Common Sense Media Review
Pixar comedy is full of four-wheeled fun.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Cars
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 125 parent reviews
Parents say that while this movie is beloved for its heartwarming themes of friendship, humility, and character growth, it has come under scrutiny for its use of inappropriate language and some mild innuendos that may not be suitable for younger audiences. Many reviews highlight that despite its entertaining plot and engaging animation, there are concerns regarding its suitability for children, particularly regarding the language and some suggestive humor that could influence young viewers negatively.
- positive messages
- language concerns
- family favorite
- character growth
- age appropriateness
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 179 kid reviews
Kids say that the movie offers a mix of positive and negative elements; while many praise its entertaining characters and moral lessons about friendship and humility, some criticize it for having inappropriate language and adult jokes that might not be suitable for younger audiences. Overall, it seems to be a nostalgic favorite for many who grew up with it, even as some viewers caution parents about its content.
- great characters
- moral lessons
- inappropriate language
- nostalgic favorite
- mixed reviews
- family-friendly
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
As his name suggests, Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) is all about speed in CARS. A hotshot red stock car who's poised to be the next champion -- Lightning wants to win the coveted Piston Cup. As the movie begins, he hits the track in a race against two legendary race cars. A dead-heat finale sends these three key contenders off to a showdown. Lightning boards his transport truck Mack (John Ratzenberger) and aims west along Route 66, but he's sidetracked when he falls off the truck in a small town where he meets his life teachers, including Sarge the reveille-playing, surplus-selling Jeep (Paul Dooley), Ramone the hyper-detailed lowrider (Cheech Marin), and new best friend, Mater the tow truck (Larry the Cable Guy) provides the requisite proud-to-be-a-redneck jokes. Sentenced to community service, Lightning tries to escape but eventually gives in. Lightning grumbles on the night shift, but by day, he discovers the beauty of the western landscape, all big skies and grand canyons, the sort of mythic imagery that, according to the movie's nostalgia, families once drove across country to consume.
Is It Any Good?
Colorful and often charming, this film renders its nostalgia for a mythic past via state-of-the-art technologies. But once Lightning settles into the small town, the door opens for marketing opportunities. Cars reframes many youthful fancies as consumable objects, ensuring that movie and NASCAR tie-in products will be in circulation.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the relationship between the old cars and the newer ones in Cars. 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?
How do the characters in Cars demonstrate humility and integrity? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 9, 2006
- On DVD or streaming : November 7, 2006
- Cast : Bonnie Hunt , Owen Wilson , Paul Newman
- Directors : Joe Ranft , John Lasseter
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Pixar Animation Studios
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Transportation ( Cars & Trucks ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Humility , Integrity
- Run time : 116 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : all audiences
- Last updated : December 21, 2025
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