what Cars is suggesting we point our life's ambition towards. McQueen brings life to the sport by REJECTING the fast lane and EMBRACING teamwork, small town beauty, and individuality. Seriously though I love the film school way of analyzing this that you did here and I'm happy that my own video essay isn't the only one trying to take Cars seriously ahaha

[@AhmedAamir185]

18 years later, Cars still holds up as my #1 all-time favorite Pixar movie!!

[@user-qy3cm4dv1n]

Cars is so underrated!