Running on Pixie Dust: Cars 3

Lightning McQueen races back into theaters nationwide on June 16 in the latest Disney/Pixar hit, Cars 3. In the newest film, McQueen and the Rust-eze racing team face a new challenge on the race track as next generation rookies are taking the circuit by storm. Lightning McQueen works with a new trainer, Cruz Ramirez, to get back into top racing shape. But will it be enough? How far will the latest and greatest technology take the number 95 and how far will your heart carry you through tough times?

One of the new stars in Cars 3 is Cruz Ramirez. She is a next generation trainer who is looking to take Lightning McQueen to the next level. What's really to love about her though is a girl who is strong, smart, and very real. Ramirez faces her own insecurities during her training of McQueen, but in the end she also learns that with encouragement from friends you can achieve even your wildest dreams. McQueen also finds inspiration from friends and a mentor of his old crew chief, Doc Hudson. The educator in me really enjoys how much these movies pay tribute to the "teachers" along the way and Cars 3 is certainly no exception.

And it wouldn't be a film staring Lightning McQueen and his best friend Tow Mater if there wasn't a few good laughs along the way. One of the funniest scenes finds McQueen at a Demolition Derby where we meet some pretty off the beaten path characters, including a school bus named Miss Fritter. Call me crazy, but if I was writing a Cars 4, I could totally see Miss Fritter being a love interest of Tow Mater - just wishful thinking though on my part!

Without offering any spoilers, I can say that this movie is endearing, inspiring, and fun for the whole family. Kids will love the laughs and the fast paced racing, while grown-ups will enjoy the heart of each character and may even find themselves relating to what it means to be getting older in a society that is rapidly changing around them. Be sure to check it out to kick off your summer season!

Like CARS on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PixarCars/

Follow CARS on Twitter: https://twitter.com/pixarcars

Follow CARS on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pixarcars/

Subscribe to the Disney/Pixar YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/user/DisneyPixar

Visit the official CARS 3 website here: http://movies.disney.com/cars-3

Disclosure: I attended a free screening of the film to share a review with my readers. Opinions and thoughts are always my own!