“Cars” tackles complex themes while still remaining a fun family film. (Courtesy of Twitter)

As Editor in Chief of The Fordham Ram, I often feel pressure to write extremely intelligent, well-thought-out articles. So, for my final Editor’s Pick, I felt compelled to choose something brilliant to talk about. Maybe a classic novel or a festival film, but that wouldn’t be honest. I really want to write about one of my favorite movies of all time, the greatest Pixar movie ever created, “Cars.”

If you’ve ever talked to me for an extended period, there’s a good chance I’ve brought up my love of “Cars.” Not “Cars 2.” “Cars 3” was okay, but the original “Cars” is a masterpiece. Since coming to college, I have probably watched “Cars” once every two months. 

Pinpointing why I actually love “Cars” is a difficult task, mainly because I don’t have an exact reason. But I think it all surrounds the movie’s plot and symbolism. 

“Cars” follows a hot-shot race car, Lightning McQueen, voiced by Owen Wilson, as he navigates the little town of Radiator Springs after accidentally ending up there. Radiator Springs is a perfect caricature of a small, run-down, western American town. After initially being disgusted by the town, Lightning McQueen finds the beauty within the space and other cars there. 

The music itself is worth a paragraph or two of this article. “Life is a Highway” by Rascal Flatts is one of the shining stars. It is tailored to “Cars,” and it also encapsulates the film’s broader themes. Not to mention, it makes you smile the second it starts playing. The first song on the soundtrack, “Real Gone” by Sheryl Crow, is hands down one of my favorites; it’s just so fun to listen to. The entire soundtrack is emotional but also makes you want to dance. I am no music expert; I only know that it works for me. But don’t take it from me. Take it from my roommate, a singer and musician, Madeline Ryan, FCRH ’24, who perked up the second I started playing “Real Gone.” “This slaps. The ‘Cars’ soundtrack is excellent,” said Ryan. 

The plot is fun and deep, which is always the best combination. The racing scenes are fast-paced and entertaining. Watching the cars zoom around the track is almost hypnotic, even though they are just cartoons. The crowd cheering and anxiety of the entire track make the scenes fun to watch. 

But what makes “Cars” so special is the layered plot. Having a multilevel plot is typical for animated movies. While the genre is typically targeted towards kids, it often attacks complex topics for kids. Whether it’s “Inside Out” addressing growing up and mental health or “Luca” talking about friendship and moving away from home, deeper themes often lie below the surface in children’s movies. “Cars” strikes the balance perfectly of having a more profound element present, but not having it overpower being a fun, animated kid’s movie. 

Coming to college and starting a new life away from home and the people you know is incredibly intimidating. But as a senior, the idea of my life post-graduation is even more intimidating. Facing the job market and building a new life without the training wheels of meeting people in classes and a meal plan is terrifying. Luckily for me, one of the key pillars of the “Cars” plot deals with this very concept. 

Lightning McQueen is selfish. He doesn’t care about anyone else until his horizons are broadened in Radiator Springs, where he changes for the better. Moving into new environments and exposing yourself to new people is crucial for self-improvement. In college and after, keeping that mentality is important. When I first got to Fordham, I felt like a fish out of water. I didn’t know anyone, and I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life. Now, I’ve met some of my best friends and know what I want to do, at least for the next few years. Moving on to the next phase of my life, I need to remember how coming to a new place changed me for the better, despite my initial fear. Being a little scared and a little uncomfortable is good, and “Cars” conveys that change and opening yourself up to people is good. 

In “Cars,” Lightning McQueen is challenged for the first time and taken away from everything he knows. And he can either be miserable in the change or make it work. For this turbulent era of college and early post-grad life, I recommend taking a page from “Cars” and try to see the beauty of wherever you are. I know I will.