Cars 3: Evolution

Talking or otherwise humanized cars are truly nothing new in film history. The wise K.I.T.T. from the cult series Knight Rider or the lovable taxi from the semi-animated film Roger Rabbit were just as popular with audiences as the speechless but still very human Beetle Herbie and his German cousin DuDu. What all these successful movie cars had in common was that they seemed so charming, especially through their interactions with their human co-stars. Then 11 years ago, John Lasseter proved that this also works completely without humans, proving quite entertainingly that cars are just people too!

While Cars was neither one of the best, nor one of the most popular films from the PIXAR stable, it still got a successful sequel in 2011. And with merchandise for the films selling like crazy, Lightning McQueen and friends now get to compete for a third time. In his new big-screen adventure, the popular racing speedster has to realize that he himself is now old news and that a new generation of racing cars is waiting in the wings to knock him off the pedestal. With better technology, more modern parts and plenty of youthful arrogance, cars like Jackson Storm are leaving the former star far behind. But Lightning McQueen isn't about to let himself be sidelined so easily. With the help of trainer Cruz Ramirez, he wants to get back to the top. But he'll need more than a few new parts under the hood to do it.

There's no question about it: the animations in Cars 3: Evolution are terrific. The landscapes breathtakingly beautiful and the myriad of background details simply brilliant. But as technically perfect as the film may be, it is weak on the dramaturgical side. It is to the credit of the makers around director Brian Fee that after the excursion into the world of the spy movie they return to the beginnings in part 2. But unfortunately, they came up with little new in the process, which would somehow enrich the already not particularly exciting story of the first film.

It's unfortunate that Cars 3: Evolution is almost boring for long stretches. The gags are very weak for the most part, you are actually rarely made to laugh heartily. This is what distinguishes the film from other PIXAR works. It lacks the occasional profound joke that made films like Alles steht Kopf and Oben such wonderful cinematic experiences. Cars 3: Evolution does have its share of well-done moments, but overall it's too well-behaved and the Disney signature is too evident for the story to truly engage.

For small Lightning McQueen fans, there are still enough funny and exciting moments to give them an entertaining visit to the cinema. Otherwise, however, Cars 3: Evolution is one of those films where the prequel exudes a lot more heart, wit and originality than the actual main film. And so: Only for real fans absolutely worth seeing, for all others a little disappointing and tough!

An article by Frankfurt-Tipp