It’s not so much bad as it is deeply dispiriting. And from Randy Newman’s by-the-numbers score to every single one of Mater’s tired quips, Cars 3 plays out like a rival studio’s lukewarm attempt to mimic Pixar’s magic. There isn’t one interesting new character, despite the effort from Hammer, Kerry Washington, Nathan Fillion, and Chris Cooper as Lightning’s cranky new trainer. But where at least Cars 2 consciously tried to go in a radically different direction, Cars 3 feels like a tame holding pattern, providing the race sequences and heartwarming homilies that were rampant in the first film - except without the same level of inspiration. Yes, the dopey Tow Mater is, blessedly, back on the periphery where he belongs while Lightning (Owen Wilson) squares off with two new foes: a sleek race car named Jackson Storm (Armie Hammer) and, more imposingly, the growing realization that he’s not the king of the track anymore. Not exactly a high bar … and we’re not even convinced this film gets over it. ![]() The worst you can say is that, at this point, Pixar is fighting a losing battle trying to live up to its own glorious past.Įarly reviews of Cars 3 praised the latest installment in the Lightning McQueen saga for, essentially, not being Cars 2, the only Pixar film to receive a “rotten” rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Some of these movies work better than others, but all of them are trying to do something special - even if, in recent years, it seems like the studio’s magic has started to wane. We tried to keep context in mind - Toy Story had an ability to blow your mind in 1995 the way nothing could today - and also ambition: In the world of children’s entertainment, nothing has set Pixar apart more than its burning desire not to coast or mail it in. None of these movies is bad, but when you’ve made 27 films, one of them has to be No. Trying to rank all 27 Pixar feature films in order of quality is like trying to rank your children by how much you love them. This previously published story has been updated to include Elemental. If you want to learn more about Roth’s “Monster Hot Rod” art form, including the legacy of Rat Fink and hot rod culture, check out the great 2006 documentary, Tales of the Rat Fink.Photo-Illustration: Vulture Photos: Disney/Pixar, Moviestore/Shutterstock, Disney/Pixar/Kobal/Shutterstock Rat Fink’s presence lessened as the hot rod era passed, but his likeness made a reappearance in the 1980s and ’90s in the grunge rock movement, with some bands using the artwork for album covers, concert posters, and promotional materials. Despite never actually appearing in his own animated productions, Rat Fink was–for a time–one of the most recognizable characters around. This new character, Rat Fink, immediately caught on after appearing in a Car Craft magazine ad in 1963, showing up on shirts, wallets, keychains, toys, stickers, and much more. The character’s friends included other characters Drag Nut, Mother’s Worry, and Mr. Roth designed a mascot to promote his custom car kits and art brand he created a grotesque green/grey rat with wild eyes and sharp teeth–an intentional opposite of the wholesome Mickey Mouse which Roth disliked. He’s recognizable for his crazed look, unattractive body, gaping mouth, and overalls with his initials on them. Called “Weirdo shirts,” the style caught on among enthusiasts at car shows across America in what’s known as the “Kustom Kulture scene.” In the late 1950s, artist Big Daddy Roth received attention for his twisted, surreal designs, which he printed and sold on T-shirts. ![]() Over the years, the hot rod community has developed its own unique culture with unique styles, appeals, and leaders. One prominent product from hot rod culture which enthusiasts recognize but the general community often doesn’t is the Rat Fink character.Ī cartoon creation of artist Ed “Big Daddy” Roth, Rat Fink is a brash, grotesque character that lives on as a symbol of a motoring era. You’ve probably seen this green menace before, but do you know what it is?
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