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Cars

(2006, Rated G, Family and kids, Starring Bonnie Hunt, Paul Newman, Owen Wilson)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 0, age appropriate for kids over 5; suggested age 5.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Pixar comedy is full of four-wheeled fun.

updated 07.04.08

Why We Rated This on for Ages 5 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Characters learn to appreciate one another's differences; some race and ethnic stereotypes.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness :

    Car falls off his transport truck, briefly faces "gang" of cars; rip-roaring chase through small town leaves road torn up.
  • Sexy stuff :

    Chaste flirting between boy and girl cars.
  • Language:

    Use of the word "hell."
  • Consumerism:

    Movie features products renamed for cars to consume; movie tie-in products include Disney toys, Goodyear tires, NASCAR, and McDonald's Happy Meals.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Cars

Parents need to know that the car characters do some pretty raucous racing, careening off walls, trees, and each other. A group of The Fast and the Furious-style vehicles briefly threaten another car. Cars argue with one another, lose their tempers, and look sad or lonely. There's some innocent flirtation between boy and girl cars. Some mild language -- at least one use of "hell." At 116 minutes, it's on the long side for animation and may be too much for some really little kids. But stick around for the closing credits!

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the relationship between the old cars and the newer ones. They have different values. How does the film set up a choice between the current era (selfishness, commercial and celebrity culture run rampant) and a more ethical-seeming past (Doc embodies patience, skill, and dedication to community)? How does Lightning learn to appreciate and also, conveniently, enhance that simpler life?
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Our Members Say

Have You Seen It? Review It!

  • What did you think about Cars?
  •  I think this movie is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

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See all 134 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer
    Age 11
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title off for age 14 and give it 2.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language

    ass hole

  2. Kid Reviewer
    Age 10
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Excessive consumerism

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    I love it

    This movie is awesome! I liked that part when the 4 cars took out the car.

  3. Educator Reviewer
    Lives in New York
    Kids ages: 2, 4, 10, 12
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 3.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language

    pixar please make an edit

    the movie should be rated pg due to the uses hell

  4. Kid Reviewer
    Age 12
    Lives in
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    this movie was the best animated movie of 2006. i loved it.

  5. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in California
    Kids ages: 3, 6, 6, 9
    I rate this title on for age 4 and give it 4.0

    Good Movie

    I have four children 3-8 and they all enjoyed this film

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