Cars - 2006

Movie Info

Rating: G

Age-appropriateness: some subtle adult references

Overview: A hot-shot race-car named Lightning McQueen gets waylaid in Radiator Springs, where he finds the true meaning of friendship and family. This movie clearly depicts pride and the negative effects of it. It also provides the antidote: that life is truly about serving others, not ourselves.

Themes: cars, identity, pride/selfishness, personal glory, nostalgia, racing

The Quick 3

Ask these quick questions to hit the major themes of the film.

1. Pride. Is there anything that you are prideful about?

Lightning has prideful and thought for sure he could beat Doc in a race. Turns out, he was humbled and didn’t know as much as he thought he did. James 4:6-7 says, "And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Lightning’s pride caught up to him and he’s seeing how he’s not the wisest racecar to ever live. Pride is feeling that you are the best and most important.

2. Humility. How can you cultivate more humility in your life?

Lightning McQueen thought too highly of himself and was forced into humility. Philippians 2:3 says to “do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”

3. Identity. Is there any ability you have, that if you lost it, you would be devastated?

Lightning McQueen’s identity was in his ability to win races.
Check out this article on How to Talk to Your Kid About Their Identity.

After The Movie Discussion Guide

Follow this 5-10 minute discussion guide to drive an in-depth conversation.

1. Lightning McQueen thought too highly of himself and was forced into humility. Philippians 2:3 says to “do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” How often do you find yourself acting prideful? How can you become more humble?

2. Lightning McQueen’s identity was in his ability to win races. Is there any ability you have, that if you lost it, you would be devastated?

Check out this article on How to Talk to Your Kid About Their Identity.

3. Life will sometimes take you places you didn’t plan. Enjoy the ride and appreciate those you meet along the way. Have you ever met a friend in an unlikely place?

4. Radiator Springs is a throwback location from decades ago. There is something nostalgic and special about this place. How often do you spend quality time as a family “off the grid”? Can you schedule a time to disconnect from technology and spend time, as a family, on a weekend getaway?

5. Lightning learned that there is more to life than winning. It’s about enjoying the journey and the friends you meet along the way, not just about acquiring the trophy at the end. How do you feel when you are trying to win something? Are you ever okay with losing? When would be a time that it would be okay to lose?

Minute By Minute Guide

Use this break down of the entire movie in addition to the “After the Movie” discussion guide. Great for repeat viewings.

:09 Lightning McQueen says he is a “one man show”. He thinks he can win all by himself. Do you think someone can succeed in life without any help?

:15 Lightning is required to do a sponsorship appearance for Rust-eze. Do you ever have to do something you don’t want to do? What attitude do you have during these activities? A good one, or a bad attitude like Lightning?

:33 Lightning caused trouble and now must make it right. He must face the consequences of his actions. It’s important to know that whenever we make mistakes and hurt other people, there will always be consequences eventually. Did you ever do something wrong and get away with it? What happened?

:41 Lightning had a job to do, and he chose to do it as quickly as possible without actually doing the job right. What types of chores do you have around your house? Do you make sure to do all of your chores right the first time?

:45 Lightning has prideful and thought for sure he could beat Doc in a race. Turns out, he was humbled and didn’t know as much as he thought he did. James 4:6-7 says, "And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Lightning’s pride caught up to him and he’s seeing how he’s not the wisest racecar to ever live. Pride is feeling that you are the best and most important. Is there anything that you are prideful about?

1:04 Even though Doc Hudson had won 3 Piston Cups and used to be a famous racecar driver, you’d never know it by the way that he acted today. He expresses something called humility. Humility is considering others before thinking about yourself. Who is someone that you know that also does a good job at showing humility?

1:11 Sally talks about her love of Route 66. She reminisces about times when cars slowed down and enjoyed life more. Even Lightning agrees: “It’s kind of nice to slow down once in a while”. Is there any chance that you’re so focused on your technology or moving so fast that you forget to slow down and enjoy what’s right in front of you?

1:21 For the first time in his life, Lightning starts to care about someone other than himself. He begins doing things that bring others joy, even if it wouldn’t have been his first choice. What is something that you can do today that would show that you care about someone else more than yourself?

1:42 Lightning cares more about other people than he cares about winning. Lightning puts himself second in order to elevate The King. Chick Hicks officially won the race, but he was still seen as self-centered. No one wanted to be his friend. Meanwhile, people admired the selflessness Lightning showed to care for another car. Who would you rather be friends with at this point: Chick Hicks or Lightning McQueen?

1:45 Lightning chooses to remain with his original sponsor: Rust-eze. He displays loyalty. Loyalty is showing trust and constant support for someone. What are some ways that you are loyal?