Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Mike's New Car

film

Mike's New Car

2002

Mike discovers that being the top-ranking laugh collector at Monsters, Inc. has its benefits – in particular, earning enough money to buy a six-wheel-drive car that's loaded with gadgets. That new-car smell doesn't last long enough, however, as Sulley jump-starts an ill-fated road test that teaches Mike the true meaning of buyer's remorse.

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At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Products & advertising2/5
  • Violence2/5
  • Frightening scenes1/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity3/5
  • Good role models2/5
  • Kindness & empathy2/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising2/5
Why this rating?

Buying and showing off a gadget-filled new car drive the plot, but the story highlights buyer’s remorse rather than encouraging purchases.

Frightening scenes1/5
Why this rating?

The film contains no scary elements or frightening themes.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Features mild slapstick humor as Mike accidentally gets trapped and the car malfunctions, resulting in minor comedic bumps.

What’s good in it?

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Inventive monster characters, an unusual six-wheel-drive car, and escalating gadget-based problem-solving strongly support imaginative play.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

The characters care about each other and try to help, despite their bickering.

Positive messages2/5
Why this rating?

The short suggests that flashy new possessions can disappoint and that familiar, practical choices may be preferable.

Good role models2/5
Why this rating?

The protagonists are loyal friends, though they act impulsively and get frustrated easily.

Family discussion

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What was the most imaginative idea in the story, and what would you add to it?
  2. Did products, possessions, or buying things matter to the story? What message did that send?
  3. Which choice in Mike's New Car would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Mike's New Car, and what caused that change?
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