Endearing, Heartfelt, and Witty: Toy Story 3 Review

All Back for a Final Hurrah.

From its beginning, Pixar has been rolling out hits, such as the original Toy Story, Monsters Inc., Ratatouille, WALL-E, and the third installment of the Toy Story films does not change this amazing trend. Toy Story 3 might actually be the best of all the films Pixar has created. I know, hard to believe. However, Toy Story 3 has everything packed in it’s animated drawing board from kiddie jokes to moments of strong emotion (which may or may not have caused me to weep like a four year old...). Yes, Toy Story 3 has all the right and necessary ingredients that are sought after, not only in an entertaining film, but also an everlastingly cherished one.

Now, I must admit, I am very biased in my love of Pixar. However, when I heard that the sure-fire studio was releasing a 3rd Toy Story film, I was apprehensive. Although well received by fans and critics alike, Toy Story 2 just didn’t sit well with me. I thought nothing could have beat the sentimental, beloved original. After watching Toy Story 3, all qualms melted away in this delightful, enchanting film. I was also happy to see that Pixar rangled up all the voices for their respective roles.

Toy Story 3 doesn’t actually pick right up where Toy Story 2 ended. In fact, it’s been a while. A long while. Changes are happening for the charming characters, Woody, Buzz, Jesse, Rex, Barbie, Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head, and company. Andy is gearing up for college, so obviously, he found playing with the toys of his yesteryears “uncool.” The toys that made it past the garage sales, room purges, and other exterminations, grow increasingly anxious stuck in the toy box. Desperate for any sort of attention, the toys plan one last ditch effort to get played with by Andy. After that failed, they resign to the fact Andy doesn’t want to play with them. So, they decide to move on. Well... most everyone. When they are mistakenly put in Sunnyside Daycare Center, Woody wants nothing to do with the alluring pleasures of toy retirement. “We’re still Andy’s toys!” the Sheriff yells, frustrated at his friends lack of loyalty to their owner. However, Buzz and the rest of the gang decide that staying at Sunnyside wouldn’t be a bad thing. Woody angrily leaves them to search for Andy.

But Sunnyside, headed by the deceptively loving Lots-O’-Huggin’ Bear, is not the place it was once perceived to be. Attempting to orchestrate a daring escape, Andy’s toys break out of their Sunnyside prison with the help of Woody, who returned to save his friends. I do not want to give away anymore of this glorious film; although, I probably blabbed too much already. All I can say is the last half of the film is a roller coaster of emotion. From the highs of the uncontrollable laughs to the riveting raw emotion, Toy Story 3 goes out with a fittingly touching, heartfelt end. To tell you the truth, I actually was bawling my eyes out... Anyway... The age demographic, that most movie blockbusters play toward, is not a factor in this heartwarming film. This film is for young and old alike.

Also, Toy Story 3 features 3D done right. It does not have things needlessly fly across the screen, but rather, artfully and tastefully weaves just the right amount of the the third dimension in to really make the film come alive.

I can’t stop saying how much I loved watching this film, and if it wasn’t animated, Toy Story 3 would be an (albeit early) Oscar shoo-in for Best Picture. Unfortunately, some small budget flick that drips with award show magic will sweep the Academy Awards and leave Pixar with yet another “Best ANIMATED Film” award. Sigh. This film, and the studio, deserves so much more.
So...
 The YAMB Official Rating: Super Like

Geronimo
~Peter