New ‘Cars 3’ trailer focuses on rivalry, technology

The original "Cars" may not be the most beloved of animated films, but it sure made Disney and Pixar a lot of money, which is why it exploded into a franchise that covers toys, games, offshoots, and now another sequel in the form of "Cars 3."

Disney recently dropped a new "Cars 3" trailer, which gives us a better feel of the rivalry between Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) and newcomer Jackson Storm (Armie Hammer).





The movie's official synopsis reads:

“Blindsided by a new generation of blazing-fast racers, the legendary Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) is suddenly pushed out of the sport he loves. To get back in the game, he will need the help of an eager young race technician, Cruz Ramirez, with her own plan to win, plus inspiration from the late Fabulous Hudson Hornet and a few unexpected turns. Proving that #95 isn’t through yet will test the heart of a champion on Piston Cup Racing’s biggest stage.”

The story seems fairly simple. Protagonist gets beaten by rival. Protagonist improves through training, then tries to beat rival again. It’s like “Rocky,” only it revolves around sentient race cars instead of sweaty, smelly boxers.

According to Disney, Jackson Storm is equipped with the latest technological advancements that effectively make him the perfect, unbeatable race car. This is, perhaps, one of the most interesting things about “Cars 3,” as it reflects a very real phenomenon: the rise of hi-tech, computer-assisted super cars. 

Kiel Murray and Bob Peterson had this in mind when writing the movie’s screenplay. Today, the future of motorsports is in question, as race car drivers are facing the possibility of one day becoming obsolete thanks to new technologies.

For example, in November 2016, the Roborace motorsport series specifically revolved around driver-less race cars. While it proved an important opportunity for experimentation, it did remove the one thing that makes racing so exciting: the human element.

“Having imperfect humans as the drivers gives the variables that make racing so fun. Some guys race harder and burn up the tires,” said one commenter in a Nascar subreddit. “Some guys make mistakes and spin or get into another car. Or they just briefly lose control, and fall back a few spots. Taking the drivers out would be like taking 95 percent of the appeal of racing away.”

In its pitting of McQueen against the technologically superior Storm, “Cars 3” will explore the extremely human theme of the fear of obsolescence in the technological age.

“Cars 3” features voice work by Cristela Alonzo, who plays McQueen's trainer Cruz Ramirez, as well as Tony Shalhoub, Bonnie Hunt, Larry the Cable Guy, Cheech Marin, Paul Dooley, Katherine Helmond, Darrell Waltrip, and Angel Oquendo.

“Cars 3” opens in cinemas this June 16. — AT, GMA News